The septic tank is the first step in the wastewater treatment process and is generally a concrete tank where all of the water used in your house flows into. The septic tank is designed to collect the wastewater from the house through the inlet pipe and retain the solid waste, allowing the liquid to flow into the leach field. Once the solids settle in the tank, over time bacteria will break them down into what is referred to as sludge. The lighter solids, grease, and oil, forms a layer that floats on the top of the liquid inside the tank, this is called a scum layer. The liquid wastewater is then clarified in the mid-section of the tank, and flows out into the leach field. Septic tanks should be pumped regularly by a licensed pumper, generally when the total solid accumulation is 1/4 to 1/3 of the total volume of the tank.

The leach field or EDA is where the liquid wastewater (effluent) is further treated by natural bacteria and soil absorption, and is returned to the groundwater. The leach field can be a traditional pipe and stone system, chambers, or one of the various alternative styles of leach field that are common as well. All leach fields are based on the same principles; effluent flows into the EDA from the septic tank, is dispersed throughout the leaching pipes, is treated by natural bacteria, and then it is absorbed into the surrounding soil. A properly functioning EDA is designed to last for decades, although its useful life may be cut short by overuse, poor maintenance, abuse, or other factors. Proper maintenance is critical to ensuring adequate wastewater treatment and overall system health, increasing longevity.

• Have your tank pumped periodically when solids equal between 1/4 and 1/3 the volume of your tank, usually every 3 or so years
• If you have an outlet filter, inspect and clean it annually
• Have your pumper inspect your tank each time it is pumped
• "Laundry Day" is bad for your septic! Instead of washing all of your laundry in one day, space it out evenly over the course of the week.
• Refrain from allowing grease, fats, or oils from going down your drain
• Do not dump chemicals, paints, or large volumes of household cleaners down your drain. This will kill the beneficial bacteria in your leach field
• Do not plant gardens or shrubs on top of or near your leach field
• Ensure trees remain at least 10’ away from your leach field components Root intrusion is a common septic problem and can be costly to repair
• Do not drive on your leach field with passenger vehicles, tractors, or farm equipment, unless it is specifically designed for it
• Do not cover your leach field with any additional materials
• Do not build anything over the top of your leach field
• Do not allow water treatment systems or heavily chlorinated water to flow into your leach field
• Do not remove or obstruct your “candy cane” vent
• Get your tank pumped during the summer to allow for better bacteria growth versus wintertime pumping
• If you are unsure of your septic health, contact us for for a septic evaluation evaluation. We offer free septic evaluations to all previous septic install customers!