Take care with flushing hazardous chemicals down the drain.
More than 50 million American households use septic systems to treat their wastewater. However, according to the El Dorado County (California) Health Department, nearly half of these systems are doomed to early failure as a result of a variety of problems. Understanding the types of septic field problems can help prevent these issues and prolong the useful life of the system. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
Types of problems with septic or leach fields include incorrect design, poor construction, inadequate maintenance and inappropriate usage. Problems with design and poor construction with septic fields include incorrect or inappropriate materials used to build the septic field, or a septic field that is too small for the size of the structure. Inadequate maintenance problems include worn out or broken equipment such as pipes, and inappropriate usage, includes the flushing of liquids or solids not meant for septic systems.
Features
According to the University of Missouri Extension Service, the most common septic field problem is soil clogs. In addition, failing to use rust-proof pipes or tanks can result in septic field problems. In areas with heavy or large vegetation such as trees, roots can enter the septic field pipes and break the pipes or block the flow of effluent into the field. Not removing accumulated sludge as recommended can also result in problems with septic fields, such as flooding of the surface above the field.
Time Frame
Septic fields are designed to last for at least 25 years so long as they are properly maintained. The Missouri Extension Service recommends regular cleaning of the septic tank every two to five years to avoid clogs in the septic system. Septic field problems resulting from corroded pipes or tanks can develop within five years of installation.
Considerations
Septic fields built on a downward incline, close to a layer of bedrock or in areas with a high water table are prone to develop problems more quickly than septic fields not built in those conditions. In addition, building septic fields near other septic systems often results in the failure of both systems as a result of oversaturation of the soil. The United States Department of Agriculture also advises against installing septic fields near large structures or paving over the field with asphalt.
Misconceptions
Septic fields do not need specialized additives to function. Flushing the septic field with a large amount of water does not substitute for proper pumping and cleaning of the system. According to the El Dorado County Health Department, even properly maintained septic fields will need to be replaced; septic systems do not last forever.
Warning
Homeowners who flush items such as paper towels, newspapers, tampons, rags, disposable diapers, motor oil or cat litter into a septic system are likely to clog the septic field's pipes, which can lead to failure of the system. Likewise, installing metal stakes such as for a swing set, or support beams for a structure, can damage the leach field and result in its failure. Pouring grease, solvents, pesticides, cleaners or bleach into drains that enter the septic field can kill the bacteria that maintain the system and result in system failure.
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