Septic Systems. Getting to know your septic system. For all your Septic, Plumbing and Sewer needs PO BOX 1708 SAN BERNARDINO, CA

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1 For all your Septic, Plumbing and Sewer needs Septic Systems Getting to know your septic system PO BOX 1708 SAN BERNARDINO, CA

2 Index 1. A small introduction 2. Everything you need to know about septic 3. Maintenance 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty 6. About our company 7. Glossary 8. My septic system & certification COPYRIGHT California Pumping & Sanitation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2

3 A small Introduction The idea that your new home is on septic system may be a scary one, but there is no need to panic. Septic systems are safe and most problems can be avoided with proper maintenance. We inspected your septic system before you moved in the home, and determined it was working just fine. In this booklet you will find the necessary information you need to keep your septic system running healthy, as well as any signs to look out for when your septic system might be having problems. If you ever have any questions drop us a line anytime. We appreciate you as our customer. We work hard to provide more than just service: We do all the dirty work! COPYRIGHT California Pumping & Sanitation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 3

4 Everything You Need to Know What is a septic system? About Septic Septic systems are private sewage disposal systems used to treat waste water to prevent contamination of underground water( drinking water) springs, lakes, wells. A septic system consists of a: Septic Tank: Solid, Watertight, buried tank made of concrete, plastic, fiberglass or metal. This tank has a way in (inlet), and way out (outlet). The septic tank serves the function of a filter, separating solids from liquids. Although it is only "one" tank it is divided in two by a wall, called the baffle wall. All waste first enters the septic tank into the primary chamber. All the heavy sludge and solids sink to the bottom of the tank while the grease and oil (from the kitchen and bath soap) float to the top. This leaves an area of "water" called effluent water in between, which will eventually drain into the second compartment of the tank. Once the waste reaches the second chamber it is mostly effluent water. The water then travels through the outlet pipe to a drain field: either leech lines, or a seepage pit. Leech lines and seepage pits are designed to drain the excess water into the ground. Since they are no more than drains, they are not designed to handle solids. If solids enter any drain field, they will clog up the pores causing premature failure. An example of a seepage pit is below. A leech line is demonstrated attached to the septic tank, above. COPYRIGHT California Pumping & Sanitation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 4

5 Leech lines: Leech lines are constructed using 4 perforated pipe that lay in a gravel bed. Leech lines follow the septic tank are literally connected together using 4 pvc. The lines can extend any length up to 100ft. Many times 100ft is not enough to support the water usage of a home. In this case, various lines are installed. The lines are then connected together using a Distribution Box which allows the effluent water to be evenly distributed amongst all lines. An example of a leech line can be seen in the image above. Seepage Pits, or Cesspools: Constructed using cesspool block surrounded by gravel and are 5-7 ft in diameter. The depth of the seepage pit will vary based on soil conditions in your area. A seepage pit is a drain. It is built the same way as a well, in fact if you look into one it looks just like a well. Seepage pits typically are 5-7 ft in diameter, and depending on soil conditions anywhere between feet deep. The actual walls of the pit are only 4' in diameter, and the surrounding area is filled with gravel. The gravel allows for better draining, and helps limit clogging due to excessive dirt contact with the walls. As seen above the pours in the pit allows the water to drain directly in the gravel, which then disperses and is filtered into the soil. With proper septic tank maintenance, pits can last up to years. Typically, pits last about years, but this is due to abuse and improper maintenance. Both compartments of the septic tanks must be pumped every 2-5 years to limit the amount of solids entering the seepage pit. This will ensure a long life for your septic system. Another good idea is to add enzymes, or "Bacteria" which will break down and eat up solids in the tank. The idea is to NOT let solids enter the pit. COPYRIGHT California Pumping & Sanitation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 5

6 Maintaining Your Plumbing The key to avoiding septic and plumbing problems is proper maintenance. Septic systems are designed to last approximately 25 years, therefore the older the system is the more it should be maintained. You change the oil in you car every 3,000 8,000 miles regardless of whether it s giving you problems. This is the same way you should treat your septic system. Pumping A tank should be pumped every 1-4 years, the factor being the age of the system. The older the septic system, the more frequent it should be pumped. Another factor to consider when determining your regular maintenance schedule is usage. A septic system is designed according to the size of the home. Ex: For a 3 bedroom home is designed for about 5 people which needs a 1000 gallon tank.. A 5 bedroom home, designed to fit up to 7 people, would need a larger system. When considering the water consumption, it is IMPORTANT to consider that if the home will be occupied with more than normal use ( i.e. more people than normal) the septic tank should be pumped more often to prevent problems. Therefore: 1. Consider the age of the system 2. Consider the usage 3. Maintain consistently. 4. Any questions, you can always call us. Bacteria Bacteria is a product used to maintain the system. It works as a catalyst in the natural process of decomposition and separation of the solids in the tank. In other words, it helps maintain your system by restoring the natural bacteria in your septic tank that is otherwise absent because of harmful chemicals, such as bleach, that kill the bacteria. Daily use of anti-bacterial products, cleaning products, and laundry soaps kill the bacteria in the tank that is supposed to digest the waste water. A bacterium is added once a month to restore the balance consistently. Hydro-Jetting A clog in the line between the house and the septic tank can many times be a common problem, with a simple solution. It is recommended to clear all lines regularly by hydro-jetting them. Hydro-jetting is a system where pressured water is shot through the line leaving it debris free. Debris can many times cause solids to get stuck in the line, causing a major back up. When the septic tank is cleaned, it is always a good idea to hydro-jet the lines. COPYRIGHT California Pumping & Sanitation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 6

