When is a septic system used?

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Claribel Gardner
5 years ago
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2 When is a septic system used? When Public Sewer is not available Connecting to public sewer is not cost effective

3 Components of a septic system Primary Treatment Septic Tank Aerobic Treatment Unit (rarely in Scott County) Secondary Treatment Drainfield Sandfilter

4 Primary Treatment Septic Tanks Septic Tanks Provides for settling of wastewater. Allows for anaerobic bacterial breakdown.

5 What happens inside the septic Tank? Wastewater enters the tank and starts to break down into 3 layers.

6 Septic Tank Layers Sludge Layer: consists of heavier solids which settle to the bottom of the tank. Scum Layer: consists of fats, oils, grease, toilet paper, soap, etc. These are lighter than the liquid layer. Liquid Layer: consists of water, suspended solids, and other liquids. (also referred to as the effluent)

7 Components of a septic tank Center Baffle

8 Function of each component Inlet Baffle directs wastewater towards the bottom of the tank. Center baffle retains the majority of the sludge and scum layers in the first compartment. This allows the effluent that passes through, more settling time before leaving the tank. Outlet Baffle allows only the effluent level to leave the tank.

9 Primary Treatment - Aerobic Treatment Units There are many brands on the market. There are 2 main brands you will find in Scott County: Multi - Flo Jet, Inc.

10 Multi - Flo Filter Socks

11 Jet Systems Pre-Treatment Area

12 Secondary Treatment - Drainfield Used after septic tank Most economical type of system. Allows the soil to treat the effluent. Naturally occurring microorganisms consume the organic matter and some pathogens. The soils tie up viruses and nutrients before they can reach groundwater.

13 Gravel Drainfield

14 Chamber Drainfield 12 Height

15 Layout of a drainfield Drainfield

16 Secondary Treatment - Sandfilter Used mainly after a septic tank, but can be used following an ATU when there are no other options. Installed where a drainfield is not possible. Poor Soils Lack of usable area on property

17 Cross Section of a sandfilter Gravel or Crushed Stone 4 PVC PERF. (3 ON CENTER) Filtration 8 Sand 24 Sand IDOT CONCRETE SAND 8 GLS (6 ON CENTER)

18 Sandfilter Function Leaves the tank and is distributed via the distribution lines above the sand. Filters through a 24 layer of sand. Filtered effluent is collected by the collection lines below the sand layer. Final discharge will pass through a sampling port then to the ground surface.

19 Monitoring of Sandfilters Since sandfilters have an open discharge, this discharge must be monitored annually. There are approximately 1200 systems designed to discharge in Scott County. Discharges that are within 100 of a water of the state must also have a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, which is issued by the DNR.

20 Maintenance A septic system which use a septic tank for its primary treatment, has very little maintenance required. Pumping of the tank every 3 to 5 years is all that is required. This is to prevent a large build up of solids which can eventually find its way out to the secondary area.

21 Maintenance A system which use an Aerobic Treatment Unit will require much more maintenance. A maintenance contract must be in place at all times with the manufacturer. Needs to be serviced twice a year. Mechanical components which can fail.

22 What can a homeowner do to properly operate a system? Aside from routine maintenance: Conserve water by using low flow fixtures. Make sure there are no leaking fixtures. divert water away from the area of the septic system. Only put biodegradable products into the system.

23 What can a homeowner do to properly operate a system? Do not drive over the septic system. Do not use additives: they are not necessary and can possibly harm the system. Spread out high flow events such as laundry.

24 Failing systems All systems will eventually fail over time. Average life of a properly designed system is around years. Some older systems were not designed properly and would be considered illegal discharges. Examples would be old farm houses or rural properties that were installed prior to rgulation.

25 How are failing systems found? Concerned homeowners who have noticed problems with their existing system. Complaints from someone who has noticed a suspected failure. Inspection of an existing system due to a home sale.

26 Signs of failure Backing up into the home.

27 Signs of failure Ponding on the ground surface.

28 Signs of failure Open discharge of sewage.

29 What to do when a failure is suspected Contact a septic contractor. Can help diagnose the problem. Can offer suggestions on repair or replacement

30 What to do when a failure is suspected Contact the health department. We can offer guidance. Provide information on contractors. Provide design specifications, sizing requirements, etc.

31 Financial assistance available DNR provides assistance via their Onsite Wastewater Systems Assistance Program (OSWAP) Offers low interest loans to homeowners in unincorporated areas. 3% loan for amounts between $ $10000 for a maximum repayment period of 10 years.

32 Questions?? Jack Hoskins

Education on Common Household Sewage Treatment Systems Found In Allen County, OH

Education on Common Household Sewage Treatment Systems Found In Allen County, OH The Allen County Public Health Environmental Health Division would like to provide you with diagrams of some common, discontinued