Caring for septic systems

It only takes a little effort to avoid major repair or replacement costs in the future.

By Barry Chalofsky

Do you know what happens when you ßush a toilet? People in a city rarely give the answer much thought because their wastes usually go through a central sewer system to a wastewater treatment plant. However, suburban and rural homeowners often have on-site wastewater systems. They do need to pay attention because a failure in their system could affect their property, and even contaminate their drinking water. Unlike sewers, on-site systems collect, treat, and dispose of wastewater from your house right on your property. Therefore, the proper care and maintenance of your system is entirely up to you.

How Does A Septic System Work? Most old houses are hooked up to a conventional septic system, although some properties may still have a cesspool or even a privy. Cesspools are large brick, stone, or concrete vaults where solids can settle. They were popular prior to the 1950s, but are now regulated out of existence in most areas of the country. Privies are simply outhouses over a hole in the ground that can be moved when Þlled. Privies are usually illegal, but you may Þnd some in remote rural areas.

The typical septic system includes a septic tank (or tanks) designed to capture solids from household wastes, and a disposal Þeld laid out to dispose of the liquid wastes. Wastes travel from the toilet, sink, shower, or washer through the indoor plumbing to the septic tank. The tank is a watertight, underground receptacle where bacteria break down the solid wastes. As wastes move through the tank, the solids settle to the bottom, and the liquids pass on through to the outlet pipes. Anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that live in the absence of air) decompose the solid wastes over time. As the liquid passes through the tank, lighter particles and grease rise to the surface, forming a ßoating scum layer that remains in the tank. After leaving the tank, the liquid is dispersed to the ground through the disposal bedsÑperforated or open-jointed pipes buried in shallow, gravel-Þlled trenches. At this point the liquid still contains large numbers of harmful bacteria and organic matter. The soil absorbs these impurites before the liquid makes its way to underground water supplies. Why Do Septic Systems Fail? Solids are always accumulating in the septic tank because the rate of decomposition is much slower than the rate at which the system adds sewage. Some solids, in fact, will never decompose. Furthermore, the fats and grease that form the scum layer accumulate faster than the rate of decomposition. Bafßes hold this scum layer in the tank. If the bafßes are damaged, the scum may enter the disposal pipes, clogging them and causing them to malfunction. Failures may also occur if you ßush inert, toxic, or non-biodegradable substances into your system. These materials will not decompose, and they may either kill the Ògood bacteriaÓ or simply clog the tank. Additionally, large surges of waste and water into the systemÑthe result of excessive usageÑcan either cause an overßow or disturb the balance of the system.

In older systems, the principal problems are deterioration of materialsÑparticularly tank bafßesÑand clogging of laterals (pipes in the leach Þeld). Very often, older houses employ converted cesspools or seepage pits that have been closed off to become septic tanks. Made of ceramic pipes or concrete blocks, these can easily crack or deteriorate over the years. Also earlier septic tanks and distribution boxes were often steel or concrete, which can rust and crack. Pipes were usually made of ceramics or tar paper composite, which last 20 to 30 years with proper use. Newer systems use precast concrete and fiberglass/plastic materials.

Maintaining Your Septic System Many homeownersÑparticularly those that live in older housesÑare not sure where their tank and Þeld are buried in relation to the house. It is most important that you locate the tank because eventually it will need service. First Þnd the pumpout and observation ports. Look for a surface or underground manhole, or a riser pipe that stands just above the soil surface. You can also also use a narrow steel rod about J in diameter to gently probe the soil for the tank and distribution box. If you canÕt Þnd the tank, hire a professional to locate it for you. Once you Þnd the tank, try to locate the disposal Þeld, which usually fans from a distribution box. Then diagram both of these features on a map that you keep in a handy place. Be aware, however, that finding the laterals can be hardÑso much so that in some cases even septic contractors have difÞculty locating all the components. They can use a dye test to reveal the location of failures, but this method may not pinpoint the actual sites of the laterals. Most important, pump out your tank on a regular basis. When the tank is not cleaned, solids build up until they spill into the disposal Þeld, where they block the ßow of liquid. The frequency depends on the size of the tank and the number of people it services. Tanks should be inspected at least once every two years to determine the rate of sludge (solids on the bottom of the tank) and scum buildup. With ordinary use and care, a septic tank usually requires cleaning every three to Þve years (more if you use a sink-mounted garbage disposal unit). However, in many cases septic tanks can be operated for up to Þve years if properly maintained.

