(Raw sewage is 1% solids and 99% water.) The septage waste must be taken to a licensed disposal site because of the potential health problems with contamination. It is approximately 5% solids and 95% water. Waste pumped from a septic tank is called septage. The pumper will use a 4-to-6-inch-diameter hose and vacuum everything out of the tank (both solids and liquids). Septic tanks are pumped by a licensed pumper with a vacuum tank truck. Use a file folder (or get your wastewater district to get the Homeowner’s Septic System Guideshown on page 180) to keep a record of inspections and dates when the tank has been pumped.) As the years pass, you should be able to see the pattern of sludge and scum accumulation. Since there are many variables, we recommend an inspection every three to five years and basing pump-outs on inspections. In many parts of the country, it is recommended that tanks be pumped every three to five years, but recent studies indicate that a functioning tank, without abuse, may only need pumping every 10 to 12 years. How can you avoid drainfield failure? Inspect the tank at regular intervals and pump when necessary. AN EXCELLENT AID IN DOING THIS IS AN EFFLUENT FILTER (SEE P. THE MOST IMPORTANT SINGLE THING A HOMEOWNER CAN DO IS TO AVOID PLUGGING OF THE DRAINFIELD. At this point, the system has failed, and a new drainfield is required - expensive! Either untreated effluent begins surfacing on the ground or sewage backs up into house drains. The microorganisms in the drainfield no longer have an aerobic (with air) environment in which to perform their cleansing action they are now struggling to survive in an anaerobic (without air) environment. This means waste passes through the tank too fast, and solids eventually plug the pipes in the drainfield. Once sludge gets up to outlet pipe, it enters and clogs drainfield.Īfter several years of use, a build-up of bottom sludge and floating scum will reduce the effective capacity of the tank, as shown in the “clogged tank” illustration on page 48. A. Scum at top: cooking fats, oils, grease, soap scum, other floatablesĬ. Sludge at bottom: solids heavier than water and what is left over after solids have been partially eaten by bacteria.
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