Septic systems play a vital role in the management of wastewater. These systems are mainly used in rural settings where houses are usually far from each other and centralized sewage systems are non-existent. Many of them have simple designs that are fairly cheap to install. If planning to install septic systems Kingsland Tx residents need to understand a number of things.
Septic systems have two main components; the septic tank and the drain field. The tank is a watertight container made of fiberglass or concrete. It receives wastewater from the household through the inlet pipe. This water is held in the tank for a few days (or weeks) to allow for separation of the solids and the liquid. The top most layer (scum) comprises solids that float on water. The middle layer is made up of water and the bottom layer (sludge) has heavier solids.
Solid waste is acted on by naturally occurring bacteria in the tank. Most of it gets broken down and whatever remains is held up in the tank until it is pumped. The water then moves through an outlet pipe into the drainfield, the second part of the system. Drainfields are made up of trenches that are lined with either sand or gravel. Water enters these trenches through pipes with small perforations. The drainfields help to treat the water further.
The system should be inspected on a regular basis. At least one inspection every three years is recommended for the ordinary system. Systems that have electrical and mechanical components tend to fail more often and require more frequent inspection. Pumping should also be done every three to five years or more frequently if possible. Professionals should be contracted to help in identifying and fixing defects that may exist.
There are several factors that influence the frequency of pumping. They include the total amount of wastewater produced in a household, the number of people in the household, the volume of solid waste and the size of the septic tank. A number of additives may be used to reduce the volume of solid waste. These additives are, however, not always effective which leaves pumping as the only reliable option.
Using water more efficiently within the household will greatly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the system and this will in turn improve its operation as well as reduce the chances of failure. One of the ways of having an efficient system is to install water closets that use less water. While older designs have reservoirs that hold between 3.5 to 5 gallons, newer ones hold 1.6 gallons or less but still flush effectively.
A common problem that these systems face is overloading. Whenever this happens, wastewater may flood the ground surface and backups may occur in the plumbing fixtures. Having a reserve drainfield is needed to help take care of such events. Another problem is that poorly drained soil may not be suitable for drainfields in which case alternatives that use sand, peat or plastic media are used.
Septic systems will only serve their purpose if properly taken care of. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable materials such as hair, plastic and pieces of cloth down the toilet as this will increase the rate of formation of sludge. Ensure that regular inspection is done and any repairs that are required on the tank are done in time.
Septic systems have two main components; the septic tank and the drain field. The tank is a watertight container made of fiberglass or concrete. It receives wastewater from the household through the inlet pipe. This water is held in the tank for a few days (or weeks) to allow for separation of the solids and the liquid. The top most layer (scum) comprises solids that float on water. The middle layer is made up of water and the bottom layer (sludge) has heavier solids.
Solid waste is acted on by naturally occurring bacteria in the tank. Most of it gets broken down and whatever remains is held up in the tank until it is pumped. The water then moves through an outlet pipe into the drainfield, the second part of the system. Drainfields are made up of trenches that are lined with either sand or gravel. Water enters these trenches through pipes with small perforations. The drainfields help to treat the water further.
The system should be inspected on a regular basis. At least one inspection every three years is recommended for the ordinary system. Systems that have electrical and mechanical components tend to fail more often and require more frequent inspection. Pumping should also be done every three to five years or more frequently if possible. Professionals should be contracted to help in identifying and fixing defects that may exist.
There are several factors that influence the frequency of pumping. They include the total amount of wastewater produced in a household, the number of people in the household, the volume of solid waste and the size of the septic tank. A number of additives may be used to reduce the volume of solid waste. These additives are, however, not always effective which leaves pumping as the only reliable option.
Using water more efficiently within the household will greatly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the system and this will in turn improve its operation as well as reduce the chances of failure. One of the ways of having an efficient system is to install water closets that use less water. While older designs have reservoirs that hold between 3.5 to 5 gallons, newer ones hold 1.6 gallons or less but still flush effectively.
A common problem that these systems face is overloading. Whenever this happens, wastewater may flood the ground surface and backups may occur in the plumbing fixtures. Having a reserve drainfield is needed to help take care of such events. Another problem is that poorly drained soil may not be suitable for drainfields in which case alternatives that use sand, peat or plastic media are used.
Septic systems will only serve their purpose if properly taken care of. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable materials such as hair, plastic and pieces of cloth down the toilet as this will increase the rate of formation of sludge. Ensure that regular inspection is done and any repairs that are required on the tank are done in time.
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