Maya Ellison
Septic tanks are an efficient system for treating wastewater, especially in rural areas where wastewater treatment is not available. They are usually made of concrete or plastic and use an organic process to reduce solid waste, separating it from liquid waste. The size of your septic tank depends on the size of your house. A small two-bedroom home may be able to use a 1,000-gallon water tank, while a larger home may require a tank that holds 3,000 gallons. In addition to the tank, a corresponding leach field is also needed. The installation process involves careful piping and sloping towards the septic tank, with a pump chamber installed after the tank to move the effluent into the drain field for final disposal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Septic Tank Material | Plastic or concrete |
| Septic Tank Function | Treat household water and waste |
| Septic Tank Process | Organic process to reduce solid waste and separate it from liquid waste |
| Septic Tank Installation | Requires a professional; the size of the tank depends on the size of the house |
| Septic Tank Maintenance | Requires regular pumping and inspection |
| Septic Tank Inspection | Health inspector provides a green tag upon completion |
| Septic Tank Covering | Filter fabric, newspaper, straw, or untreated building paper |
| Septic Tank Pumping | Utilizes an electric pump to move effluent to the drain field |
| Drain Field | Filters wastewater through the soil |
| Pipe Installation | Use 4" Sch. 40 pipe with a minimum slope of 1/8" per foot towards the septic tank |
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What You'll Learn
Septic tank size
Choosing the right septic tank size is crucial to avoid problems such as overflowing toilets, backed-up drains, contaminated groundwater, and expensive repairs. Several factors determine the size of the septic tank you need. Firstly, the specific type of septic system you plan to use will influence the tank size. There are seven common types of septic systems, and the most common is the conventional, gravity-fed anaerobic septic system.
Secondly, local government regulations play a significant role in determining septic tank size. These regulations vary across the United States due to differences in soil geographies and water features. Therefore, it is essential to consult your local health department or building authority to understand the specific requirements for your area, including minimum tank sizes, setback distances, and whether two-compartment septic tanks are mandated.
Additionally, the intended use of the septic tank, whether residential or commercial, will impact the required size per regulations. For residential use, the size of your home and the expected volume of wastewater will be crucial factors.
Lastly, the soil conditions and regional geography will influence the effectiveness of the system and, consequently, the septic tank size. The soil type will determine how large the drain field needs to be, so it is advisable to have a professional assessment before finalising the installation.
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Pipe installation
The pipe installation process for a plastic septic tank involves several important steps to ensure proper functioning. Firstly, you should use a 4" Sch. 40 pipe that extends a foot through the wall or under the footing and at least five feet outside the building towards the tank. It's crucial to maintain a level position as it passes through the wall or footing. From there, you should introduce a slight slope of approximately 1/8" per foot towards the septic tank. This slope facilitates the movement of solids and liquids towards the tank.
If you are unable to continue with the 4" Sch. 40 pipe, you can switch to a 4" 3034 pipe, using the appropriate adapter to connect the two pipes. The tank should be positioned at a minimum distance of 15 feet from the exterior wall of your house. Remember to place a test cap on the pipe end that enters the building. If the pipe passes through a wall, use hydraulic cement to seal around the hole, both inside and out.
It's important to strike a balance with the slope to avoid issues. Too much slope can cause the water to run faster than the solids, leaving solids behind in the pipe. Conversely, insufficient slope may prevent the waste from reaching the drain field, depending on its depth and proximity to the tank. The drain field, also known as a leach field, is where the treated wastewater eventually ends up, filtering through the soil.
In addition to the septic tank, a pump chamber, also called a pressure tank or dosing tank, is necessary. This chamber houses the electric pump that moves the effluent, or treated wastewater, to the drain field for final disposal. The pump operates on measured or timed intervals to ensure the effluent is pumped out effectively.
