HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.07 ISDSAPPENDIX G
INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE
OPERATION and MAINTENANCE GUIDE
PREPARED BY:
Gamba & Associates, Inc.
INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
The following tips and suggestions are intended to increase the useful life of your engineered
sewage disposal system and to prevent disposal system failure due to neglect and abuse.
MINIMIZE THE LIQUIDS
Wastewater that enters the system can be minimized by practicing water conservation practices
within your home. The less wastewater you produce, the less wastewater there will be to treat
and dispose.
1. Repair leaky fixtures. Check the toilet by dropping food coloring dye in the tank
and see if it shows up in the bowl prior to flushing.
2. Wash clothes only when you have a full load.
3. Take short showers instead of baths. Don't turn on the shower all the way and
turn it off while lathering.
4. Install and use water saving fixtures and devices in your bathrooms, laundry
rooms and kitchens.
5. Do not let the water run while washing, shaving, brushing teeth, rinsing
vegetables, dishes, etc. Use a stoppered basin where possible.
6. Provide adequate drainage around the engineered system area to divert surface
runoff from higher ground during storms or winter snowmelt.
MINIMIZE THE SOLIDS
Septic systems are "anaerobic" treatment systems. Digestion of solid materials is very slow and
requires air or "aerobic" conditions to "disappear ". The less material you put into the system,
the Tess often it will require pumping. A good rule to follow is:
"Don't use your septic system for anything that can be disposed of in some other
way"
CLARK SUBDIVISION
February 18, 2002
1. Avoid using a garbage disposal. Throw out scraps and other garbage with the
trash.
2. Collect grease in a container rather than pouring it down the sink.
3. Minimize the disposal of paper products into the system. Non - degradable items
such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tissues, cigarette butts and paper
towels are especially harmful to the system.
4. Only three things should go into the septic tank:
Human Wastes;
Toilet Paper; and
Water.
5. Ordinary household chemicals (bleaches, detergents & soaps) will not hurt the
bacteria in your system when not used in excessive amounts.
6. DO NOT DISPOSE OILS, PAINTS, THINNERS OR OTHER TOXIC LIQUIDS
INTO YOUR SYSTEM.
SEPTIC TANK ADDITIVES
Advertised chemical additives, bacteria, enzymes, etc. do not help solids breakdown in the
septic tank and should not be used to reduce the need for pumping the septic tank.
REGULAR INSPECTIONS
Septic Tank:
To inspect the septic tank, remove the manhole cover at the inlet end of the tank. Use a
shovel to push the scum layer away from the side of the tank and estimate it's thickness.
If the scum layer is 12" thick or more, arrange to have the septic tank pumped
immediately. Replace the cover and wash off the shovel and your hands.
For an average 3 or 4 bedroom residence, the pumping interval for the septic tank is
usually between 2 and 4 years. Annual inspection of the septic tank should become part
of your overall home maintenance routine.
Dosing Tank or Pump Station:
To inspect the dosing tank, follow the same instructions for the septic tank. However,
there should not be a scum layer or sediments inside the tank. Check to see if the water
level markings are consistent on the side of the tank. Variability indicates that the siphon
or effluent pump is not operating properly. If the water level is near the top of the
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CLARK SUBDIVISION
February 18, 2002
markings, wait for the siphon or pump to operate and watch for problems. The siphon
has an overflow pipe in which the effluent will flow out of the tank by gravity. Should this
be occurring, have the tank pumped and check the siphon openings to see if they are
plugged.
Filter Mound or Trench:
Check the observation tubes regularly. Standing water near the same elevation as the
natural soil surface (or higher) may be an indication of trouble.
Look for seepage or excessive wetness near the base of the filter mound or trench area.
SUMMARY
A general inspection of the septic tank, dosing tank (or pump station), filter mound or trench
area should be made each year. These inspections are best made during the wet season of the
year. If these items are not routinely inspected, solids can carry over into the disposal areas
from the septic tank and clog the system resulting in system failure and health hazard risk. In
areas with potentially high ground water, the septic tank should be pumped during low water
months such as September, October, and November. Pumping during high water months may
cause the septic tank to float out of the ground.
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