Hygnstrom recommends monitoring wastewater usage over a set period.This illustration shows the complete septic system, from plumbing vent to septic tank to drain field.A hot shower, a load of laundry or a flush of the toilet may be just a routine part of our day, but it can add up to a lot of water down the drain.
In fact, the average person uses between 50 and 70 gallons of indoor water each day, and the majority of us dont give a second thought as to where all that wastewater is headed. Take a little time to understand septic system design, and youre sure to save a bundle of money in the long haul. With prices for new septic systems ranging from 3,000 to more than 40,000, depending on the type of system and the cost of installation, proper maintenance can mean big savings. Whether youre installing a brand-new system or youve inherited an older one, becoming familiar with it can save headaches and dollars. Maintenance of a private system is the homeowners responsibility. Understanding how it works is the first step in caring for it. The number of people living in your home and your water usage habits determine the flow going into the system. If a system isnt designed to handle the volume of wastewater flowing into it, an overload occurs, and that can mean big problems for a homeowner. A three-bedroom house typically requires a 1,000-gallon tank, and it increases 250 gallons for each additional bedroom. Inside the tank, the heavier solid material sinks to the bottom, and fats and grease float on top. The liquid effluent in between flows out to the drain field (or in some older installations, a rock-filled pit called a French drain) through a T-shaped outlet that helps prevent solids from escaping. A screen or filter is required in some states to prevent solids from escaping. The sludge solids that collect in the bottom of the tank periodically has to be removed by pumping. Drain field An underground pipe carries the liquid effluent from the tank to the drain field, where its distributed into a series of shallow trenches lined with gravel and covered with soil, or plastic chambers covered with soil. The soil in the absorption field is loaded with bacteria, which purify the liquid waste before it makes its way into groundwater. Tree roots, heavy vehicles or even compaction from excess foot traffic can cause irreparable damage. Drain fields that have been overloaded, have compacted soil, or that were installed or maintained poorly may have a much shorter life span. Most county health or building departments keep records showing the exact locations of private septic systems. If you dont have a drawing of your system, you can try to locate it by finding the wastewater pipe that runs from the house to the tank, usually the largest pipe exiting your house. Use a long metal rod to probe the ground, starting about 10 feet from the house. Septic Tank Layout Professional Can HelpIf you are still unable to locate your system, a professional can help. Additions and renovations can cause a home to outgrow its system, since more household members mean an increased wastewater flow.
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