Secrets of the Septic System

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The tank is an essential part of the septic system. The two-chamber design shown here is popular because it’s uncomplicated and reasonably effective. However, flooding or overloading the tank can still send undigested material into the drain lines, clogging the absorption field. The latest tank designs have deep holding chambers and internal convolutions to encourage solids to settle out from the flow.
The tank is an essential part of the septic system. The two-chamber design shown here is popular because it’s uncomplicated and reasonably effective. However, flooding or overloading the tank can still send undigested material into the drain lines, clogging the absorption field. The latest tank designs have deep holding chambers and internal convolutions to encourage solids to settle out from the flow.
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Illustration shows possible layouts for an absorption or drain field.
Illustration shows possible layouts for an absorption or drain field.
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The absorption-field trenches should be carefully planned and laid out to suit the site. Each line is buried in a bed of gravel.
The absorption-field trenches should be carefully planned and laid out to suit the site. Each line is buried in a bed of gravel.

Almost 60 million people in America practice inexpensive and effective home-scale recycling every time they run water. Individual, on-site sewage disposal systems — “the septic” to some country folks — do a commendable job of treating domestic waste through a natural biological process that eventually returns most spent water safely to its source. However, no septic system is perfect. Because of them, we tend to use too much water — perhaps 40% too much. Moreover, as long as the liquid is flowing in the right direction — out — we assume the plan is working, when in fact it may be broadcasting bacteria and discarded household chemicals.

The Dirty Truth

The boast of a homeowner who claims 20 years of trouble-free septic service is, sad to say, a shallow one. A properly designed septic system is supposed to receive occasional maintenance — usually nothing more than a cleaning every few years to remove accumulated insolubles. An untended unit can easily be overtaxed without a sign, quietly suffocating itself until it reaches a point at which it becomes less expensive to replace the system than to try to save it.

Then again, some systems are improperly designed or installed and cause their owners to face upkeep and expense beyond the norm. Frequent pumping, costly chemical treatments and mechanical handling systems shouldn’t be necessary with a good installation.

Abuse of a system, however, will quickly lead to problems. No matter how conveniently paint thinners, cigarettes, hair, and harsh household cleaners go down the drain, they have no place there. Foreign — and especially nonorganic — material may never break down and can contaminate both the system and the local water supply.

  • Published on Mar 1, 1989
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