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Pump chamber setup
The pump chamber, also known as a pressure tank or dosing tank, is an integral part of a septic system. It contains the electric pump that moves the effluent to the drain field for final disposal. Here is a detailed guide on setting up the pump chamber:
Firstly, ensure that the pump chamber is installed after the septic tank. The pump chamber should be set up similarly to the septic tank, with careful attention to levelling and pitch. The pipe should extend a minimum of five feet outside the building towards the tank. Use a 4" Sch. 40 pipe for this section, ensuring it is level as it passes through the wall or footing. From there, maintain an 1/8" per foot of pitch (slope) towards the septic tank. Adaptors and switches to 4" 3034 piping may be necessary as you progress towards the tank.
The septic tank should be positioned approximately 15 feet or more from the building's exterior wall. Remember to put a test cap on the pipe end entering the building, and if drilling through a wall, seal the hole with hydraulic cement on both sides. It is crucial to monitor the pitch to prevent water from running faster than solids, which could result in solids being left in the pipe.
The pump chamber contains an effluent pump and floats that pump out measured amounts of effluent to the drain field at specific intervals. It is good practice to inspect your pump chamber annually to ensure optimal performance. During the inspection, start by verifying that all wires in the electrical box are securely connected. Then, check the pump discharge pipe in the lower right area; ensure that it is open and the valve is aligned with the pipe.
Additionally, check the water level and use a garden hose to add water if necessary. To test the pump, turn it on by flipping the second float from the bottom upside down.
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Drain field maintenance
Drain fields, also known as leach fields, are a crucial component of an onsite sewage facility. They work in tandem with a septic tank to treat wastewater. Perforated pipes distribute effluent evenly across the field, allowing it to filter through gravel and soil, which act as natural purifiers.
Proper drain field maintenance is essential to preserve the health and longevity of your septic system. Here are some important tips for drain field maintenance:
- Annual inspections of your septic system are recommended to ensure proper functioning and to determine when scum and sludge in the septic tank should be cleaned out.
- Keep a detailed record of repairs, pumpings, inspections, permits issued, and other maintenance activities.
- Regularly pump out the septic tank and avoid flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet to prevent flooding and ensure the drain field's longevity.
- Avoid activities that could damage the system, such as planting trees with invasive roots near the field or driving heavy vehicles over it.
- Conserve water to avoid overloading the system. Repair dripping faucets and leaking toilets, avoid long showers, and only use washing machines and dishwashers when they are full.
- Use water-saving features in faucets, showerheads, and toilets.
- Divert other water sources away from the septic system using curtain drains, surface diversions, downspout extensions, or retaining walls.
- Clean septic tank filters periodically by removing them, hosing them with water, and replacing them in the tank.
- Use household chemicals sparingly and dispose of any leftovers at an approved hazardous waste collection center.
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Solid waste reduction
The next step is to prepare for the installation by obtaining the necessary permits and approvals from local authorities and complying with plumbing and building codes. It is also important to select a reputable contractor with experience in septic tank installation. The installation process involves connecting the tank to the plumbing system, installing inlet and outlet pipes, and ensuring all connections are secure and properly sealed to prevent leaks and contamination.
To effectively manage solid waste, it is essential to maintain the septic system regularly. Homeowners should have their septic systems inspected and pumped every three to five years, depending on the size of the tank and the number of people in the household. In addition, homeowners should be mindful of what they flush down their drains, as items such as grease, oil, coffee grounds, and feminine hygiene products can clog the system. Conserving water and avoiding overloading the system can also help extend the life of the septic system.
Finally, when installing a plastic septic tank, it is important to consider the tank's durability and vulnerability to cracking. Over time, exposure to sunlight can cause the plastic to harden, making it more prone to cracking if the tank receives a severe impact, especially in cold weather. Therefore, it is crucial to handle plastic septic tanks with care and ensure proper maintenance to prevent solid waste buildup and reduce the risk of tank damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Septic tanks are alternative systems that treat household water and waste. They are typically made from concrete or plastic and use an organic process to reduce solid waste and separate it from liquid waste.
The size of your house will determine the size of your septic tank. You will also need to install a corresponding leach field. The pipe should run towards the septic tank with a slight slope to ensure solids do not get left in the pipe. Cover the pipe and tank once you have approval from a health inspector.
A leach field, or drain field, is where the liquid waste from the septic tank filters through the soil.
Regularly pump your tank and look for signs of trouble.
