Households that are not served by public sewers usually depend on septic tank systems to treat and
dispose of wastewater. A well-designed, installed, and maintained septic system can provide years
of reliable low-cost service. When these systems fail to operate effectively, property damage,
groundwater and surface water pollution, and disease outbreaks can occur. Therefore, it makes
good sense to understand and care for your septic tank system.

There are many different types of septic tank systems to fit a wide range of soil and site conditions.
The following information will help you understand a conventional gravity-flow septic system and
keep it operating safely at the lowest possible cost. A conventional septic tank system has three
working parts:

1. The septic tank.
2. The drain field with its replacement area.
3. The surrounding soil.

The typical septic tank is a large buried rectangular, or cylindrical container made of concrete,
fiberglass, or polyethylene, Wastewater from your toilet, bath, kitchen, laundry, etc., flows into the
tank. Heavy solids settle to the bottom where bacterial action partially decomposes them to digested
sludge and gases.

Most of the lighter solids, such as fats and grease, rise to the top and form a scum layer. Septic
tanks may have one or two compartments. Tees or baffles are provided in the tank’s inlet and outlet
pipes. The inlet tee slows the incoming wastes and reduces disturbance of the settled sludge. The
outlet tee keeps the solids or scum in the tank. All tanks should have accessible covers for
checking the condition of the baffles and for pumping both compartments. If risers extend from the
tank to or above the ground surface, they should be secure to prevent accidental entry into the tank.

Solids that are not decomposed remain in the septic tank. If not removed by periodic pumping,
solids will accumulate until they eventually overflow into the drain field. Most septic tanks need to
be pumped every 3 to 5 years, depending on the tank size, and the amount and type of solids
entering the tank.

The wastewater leaving the septic tank is a liquid called effluent. It has been partially treated but
still contains disease-causing bacteria and other pollutants.

The Drain field
The drain field receives septic tank effluent. It has a network of perforated pipes laid in gravel-filled
trenches (2-3 feet wide), or beds (over 3 feet wide) in the soil. Wastewater trickles out of the pipes,
through the gravel layer, and into the soil. The size and type of drain field depends on the estimated
daily wastewater flow and soil conditions. Every new drain field is required to have a designated
replacement area. It must be maintained should the existing system need an addition or repair.
Typical Conventional Drain field System
The Soil
The soil below the drain field provides the final treatment and disposal of the septic tank effluent.
After the effluent has passed into the soil, most of it percolates downward and outward, eventually
entering the groundwater. A small percentage is taken up by plants through their roots, or
evaporates from the soil. The soil filters effluent as it passes through the pore spaces. Chemical
and biological processes treat the effluent before it reaches groundwater, or a restrictive layer,
such as hard pan, bedrock, or clay soils. These processes work best where the soil is somewhat dry,
permeable, and contains plenty of oxygen for several feet below the drain field. Warning signs of a
failure:

Odors, surfacing sewage, wet spots or lush vegetation in the drain field area.
Plumbing or septic tank backups.
Slow-draining fixture.
Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system.
If you notice any of these signs or if you suspect your septic tank
system may be having problems, contact CENTRAL TRIAD SERVICES for assistance.

Caring for Your System:
Practice water conservation. The more wastewater you produce, the more the soil must be treated
and disposed of. By reducing and balancing your water use, you can extend the life of the drain
field, decrease the possibility of system failure, and avoid costly repairs. Keep accurate records.
Know where your septic tank system is and keep a diagram of its location. Records of its size and
location may be available at your local health agency. It is also wise to keep a record of maintenance
on the system. These records will be helpful if problems occur, and will be valuable to the next
owner of your home. Inspect your system once each year. Check the sludge and scum levels inside
your septic tank to assure that the layers of solids are not within the early warning levels. Also
check the tank to see if the baffles and tees are in good condition. Periodically inspect the drain
field and down slope areas for odors, wet spots, or surfacing sewage. If your drain field has
inspection pipes, check them to see if there is a liquid level continually over 6 inches. This may be
an early indication of a problem. Pump out your septic tank when needed. Don’t wait until you have a
problem. Routine pumping can prevent failures, such as clogging of the drain field and sewage back-
up into the home. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic
tank, requiring more frequent pumping. Never flush harmful materials into the septic tank. Grease,
cooking fats, newspapers, paper towels, rags, coffee grounds, sanitary napkins, and cigarettes
cannot easily decompose in the tank. Chemicals such as solvents, oils, paint, and pesticides are
harmful to the system’s proper operation and may pollute the groundwater. Keep all runoff away
from your system. Water from surfaces such as roofs, driveways, or patios should be diverted away
from the septic tank and drain field area. Protect your system from damage. Keep traffic, such as
vehicles, heavy equipment, or livestock off your drain field or replacement area. The pressure can
compact the soil or damage pipes. Before you plant a garden, construct a building, or install a pool,
check on the location of your system and replacement area. Landscape your system properly. Don’t
place impermeable materials over your drain field or replacement area. Materials, such as concrete
or plastic, reduce evaporation and the supply of oxygen to the soil for proper effluent treatment.
They can also hinder access to the system for pumping, inspection, or repair. Grass is the best
cover for your system. Never enter any septic tank. Poisonous gases or the lack of oxygen can be
fatal. Any work on the tank must be done from outside.