Knowing where your septic tank and drainfields are located. SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Septic tanks or on-site sewer systems are utilized in rural areas where municipal sewer treatment plants are not available.
A septic tank consists of a duel-chambered container of approximately 750 to 1,000 gallons capacity. The tank is typically buried in the ground and connected to the house sewer line. In the first chamber of the tank heavy solids settle to the bottom where bacterial action partially converts them to digested sludge. The liquid portion of the sewer flows into the second chamber where further settling and decomposition of suspended solids take place. From here the effluent flows out of the tank via a distribution box into the drainfield lines. The drainfield lines are perforated to allow the effluent to be distributed throughout the drainfield. Once the effluent is in the soil, bacteria and viruses are filtered out of the water and any solid matter continues to be decomposed by bacterial action. The purified water evaporates, is taken up by vegetation, or enters the ground water system.
Proper care of the septic system includes:
Knowing where your septic tank and drainfields are located.
Pumping your septic tank every 3-5 years.
Practicing water conservation.
Diverting water run off from your drainfield.
Restricting construction over your drainfield.
Restricting parking or driving over your drainfield.
Restricting tree and shrub growth over your septic tank and drainfield.
Being careful what you flush into your septic tank.
Inspecting your system every year.
