SECRETS OF THE SEPTIC SYSTEM

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Beyond the Obvious

Chronic problems that continue despite conservation and "first aid" efforts can indicate several things, none very encouraging.

Faulty installation occurs more often than you might think. Out-of-plumb or reversed tanks and distribution boxes, too little (or too much) pitch in the line between the house and the tank, a line shoved against a tank baffle, or even one that enters through a right angle can affect the system's ability to accept and pass on waste water. Subsoil freezing and broken seals at the joints are also the cause of in-ground difficulties.

A drain field placed in a poor location or pitched irregularly may be hindering flow. If only part of the field is receiving effluent, it's being overloaded. Ditto if the site gets inundated with subsurface run-off. Curtain drains (which divert water from a specific area) or an alternate drain field may solve the problem.

Finally, consider this: Perhaps the system was never designed for the load it's now handling. Some older houses were built with clog-prone cesspools (rather than true septic systems) and single baths. Over the years, increased water usage because of additional bathrooms and appliances has taken its toll on what may once have been a perfectly adequate arrangement.

Editor's Note: Septic Tank Practices by Peter Warshall (Anchor Press, 1979), is one of the best books available on the subject of' small-scale septic systems. It offers a concise explanation of working principles, construction and maintenance, and covers conservation and recycling as well. Currently out of print, it's still available for $7.95 postpaid from Whole Earth Access, 2990 Seventh St., Berkeley, CA 94710.

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