Understanding And Maintaining Your Septic System

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Understanding and maintaining your septic system.

Over 25 of illinois households use on site sewage treatment systems to treat wastewater. How your septic system works septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures commonly used in rural areas without centralized sewer systems. Very helpful for understanding your septic system. Lesikar justin mechell and rachel alexander professor and extension agricultural engineer extension assistant texas water resources institute research assistant the texas a m system.

A picture is worth a thousand words sandira warne. Septic systems often fail because they are not maintained after installation. An unpleasant septic odor inadequate filtering of effluent wastewater and the leakage or overflow of toxic solids from the septic tank every septic system owner should take the following steps to maintain their septic tank. This will help you take simple steps to prolong its life understand what you should do if something goes wrong and evaluate your options if you ever need to expand your system because of a home improvement project.

Every few years you need to have your system pumped by a professional. Be careful of what you send through the system. Your septic tank includes a t shaped outlet which prevents sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling to the drainfield area. Onsite wastewater treatment systems well 1.

If you re installing a septic system or living with one it pays to learn the basics of how it works. Final treatment and dispersal p roper operation and maintenance of your wastewater treatment system is. Unfortunately not all soil and site conditions are well suited for these standard systems. Septic systems are designed and installed by licensed professionals but it is the homeowner s responsibility to operate and maintain the system properly.

Components of an on site wastewater treatment system. They use a combination of nature and proven technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms kitchen drains and laundry. Proper operation and maintenance will prevent costly repairs in the future. Keep maintenance records on work performed on your septic system.

Understanding and maintaining your septic system l 5491 9 08 figure 1. When you call a septic service provider he or she will inspect for leaks and examine the scum and sludge layers in your septic tank. While septic systems are designed to last for decades there are several common problems can arise from a poorly maintained system. These systems require attention and maintenance to keep running smoothly.

You can also use good habits to help maintain your septic system and prolong its lifespan. These one house at a time sewage treatment systems used by one in.