Be a Homeowner in the Know!

Of all the charms country living has to offer, maintaining an onsite wastewater system is not one of them. For most homeowners, their septic system is only a consideration when it’s not working properly. And to be fair, septic systems are not a pleasant thought or an intuitive design. Whether you’re born and bred country folk, or new to country living, you probably have questions. How does this system work? What do I do if that annoying red light comes on? Is it just me or is that a sewer smell wafting from the backyard? Just exactly what are those maintenance requirements again? This puddle I just stepped in is surely from the rain two weeks ago, right?

Our team at Crossroads Septic Solutions wants to help you be a confident homeowner. So, what are the septic system basics every homeowner needs to know? Follow along as we answer these questions and more in our educational series Homeowners in the Know.

Septic System Basics for Homeowners #1

While there are different types of onsite wastewater management systems, the basic principles are always the same. An onsite wastewater management system takes wastewater from your home, (think the water that comes from your toilet, shower, kitchen sinks, etc,) allows solid and liquid waste to settle out (separate), sanitizes the liquid waste, also called effluent, and then safely disperses it back into the environment. The solid waste, or sludge, collects in the tank and overtime will increase to a level that will need to be pumped out by a septic pumper truck. Although the dispersed waste water is 99% sanitized, it is still not potable water and should not be played in by children or pets.

Conventional: AKA Gravity flow system

The conventional onsite wastewater management system is the most widely known system. With this system, solids flow into a watertight tank and settle at the bottom. A lighter solid layer floats on top while the liquid effluent stays in the middle. As more wastewater comes into the system, the liquid (effluent) is pushed out of the first compartment into another compartment which again separates the wastewater further into the three components, heavy solids AKA sludge, lighter solids, and effluent. The effluent flows by gravity or a low pressure pump between the two compartments and finally out to a drain field. Some of these tanks include a filter between compartments that will need to be occasionally cleaned. The effluent then flows through a series of tunnels and seeps through organic material such as sand which naturally sanitizes the effluent as it flows through. If the drain field is built correctly and is working properly, before the effluent reaches the water table below, it is suitably cleansed. The configuration of drain fields can vary, but all gravity flow systems require the right type of soil to work properly. So what happens to the layer of solid sludge at the bottom of the tank? Good question! As time goes by, the sludge layer will build and eventually need to be pumped out by a septic pumper truck. Typically, gravity flow systems will need to be pumped out every 5 to 7 years.

Aerobic: Let the microbes multiply!

The other type of widely used septic system is an aerobic system. This type of system can have multiple tanks and chambers depending on how much water needs to be treated, but all include an aerobic chamber where oxygen is injected, increasing the organic bacteria needed to digest the solid waste. Often there is a post-treatment chamber which adds additional disinfectant prior to dispersing the effluent. Some systems use bleach tablets as the added disinfectant rather than the easier to acquire liquid bleach. Although there are a variety of available disbursement methods, typically, with aerobic systems, the treated effluent is pumped out to a sprinkler system after disinfection. If working properly, the effluent is 99% disinfected by the time it is sprayed out onto the surface grass. Aerobic septic systems provide the ability to control the disbursement of the treated wastewater, which is desirable for many homeowners. Other properties that would require an aerobic vs the conventional system are those with high clay content in their soil and properties with a high-water table. As with the conventional system, aerobic systems will also need to have the sludge layer pumped out about every 3-5 years.

Summary:

Not all aerobic systems are created equal. The tank design, aerator, control box, and electrical components vary from manufacturer to manufactuer. Even the install method can have an effect on the function and life of an aerobic system. At Crossroads Septic Solutions, we’re so confident in our installation process and the quality of the products we use, we are the only installer in the crossroads area willing to offer a four year warranty on all aerobic systems with surface application.

While not the most glamorous part of home ownership, for country dwellers, maintaining an onsite wastewater system is just another part of life. As a septic maintenance provider, our goal is to give each homeowner the knowledge and support that they need to make this part of homeownership as carefree as possible. So, whether your system needs repaired, replaced, or just maintained, our team at Crossroads Septic Solutions is knowledgeable and happy to give you the support and assistance that you need.

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