Septic Systems Out of sight and out of mind…until you smell them! Developed by: Susan Donaldson University of Nevada Cooperative Extension UNCE, Reno, Nev.

What we’ll cover  Sources of household wastewater  Components of a septic system  Maintaining your septic system  Causes of septic system failure  Additives, bleach, and more

Which of the following can lawfully be used to dispose of household wastes?  A cesspool  A pipe to the local ditch  A pond  A pipe to the storm drain system

DNRC, Mont.

How much water do YOU use per day?

Components of a septic system A. Miller

Baffles A. Miller

Avoid products with the following warnings on the labels:  “Harmful if swallowed”  “Avoid contact with the skin”  “Do not get in open cuts or sores”  “If product comes in contact with eyes, call a physician immediately” Always read the product label!

Where does the liquid effluent go? A. Miller

The soil helps filter the effluent A. Miller Mike Williams, Ever Green Septic Systems

Engineered leach fields  Used when the site does not allow an in-ground leach field due to:  Soils that drain too slowly or too quickly  Areas with a high water table  Areas with shallow soils over bedrock

WSU Extension UNCE, Reno, Nev.

Do you know???  Where your tank is?  How big it is?  When it was last pumped?  The location of your leach field? DNRC, Montana

Maintaining your septic system  PUMP YOUR TANK!  Keep your bacteria healthy and happy UNCE, Reno, Nev.

A. Miller

Risers WSU Extension

You can retrofit a riser by yourself, or hire a professional A. Miller

Suggested pumping interval (years) Number of people in your household

To pump... or not to pump  Pumping costs about $350 for the average gallon tank, every three years or so  A new leach field costs from $5,000+ for an in- ground system to as much as $25,000 for an engineered field Which would you choose?

 Spongy ground  Sewage at land surface  Sewage backing up into house A. Miller

Causes of system failure  Pipe between house and tank is blocked or broken  Inlet/outlet tees blocked or broken  Plugged line between tank and leach field  Pump failure (for those systems with pumps)

Causes of system failure  Tank is blocked with solids, or has collapsed, or leaks  Drainfield is flooded  Drainfield is clogged with solids or roots

What can I plant on or near my leach field?  Grasses  Perennial and annual flowers  Many perennial groundcovers  All trees  Large shrubs OK to plant:Avoid planting:

Other causes of septic failure  Overloading. Use water sparingly. Do only full loads of wash at off-peak times, if possible, and try to limit the number of loads daily.  Placement in poorly draining area  Water leaks  Driving over the drainfield

Other causes of septic failure  Pouring kitchen grease into drains  Failure to install according to septic codes  Flushing cigarette butts, sanitary napkins or other inorganic materials down the toilet

Other causes of septic failure  Extensive use of garbage disposals  Tree roots clogging pipes - contact a septic contractor for repairs  Use of salts and chemicals from water softeners and washing machines

What about additives?  Enough bacteria are present in the tank from normal bodily wastes  Additives cost $$$ and may actually increase the solid material in the tank by producing inert ingredients  There is no substitute for pumping!

What about bleach?  Normal use of recommended amounts of bleach in washing machines occasionally should not harm your system  Avoid flushing large quantities of bleach (1 gallon+) into the tank

What about water softeners?  Will salt brine harm septic tank bacteria?  Does the regeneration cycle flow rate cause solids to be carried over into the leach field?  Will the sodium in the brine affect soil structure and water percolation?

Tips to keep your septic system working well  Don’t water the leach field  Don’t flood the system with excessive water use  Keep excess solids out of the system and avoid flushing toxic chemicals down the drain

Tips to keep your septic system working well  Avoid using your garbage disposal to process large quantities of wastes  Regularly pump out the septic tank and inspect the physical components of the system  Don’t park or drive over the leach field

These tips will keep your system working properly for generations.

Homework  Map the location of your septic system.  Assess your risk of problems or septic system failure.  Pump the system, if needed.  Inspect the leach field area.  Check for household water leaks.  Read labels on household hazardous products to determine if they are suitable for use with septic systems.