WHAT IS A SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM ?

 

A septic tank system consists of two components:

(1) The septic tank is an underground watertight container, almost always constructed of concrete, and is built to receive sewage and retain the liquid portion for approximately 24 hours. The tank has three functions: First, it acts as a settling chamber to allow solids to settle to the tank bottom; second, the tank serves as a digestion chamber to allow some biological treatment; and third, the tank becomes a storage vault for solids until remove.

(2) The tile absorption field (nitrification field) is the second and probably the most critical part of the septic tank system. It consists of a trench, or system of trenches, with gravel or crushed stone and jointed tile or per4forated pipe to receive the liquid sewage after treatment in the septic tank and to distribute this liquid to the soil for absorption and final biological treatment.

A septic tank system requires prudent usage and maintenance to insure its best performance. Here are some tips:

(1) The state of Florida recommends to have the septic tank pumped/cleaned out every 3-5 years.

(2) Only household waste and toilet tissue should be disposed of in a septic tank system. Keep all kitchen greases out of the system.

(3) Any leaks that develop in the plumbing fixtures should be immediately corrected. A leaking faucet or toilet tank, no matter how small the leak, will eventually result in complete saturation and failure of the absorption field.

(4) A septic tank needs periodic cleaning or pumping out of the accumulated solids. If the solids are allowed to build up in the tank to a point that they begin to pass out of the tank into the soil absorption network, the soil will soon become clogged with the solids, resulting in failure of the system. If this happens, costly repairs will have to be made before the system will again function properly.

The frequency of tank cleaning or pumping is hard to determine as it depends on many factors and varies with different families. The only sure way to determine the need for service is to open the tank periodically and inspect it to determine the accumulation of solids, but most homeowners will not do this when it is needed. This should provide a margin of safety, but remember the most accurate way to determine the need for service is to inspect the tank contents on a yearly basis.

(5) Automobiles and other heavy vehicles should not be allowed over the septic tank system. This causes excessive compaction and actual structural damage to septic tanks and tile absorption field. A sketch of your septic tank system can usually be obtained from your county health department to aid you in knowing the location of all parts of the system. This can be helpful in case of problems with the system or when the tank is cleaned.