7 Troubleshooting Systems are meant to last a relatively long period of time. But as all things, they also have an expiration date. What are common causes of septic system failure? Although your septic system has just been certified, this is not a guarantee that it will last forever. It is up to you as the home owner to maintain the system properly to avoid any septic issues. A few things to watch out for: 1. Leaking fixtures or overuse of water. Septic systems are designed to handle a specified amount of water. When this limit is exceeded this causes premature failure. 2. Improper Maintenance: Most problems can be prevented through simple maintenance. The idea is to prevent solids from getting into the leech lines, or seepage pits. What are some signs that there may be problems with the septic system? 1. Kitchen or bathroom fixtures are draining slow, or slower than usual. 2. Sewage backing up into the house, or puddeling on the surface of the ground. 3. Damp, muddy soil in certain areas around septic system. 4. Smell of sewage outside. 5. When large amounts of water are used, there is smell in the drains. Any of these signs are a clear indication that further investigation is needed. If you feel that you are experiencing irregular backups, slow drains or other plumbing related issues please call us immediately. COPYRIGHT California Pumping & Sanitation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 7

8 Warranty NEW INSTALLATION SYSTEMS: California Pumping & Sanitation, Inc. offers a ten (10) year structural warranty for the overall structure of the septic tank and septic components installed by our company. With proper maintenance, we expect the system to function for years depending on the usage. For one year from the date of installation, California Pumping & Sanitation, Inc. will repair at no charge any part of the septic system which is defective in material or workmanship, provided that the system has been used for the purpose for which it was designed. The warranty is void if the property owner allows any of the following to occur: WARNING: Only qualified septic installer personnel should ever enter any septic tank or pump tank due to the extreme physical hazard. 1. Failure to allow the septic installer to inspect the system upon request. 2. Evidence that the property owner has opened any part of the septic system without consulting the installer. 3. The septic system was used for a purpose other than that which it was designed for by the permitting Health Department. 4. More water is used than the septic system is designed by the local Health Department to accommodate. 5. Leaky plumbing fixtures are allowed to drain extra water into the septic system, or drain water from gutters, footing drains, or other surface water is directed into the system. 6. Non-decomposable solids such as paper towels, cleansing tissues, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, cigarette filters, coffee grounds, or other similar materials which will not readily decompose with anaerobic bacteria action are discharged into the on-site septic tank. 7. Installation of a subsurface automatic lawn sprinkler system which discharges water over the area of the soil absorption unit of the septic system. 8. Greater than normal amounts of household cleaners are used or harsh chemicals, paints, solvents, oil, or similar materials not typical of domestic sewage are discharged into the septic system. 9. Compounds advertised to benefit the action in a septic tank or to clean the septic tank are added to the system without consulting the septic installer. COPYRIGHT California Pumping & Sanitation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 8

9 10. A garbage disposal/grinder is added to a septic system which is not originally designed to have one. 11. Water using equipment such as a water softener, iron filter, hot tub, etc. are installed without consulting the septic installer. 12. Additional fill or landscaping are placed over the on-site sewage treatment system without the direction of the installer. 13. A lawn grass cover is not maintained over the soil absorption unit of the septic system. 14. Runoff water from roofs, driveways, patios, etc. is allowed to flow over any part of the system. The property owner must notify the septic installer if runoff water is noted to be standing on any part of the system. 15. Vehicles heavier than a riding lawnmower are driven on the soil absorption unit, or heavy foot traffic is allowed over the soil absorption unit. 16. The warranty is also void if the water table rises above the level established by the Health Department at the time of permitting. CERTIFIED SEPTIC SYSTEM This septic system has been inspected and appears to be functioning properly at this time. There does not appear to be any evidence of the system overflowing or back flowing. Therefore, this system is not likely to cause any unsanitary conditions if properly maintained. Note: We cannot guarantee the future operation of the system or its condition, because we cannot control its usage or maintenance. We recommend the septic tank be pumped every two years and seepage pits every four years to promote optimum effectiveness. Use biodegradable detergents, soaps and conserve on the needless use of water, such as running toilets, faucets, etc. Any expansion of the existing residence or occupancy beyond the capability of this system as designed will make it necessary to expand the septic system. The disposal of chemicals or any toxic substance may cause harm to the bacteria in the system, which may in turn restrict the effectiveness of the septic system. COPYRIGHT California Pumping & Sanitation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 9