Depending on the size of the tank and your location, plan on spending about $200 for each pumpout. Before you contract with the service technician, ask him to check the tank bafßes for possible damage. While the tank is open, the technician can also run some water from a hose into the distribution box to get an indication of how well the leach Þeld is functioning. One caution: toxic gases build up in septic tanks, so never allow anyone to go into the tank. You should also exercise caution when simply peering in the tank.

DonÕt plant trees or bushes near your disposal Þeld. Roots can grow 30 ft. to 40 ft. from the base of a tree and rupture or dislodge the distribution box, connecting pipes, and laterals. Grass is the best vegetative cover for the disposal Þeld. Also, donÕt drive vehicles or heavy equipment over the disposal Þeld. Watch for excessive water from inside the house. It will overload the tank, causing solids to rise to the top and clog the laterals. In the disposal Þeld, excessive water can result in hydraulic overloading that reduces soil inÞltration. One way to reduce the amount of water entering the system is to install water-saving toilets and showerheads. Try to distribute dishwashing and laundry times throughout the week rather than at one or two sessions. Fix leaking toilets and faucets, and donÕt connect sump pumps to the septic system.

Be careful about what you dispose into the system. Avoid pouring cooking oils, fats, and grease into the kitchen sink. Also resist using a sink-mounted garbage disposal. DonÕt ßush non-biodegradable items, such as disposable diapers, cat litter, Þltered cigarettes, sanitary napkins or plastic tampon applicators, paper towels, condoms, or similar materials. Never ßush toxic substances like used motor oil, paints (oil- or water-based), varnishes, photographic solutions, pesticides, insecticides, paint thinners or solvents. These chemicals can kill the useful bacteria in the tank and in the soil, as well as contaminate the groundwater.

Avoid biological additives too such as yeast or store-bought enzymes. None of these products have been found to have any signiÞcant value in improving performance or preventing failures.

DonÕt use septic system cleaners that contain toxic substances. Many over-the-counter solutions sold for septic system cleaning include chemicals that may be toxic, and they are generally not biodegradable. While these products may unblock a clogged disposal pipe, they can also contaminate drinking water or groundwater supplies.

Experts recommend that you avoid using cleaners that contain sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or hydrogen peroxide. Also do not use any product that contains toxic chemicals in excess of 1% by weight, such as trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, methylene chloried, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, napthalene, trichlorophenol, pentachlorophenol, acrolein, acrylonitrile, or benzidine.

How To Tell If Your System Is Failing While there is no 100% accurate methods for detecting a failing septic system, suspect a problem if you see the following indicators:
-Toilets backing up into the houseÑFirst rule out a blocked soil line or other internal plumbing problem.
-Sewage or effluent seeping into the building or basementÑWater from this problem will have a noticeable odor.
-Effluent ponding on the soil surface in the area of the disposal fieldÑA sewage odor and overly lush vegetation may accompany the efßuent. In a healthy system the grass should not be overly Ògreen over the septic Þeld.Ó
-Unhealthy drinking waterÑYour well or your neighborÕs well has a foul odor, or analysis indicates contamination.

Remember that efßuent on the ground is a serious health hazard and should be corrected as soon as possible. Do not allow children or pets near a failing disposal Þeld.

What To Do If The System Fails Contact your local health department if you suspect that your system is failing. Also seek the services of a professional septic system contractor. Then work with both of these parties to develop a plan of action.

With older houses itÕs not uncommon to discover a septic system that is either underdesigned for the current amount of use required by the occupants, improperly located, or in a location that will no longer support the type of system presently installed. In most of these cases you have to replace the system with a new one that is up to todayÕs codes. While a new installation may be costlyÑtypically between $4,000 and $10,000Ña functioning septic system is essential to the operation of your house and the health and safety of your family.

A properly operated and maintained septic system can provide you with up to 30 years of service while protecting the environment from water quality contamination. As with so many parts of an old house an ounce of prevention in septic systems is worth a pound of cure.

Barry Chalofsky is a Professional Planner with the Center for Urban Policy Research at Rutgers University, and the author of The Home and Land BuyerÕs Guide to the Environment.

Start a discussion on this article in our old house forum!

Subscribe to our email newsletter!