Septic System Basics

(Page 2 of 6)

October/November 2002
By Carol Steinfeld: Illustrations by Peter Aschwanden. 
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What About Additives

Beware of septic-additive products that claim to eliminate the need for septic tank pump-outs. The bacteria that help break down organic matter in your septic tank are naturally occurring; you should not need to add more. Studies consistently show most septic-additive products have little effect on septic systems, according to Michael Hoover at the Department of Soil Science, North Carolina State University. Although septic additives do contain biologically-based materials like bacteria, enzymes and yeast, they also can contain harmful solvents. Some additives, which claim to degrease your system, may damage your drain field, contaminate your soil and groundwater, and in some states, be illegal.

RELATED CONTENT

Septic System Sources

194-052-01pix3.jpg

A laundry filter, pictured above, keeps
particulates from plugging up your septic
system leach field.

Most states publish septic system maintenance guides as well as handy records for keeping track of septic pumpouts. Contact your state department of environmental protection.

GUIDES; & ORGANIZATIONS
Minnesota Extension Service Distribution Center

University of Minnesota
1420 Eckles Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108-6069
(800) 876-8636

The Septic System Owner's Guide ($4) from the Minnesota Extension Service features good basic septic care information, formulas for helping to determine pumping frequency and convenient folders with which to keep track of the details of your septic 's specifics (size, location and features) and pumping record. A video ($13) is also available.

National Small Flows Clearinghouse

West Virginia University
P0. Box 6064
Morgantown, WV 26506
(800) 624-8301
www.nesc.wvu.edu/usfc

The National Small Flows Clearinghouse is a federal government-funded source of information about on-site residential and commercial wastewater systems. This is the place to start for basic on-site wastewater information, such as alternative systems.

EFFLUENT FILTERS & SCREENS

Orenco Systems, Inc.
814 Airway Ave.
Sutherlin, OR 97479
(800) 3489843
www.orenco.com

Septic Protector
14622 268th Ave.
Zimmerman, MN 55398
(888) 873-6504
www.septicprotector.com

Zabel Zone
P.O. Box 1520
Crestwood, KY 40014
(800) 221-5742
www.zabelzone.com

SEPTIC SYSTEMS

The purpose of a septic system is to create an environment where beneficial bacteria destroy pathogens and take up excess nutrients in wastewater. Wastewater enters the septic tank, which is essentially a storage unit, from a high inlet pipe and exits through a lower outlet pipe. Inside the tank, lightweight solids like fibers, hair and grease float to the top and form the scum layer. Sediments that sink to the bottom comprise the sludge layer. Clearer wastewater drains out into the leach field, also known as the drain field. The longer wastewater remains in the tank (retention time), the greater the chance anything that could potentially clog the drain field will sink or float. To allow, more time for settling, newer septic tanks feature one or more baffles or dividers to slow down the passage of wastewater from inlet to outlet. Naturally occurring anaerobic (oxygenless) bacteria in the tank start the biological breakdown process, but usually do not kill pathogens or remove toxic chemicals.

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