HouseMaster... "The Home Inspection Professionals"

The purpose of the septic tank is to separate the solids contained in the sewage from the liquids. The sewage entering the septic tank contains 99.9% water and 0.1% solids. It is the solids that are of major concern since not all solids decompose at an even rate. After a time, the septic tank can fill up with sludge. If the tank is not cleaned out at that point, the sludge will enter the absorption field and clog it. It is for this reason that a septic tank should be checked for its sludge level every few years and pumped if necessary. The HouseMaster technical staff recommends that buyers of resale houses check the service record of the system and inquire of the local municipal offices if there are any reported septic violations for the system or those of neighbors.

The absorption portion of the septic system is the most critical aspect. If it was installed improperly or abused after installation, it will not function properly. The absorption system normally consists of a network of perforated pipes laid in a bed of stones. The pattern is prescribed by the local authorities. The stone bed spreads out the effluent and allows greater contact with the soil which absorbs and purifies the effluent. Excessive rainfall or run-of can saturate an absorption field and interfere with the absorption process. On the other hand, a system that has been out of use an extended period of time will not always show signs of a malfunction since the level of the tank will be lowered due to the lack of input.

As with any element of the house, septic systems require particular care and periodic maintenance. The first and primary concern is the sludge level in the tank. It must be checked every few years. Obviously, have the tank pumped out when necessary, Neglect of this important task can lead to a tank build-up and eventual clogging of the absorption field. If this happens, the absorption field must be rebuilt - a costly undertaking. The precautions of periodic inspection and cleaning of the tank can prevent this expense and work. And finally, educate your family and guests on the necessity for water conservation and proper use of the septic system. This can add many more years of useful life to the system.


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INFORMATION SERIES: Private Sewage Systems
Private sewage systems include septic tanks with absorption fields, seepage beds, seepage pits, clivus multrumsystems, aerobic systems and cess-pools (banned in many communities). This home guide discusses the most common private sewage disposal system - the septic system. The illustration depicts a typical septic system. In order to obtain maximum benefits from a septic system, it is important to understand the three major elements of the system (soil, tank and absorption field). The soil making up the absorption field must be porous enough to absorb the effluent (septic tank discharge). The capacity of the soil to absorb liquids is measured by a percolation test reading. From this reading, the square feet of the absorption areas per bedroom are calculated. Your local health or engineering office can advise you on local soil conditions and can usually provide you with a copy of the original design forms submitted for the house. This document is particularly important if you are to know exactly where your tank and absorption elements are located.	The purpose of the septic tank is to separate the solids contained in the sewage from the liquids. The sewage entering the septic tank contains 99.9% water and 0.1% solids. It is the solids that are of major concern since not all solids decompose at an even rate. After a time, the septic tank can fill up with sludge. If the tank is not cleaned out at that point, the sludge will enter the absorption field and clog it. It is for this reason that a septic tank should be checked for its sludge level every few years and pumped if necessary. The HouseMaster technical staff recommends that buyers of resale houses check the service record of the system and inquire of the local municipal offices if there are any reported septic violations for the system or those of neighbors. The absorption portion of the septic system is the most critical aspect. If it was installed improperly or abused after installation, it will not function properly. The absorption system normally consists of a network of perforated pipes laid in a bed of stones. The pattern is prescribed by the local authorities. The stone bed spreads out the effluent and allows greater contact with the soil which absorbs and purifies the effluent. Excessive rainfall or run-of can saturate an absorption field and interfere with the absorption process. On the other hand, a system that has been out of use an extended period of time will not always show signs of a malfunction since the level of the tank will be lowered due to the lack of input. As with any element of the house, septic systems require particular care and periodic maintenance. The first and primary concern is the sludge level in the tank. It must be checked every few years. Obviously, have the tank pumped out when necessary, Neglect of this important task can lead to a tank build-up and eventual clogging of the absorption field. If this happens, the absorption field must be rebuilt - a costly undertaking. The precautions of periodic inspection and cleaning of the tank can prevent this expense and work. And finally, educate your family and guests on the necessity for water conservation and proper use of the septic system. This can add many more years of useful life to the system.


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