Stone Excavating Septic Systems Question and Answer Page

		Maintenance Tips for Septic Systems 1. Minimize compaction over septic area. Septic fields utilize the soil as a filter for effluent, therefore any compaction of the septic field decreases the soils capacity to allow water to flow. Traffic over the septic field causes compaction. Establish grass or plant cover over the absorption field to prevent erosion and promote plant growth to remove water from the soil. Never drive over septic tank with anything larger than a lawn mower. This can cause collapse.
		2. Keep your septic tank clean. As a general rule a septic tank capacity to contain solids equals 100 gallons a year per person. Addition of a garbage disposal increases the solids loading by 50%. Therefore a family of three using a 1000 gallon septic tank should have their septic tank pumped about every 2 years. Commercial septic tank additives will not eliminate the need for pumping. Common household chemicals will not harm the bacteria with moderate use. Chemical additives will not eliminate the need to pump the tank because many solids are not biodegradable. Don't forget to clean the septic tank filter each time the tank is pumped.
		3. Conserve Water. Because your system is sized for average use, wasting water is a good way to shorten its life. Fix leaking faucets immediately. Use water saving showerheads. Never discharge water from foundation drains or other clean water sources into the absorption field.
		4. If you have a valve installed between fields don't forget to switch it. To regenerate a failed field, allow it to rest at least 3 years before next use. After returning to old field, switch the valve annually.
		5. If you have a pump assisted system. Make sure that the alarm is not silenced.
		Observing a few maintenance tips can save you a lot of grief and money in the future. If we can answer any questions that you have, please call us at 574-935-5456 or e-mail us at stoneexc@gmail.com

		Frequently asked questions about septic systems
		1. What does it mean when your drains gurgle when you flush the toilet? Answer: Gurgling drains are caused by many problems, among them are clogged vents, plugged or broken sewers, septic tank plugged, or clogged absorption trenches.
		2. What is the advantage of using a graveless absorption trench? Answer: Graveless absorption trenches do not mask the soil as an aggregate trench does. This makes them more efficient because there is more soil interface available per square foot of trench.
		3. Why is there a septic odor outside of our house? Answer: Most odors that are noticeable outside of the house are from the plumbing vents. Odors can be eliminated by extending the vent pipes higher above the roof or by installing a charcoal filter on the vent.
		4. Are drywells more efficient than absorption trenches? Answer: Drywells are effective in passing water into the subsoil, therefore they are not the best choice for dispersal of residential effluent. The upper layers of the soil provide an excellent filter to keep bacteria from reaching the ground water.
		5. Why should I have my septic tank pumped? Answer: Septic tanks are a tool to keep solids from reaching the soil. Most solids that reach septic tanks are dissolved by bacteria in the tank, however, some solids do not degrade, such as sediment from laundry water. These build up and reduce the effective capacity of the septic tank. Pumping is necessary to keep the tank functioning properly.
		6. Why is my septic tank full? I just had it pumped. Answer: Septic tanks are designed so that the outlet is about 3" lower than the outlet, therefore when you look into the tank there is usually 8 to 12 inches of airspace from the liquid level to the top of the tank. Even if a system is working properly, it is not unusual under normal usage to generate enough water to fill the tank to this level in about two days.
		7. Is it okay to drive over the septic system? Answer: Driving over an absorption area compacts the soil and prevents absorption into the soil. Driving over a septic tank can collapse a tank.
		8. Should my sump pump be plumbed into the septic tank? Answer: Foundation water is usually removed from a basement with a sump pump. This water should never be introduced into a septic system. If there is laundry water or other so-called gray water flowing into the sump pit, it should be separated from the foundation water and discharged into the septic tank.
		9. Why should I have a septic tank filter on my tank? Answer: Septic tank filters keep solids from the tank. Solids that pass through a tank clog the soil causing failure of the absorption trench. Filters should be rinsed each time the tank is pumped.

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