1. Septic System Failure
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2. Septic System A septic system has two main components:
the septic tank – a buried watertight container made of materials such as concrete fiberglass, or plastic.
the drainfield – also referred to as a leachfield, drainfield, or soil absorption system, consists of perforated pipes or chambers within a series of trenches or mounds lned with gravel and buried one to three feet below the surface.
Waste enters the tank from household plumbing and enters the septic tank. The tank holds the waste long enough to allow solids and liquids to separate and form three layers:
Scum layer – solids lighter than water, such as greases or oils, float to the top
Liquid layer – partially clarified wastewater
Sludge – solids heavier than water settle at the bottom of the tank
Treatment of the wastewater begins in the septic tank as naturally-occurring bacteria in the sewage work to break down the organic matter in the tank. Sludge and scum that cannot be broken down remain in the tank until it is pumped. The partially clarified liquid layer then flows through an effluent filter out of the tank and into the drainfield for final treatment.
The wastewater (effluent) entering the drainfield may contain many potentially harmful microorganisms and pollutants, many of which can be effectively removed through soil treatment. Water flows through the perforated pipes or chambers and slowly trickles through the gravel and into the surrounding soil, where the natural processes in the soil complete the sewage treatment process.
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3. Overview
Improper/infrequent maintenance is the most common cause of system failure.
Even systems that appear to be working may be contaminating groundwater or surface water supplies.
Many factors can contribute to the failure of a septic system. Most often the cause is improper and/or infrequent maintenance. Ignoring your septic system will almost certainly cause it to fail, not only posing a health risk to your family, but also causing hassles and costing you thousands of dollars to repair or replace.
Even systems that appear to be in proper working condition may allow bacteria, viruses, or harmful materials to contaminate ground or surface water supplies. This makes regular system inspection even more important.
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4. Overview – Causes
When the amount of wastewater entering the system is more than it can handle, wastewater backs up into the house, or inadequately treated wastewater enters the drainfield.
Other causes:
Improper design/installation
Household toxics
Household cleaners
Garbage disposals
Causes
Numerous factors can cause a septic system to fail, ranging from a system located in unsuitable soil to defective system components. When the amount of wastewater entering the system is more than it can handle, wastewater either backs up into the house or inadequately treated wastewater enters the drainfield. Other causes can include:
Improper design/installation – Septic systems can fail because of basic design. The drainfield must be sized properly and located in quality soil. Septic tanks must be sized based on the number of bedrooms in the home and be completely watertight. Even when systems are properly designed, poor installation practices, such as an unlevel drainfield, poor soil conditions, or soil compaction, can lead to system failure.
Household toxics – Items such as oil-based paints, solvents, and cleaners can kill the bacteria that naturally digest and treat waste in the system.
Household cleaners – Small amounts of these items shouldn’t affect your system, though septic system owners are encouraged to choose natural cleaning products, such as vinegar and baking soda. Many household cleaners contain chemicals which could kill or disrupt the bacterial processes in your tank. Use these cleaners in moderation if you choose them.
Garbage disposals – Garbage disposals add additional grease and solids to the septic tank, which can lead to a clogged drainfield and the need for more frequent tank pumpings.
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5. Overview – Symptoms/Effects
Signs of failure:
Unpleasant odor inside or outside
Sewage backup into the house
Soggy soil, visible liquid waste flow, excessive grass growth over the drainfield
Noticeable weed or algae growth near shorelines
High levels of coliform bacteria or nitrate in nearby wells
Wastewater from septic systems can contain nitrate, bacteria, and viruses.
Symptoms
Some signs of a failing system are easy to spot. Unfortunately, by the time you see or smell a problem, damage may already have been done to your system and to groundwater supplies.
Some signs that septic system contaminants may be reaching water sources include:
Unpleasant odors inside or outside the home
Sewage backup into the house
Soggy soil, visible liquid waste flow, or excessive grass growth over the drainfield
Noticeable weed or algae growth in the water near shorelines
High levels of coliform bacteria or nitrate in nearby wells
Effects
Inadequately functioning or failing septic systems pose a serious risk to groundwater. Wastewater from septic systems can contain pollutants such as nitrate, harmful bacteria, and viruses, all of which can negatively impact groundwater supplies that may be used for drinking water.
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6. Did You Know?
Diseases like hepatitis and dysentery can result from bacteria and viruses from failing septic systems.
Surface water supplies can also be affected by failing septic systems.
Failing septics can lead to high nitrate levels in groundwater, which can cause “blue baby syndrome” in infants.
Partially treated wastewater from the septic tank can still contain harmful bacteria and/or viruses.
Hepatitis, dysentery, and other diseases may result from bacteria and viruses in drinking water contaminated by a failing septic system.
Surface water supplies can also be affected by failing septic systems, making them unsafe for recreation and other uses and have negative effects on aquatic plant and animal life.
A failing septic system can also lead to high levels of nitrate in groundwater. High nitrate in drinking water is especially harmful to infants, as nitrate inhibits the infant’s blood from carrying oxygen, resulting in methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby” syndrome.
Even though it looks like clear water, effluent, or the water flowing out of the septic tank, can still contain disease-causing bacteria and/or viruses.
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7. What NOT to Do:
DON’T cover the drainfield with additional soil if wastewater surfaces.
DON’T dump chemicals like pesticides, paint thinner, or auto products down the drain.
DON’T overuse detergents, bleaches, drain cleaners, and other household products.
DON’T pipe wastewater to a road ditch, storm sewer, or nearby surface water body.
DON’T wait for the system to have problems before pumping the tank!
DON’T cover the drainfield with additional soil if wastewater surfaces.
DON’T dump chemicals like pesticides, paint thinner, or auto products down the drain.
DON’T overuse detergents, bleaches, drain cleaners, and other household products.
DON’T pipe wastewater to a road ditch, storm sewer, or nearby surface water body.
DON’T wait for the system to have problems before pumping the tank!
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8. What TO do:
DO have your septic tank tested for watertightness during installation and inspection.
DO plant a buffer strip of grass or other small, short-rooted vegetation between your drainfield and the shoreline of any nearby water body.
DO have your private drinking water well tested annually for contaminants.
DO ensure your septic system has been designed and installed properly.
DO have your septic tank tested for watertightness during installation and inspection.
DO plant a buffer strip of grass or other small, short-rooted vegetation between your drainfield and the shoreline of any nearby water body. If you have a private drinking water well, have it tested annually for contaminants, especially nitrate and bacteria.
DO ensure your septic system has been designed and installed properly by asking questions of your certified contractor.
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9. Contacts
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The Groundwater Foundation
P.O. Box 22558
Lincoln, NE
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