Omar Khalid
The use of plastic septic tanks in North Carolina is subject to a comprehensive permitting process. The type of septic system installed is dependent on the number of bedrooms in a house, with larger homes requiring bigger tank sizes and more area for the drain field. The permitting process in North Carolina consists of three permits that must be applied for sequentially, with the first two permits issued by the Local Health Department and the third issued after system installation and final inspection.
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What You'll Learn
Septic system maintenance
Maintaining a septic system is not complicated and does not have to be expensive. Here are some tips for septic system maintenance:
Efficient Water Use
The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system. Efficient water use improves the operation of a septic system and reduces the risk of malfunctions. EPA’s WaterSense program has many simple ways to save water and water-efficient products. High-efficiency toilets, faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restrictors help reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system.
Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain
Your septic system is not a trash can. An easy rule of thumb is to not to flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper. Avoid flushing or pouring toxins, grease, cooking oil, oil-based paints, solvents, or large volumes of toxic cleaners down the drain. These can kill the living organisms in your septic system that digest and treat household waste. Instead of chemical drain openers for a clogged drain, use boiling water or a drain snake.
Pumping and Inspection
The average household septic tank should be pumped every three to five years. To keep track of when to pump out your tank, write down the sludge and scum levels found by the septic professional. Your tank should be pumped if the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet, or if more than 25% of the liquid depth is sludge and scum. Keep maintenance records and service reports. Household septic tanks should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional.
Other Tips
Use a strainer in the kitchen drain and dump garbage in the trash or compost bin. Scrape dishes of food before putting them in the dishwasher. Try to avoid fat and oil from going down the drain.
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Septic tank pumping
The frequency of pumping depends on various factors, including the size of the tank, the number of people in the household, and their habits. On average, septic tanks should be pumped every five years or less, and it is recommended to have them inspected by professionals every three years. The cost of pumping a septic tank can vary, ranging from $200 to $600, depending on the company, tank size, and other factors.
During the pumping process, only the septic tank itself is pumped, while the drain lines and distribution box are not. It is common to leave a small quantity of solids at the bottom of the tank to facilitate the rapid buildup of bacteria needed to break down the next load of solids.
Homeowners can take several steps to maintain their septic tank systems effectively. This includes understanding how septic systems operate, both in the tank and the drain lines, and implementing practices to prevent clogs and ensure efficient system functioning. By following maintenance guidelines and seeking professional inspections, homeowners can ensure their septic tanks run smoothly and avoid potential issues.
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Permit requirements
The North Carolina septic system permitting process involves three permits that must be applied for in sequence to the Local Health Department. The first application is for an Improvement Permit (IP). This permit indicates whether there is available soil and space on-site to support a particular type of septic system. The IP will be granted if there is available soil and space on-site to support a particular type of septic system. If there is no or limited available soil, or limited space on-site to support a septic system, the permit application will typically be denied.
The second application is for Construction Authorization (CA). This permit allows the septic system to be constructed and installed on the site. The CA permit is issued when the conditions required on the Improvement Permit and the Laws and Rules for Sewage Treatment and Disposal are met. The CA permit can sometimes be granted at the same time as the IP, but not always.
The third permit issued is the Operations Permit (OP). This permit allows the septic system to be placed into operation. Rowan County Environmental Health must view the installed system before the system components are covered with soil. An Environmental Health Specialist completes a final system inspection and determines that all the conditions of the Improvement Permit, the Construction Authorization, and the installed system are in compliance with the Laws and Rules for Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems. Once the local health department has evaluated and approved the installed system, the OP can be granted.
In addition to the above, it is important to note that septic systems are sized according to the number of bedrooms in a house. If a property has a permit for a 3-bedroom home, and the owner wishes to have a 4 or 5-bedroom home, they will need to apply for a new improvement permit and construction authorization to increase the size of the septic system.
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Soil and site evaluations
In North Carolina, soil and site evaluations are crucial when assessing land for septic systems. While traditional "perc" or "perk" tests, which measured water percolation rates, were once standard, the state now relies on comprehensive soil evaluations. These evaluations consider a broader range of environmental factors, ensuring more reliable results.
Soil evaluations are intricate processes that delve into the unique characteristics of a property's soil, matching the septic system to the soil's capabilities. This includes assessing absorption rates, seasonal water tables, and the presence of expansive clays. The results dictate the most effective septic solution, with faster-absorbing soils suited for conventional systems and slower-absorbing or high-water table soils requiring advanced systems like mound or aerobic treatment units.
To obtain a soil evaluation, you can contact your local health department, which can provide a soil evaluation sheet and septic system permit. These documents indicate the approximate locations and sizes of the system's components. Additionally, professional engineers and AOWE-licensed soil scientists can provide soil evaluation, design, permitting, and inspection services for septic system installations.
It is essential to protect the soil drainfield area from any excavation, construction, or soil disturbance activities. The maximum daily design capacity of the soil drainfield is typically 120 gallons per bedroom. To extend the life of your septic system, practice water conservation, limit disposal to sewage only, and avoid pouring harmful substances, such as grease, cooking oil, or chemicals, down the drain.
By conducting thorough soil and site evaluations, you can ensure that your septic system is properly matched to the soil's characteristics, optimising its functionality and safeguarding your investment in your property.
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Septic tank safety
Septic tanks are an important part of a home's maintenance and safety, and they require regular care and attention. If a septic system is not maintained, owners run the risk of dangerous and costly failures. Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures, commonly used in rural areas without centralized sewer systems. They are made up of a septic tank and a drainfield or soil absorption field. The tank digests organic matter and separates floatable matter (such as oils and grease) and solids from the wastewater.
There are several signs to look out for that indicate a septic system failure. These include standing water or damp spots near the tank or drainfield, bad odours, and bright green, lush grass over the tank or drainfield. If the system is failing, untreated sewage can be released and transported, causing it to come to the surface around the tank or drainfield, or even back up into the building. This can also cause sewage to get into groundwater, surface water, or marine water, contaminating water sources and making them unsafe for drinking, swimming, and other agricultural uses.
A further concern is the release of dangerous gases when a septic system is failing. The build-up of gases in the septic tank can result in fumes escaping. These include methane, which is extremely flammable and can cause an explosion, and nitrate, which is dangerous to young children and can cause "blue baby syndrome". Another gas to be cautious of is hydrogen sulfide, which has a very unpleasant odour and can cause eye irritation, eye damage, and respiratory issues.
To ensure septic tank safety, it is important to carry out regular maintenance and repairs and to have the tank pumped. This includes annual inspections and being mindful of what is flushed, as certain items can cause blockages and clogs.
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