10 It is the responsibility of the Real Estate Brokers and/or Representative to deliver a copy of this report to both buyer and seller, if required by terms. COPYRIGHT California Pumping & Sanitation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 10

11 About Our Company CPS, Inc. opened up shop in 1993 in Riverside, Ca. The founders, Omar & Iris Broce, began pumping septic tanks. Today, we are still family operated, offering now a complete scope of plumbing, septic and sewer in five counties. We pride ourselves in being upfront, honest, reliable and most of all our friendly customer oriented service. We hold a top A+ rating with the Better Business Rating. Check us out online at COPYRIGHT California Pumping & Sanitation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 11

12 Glossary Main line Main sewer Lateral Clean out Septic tank Primary side (septic tank) Secondary side (septic tank) Risers Manholes Inlet Outlet Baffle Wall Leech Lines Seepage pit Distribution Box Hydro-Jetting Percolation test Certification C-42 C-36 Drain field Cesspool Main sewer line that connects to septic tank, or city sewer. In most cases, a residential main line, also known as building main sewer line, is a 4" pvc/abs pipe. Main sewer refers to the public sewer line that runs down a street and is owned by the city/county jurisdiction where the line is located. This line feeds into the public sewer A lateral is a branch of a main sewer line extending to the property line. In other words, it is where the public sewer line is cut and teed off to feed an individual property into the main sewer line. 4" pipe that is capped off an used as access to a main line in case of drain clogs or needed access to main line. You can usually find this pipe 6" - 2 feet from the wall of your house and is usually a black pipe. Although, ironically enough, this pipe is called a "clean-out" it is not an access pipe for the septic tank. Septic tanks are made of concrete, fiberglass, metal, or plastic. Refer to section titled "How septic system work" for in-depth review of septic tanks. First chamber of septic tank. Please refer to section titles "How Septic Systems Work" for in depth review of septic tanks. Second chamber of septic tank. Please refer to section titles "how septic systems work" for in depth review of septic tanks. Plastic or concrete rings that extend the access to septic tank lids to grade that ensure appropriate cleaning and provide easy access to septic tank. Commonly known as the sewer manholes in public streets. These are also used to provide access to septic tanks that may be under concrete patios or driveways. Pipe that serves as an entry way for all waste water into septic tank. Please refer to "How Septic Systems Work" for in-depth review of septic tanks and septic systems. Pipe that serves an outlet for all waste water from house into septic tank. Please refer to "How Septic Systems Work" for in-depth review of septic tanks and septic systems. Wall that divides septic tank into (2) chambers, known as primary side and secondary side. Please refer to section titled "How Septic Systems Work" for in-depth review of septic tanks and septic systems. A type of drain field that consists of 4" perforated pipe that lays on gravel that follows the septic tank and is used to drain excess water into the soil. Please refer to section titled "How Septic Systems Work" for in-depth review of leech lines and septic systems. A type of drain fiend that consists of a well-like structure that follows the septic tank whose purpose is to drain excess water from the septic tank into the soil. A small box that may priced a set of any type of drain field. Water will flow from the septic tank to the "d-box" and distribute evenly between manly leech lines, or various pits. This is used to regulate flow evenly amongst many lines so not one individual line is overused. Service very similar to drain cleaning, with the exception that this is very high pressured water that will clear out any line of all grease build up and debris. This eliminates odors associated with old build up in lines as well as prevents any type of blockage or clogs. A test performed by a geological engineer who determines the soil conditions for an individual property and determines the appropriate size drain field. This test is usually required by city/county jurisdictions Ex: Clay soil is non-absorbent and will need a larger drain field than areas where soil is primarily sand and very absorbent. A certification is a document that states that a septic system has been inspected by a C-42 licensed contractor and was found to be in working order at the time of inspection. This service is a basic requirement for most real estate transactions. C-42 represents the type of license a contractor holds within the state he is licensed for. C-42 specifically represents those classified for septic and sanitation sewers. C-36 represents the type of license a contractor holds within the state he is licensed for. C-36 specifically represents those classified for the plumbing. Any type of system which follows a septic tank and whose primary function is to drain excess water into the soil. Common drain fields are: leech lines and seepage pits. Please refer to section titled "How Septic Systems Work" for in-depth review of septic tanks and septic systems. See seepage pit. COPYRIGHT California Pumping & Sanitation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 12

13 My Septic System & Certification Now that you have the knowledge, it s time to introduce to you your septic system. Enclosed you will find your original septic certification, read this very carefully making note of the size and type of system. Also make mental note of the age of your system to determine the appropriate maintenance schedule you should follow.: Service Every 2 Years Empty Septic Tank Bacteria Treatment Monthly Remember septic tanks are located under the ground, more or less 2-4 ft from the ground surface. Whenever you dig out the lids, make sure you dig both primary and secondary lids out. Septic tank lids will typically look like this: To avoid digging in the future, give us a call to request an estimate for risers to grade. This will avoid reoccurring digging costs. COPYRIGHT California Pumping & Sanitation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 13