Columbus Ohio Home Inspection Pros ®
Septic Systems
Septic systems treat and disperse relatively small volumes
of wastewater from individual or small numbers of homes and
commercial buildings. Septic system regulation is usually a
state, tribal, and local responsibility. EPA provides
information to homeowners and assistance to state and local
governments to improve the management of septic systems to
prevent failures that could harm human health and water
quality.
Information for Homeowners
If your septic tank failed, or you know someone whose did,
you are not alone. As a homeowner, you are responsible for
maintaining your septic system. Proper septic system
maintenance will help keep your system from failing and will
help maintain your investment in your home. Failing septic
systems can contaminate the ground water that you or your
neighbors drink and can pollute nearby rivers, lakes and
coastal waters.
Ten simple steps you can take to keep your septic system
working properly.
- 1. Locate your septic tank and drain field. Keep a drawing of these locations in your records.
- 2. Have your septic system inspected at least every three years.
- 3. Pump your septic tank as needed (generally every three to five years).
- 4. Don't dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets.
- 5. Keep other household items, such as dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, and cat litter out of your system.
- 6. Use water efficiently.
- 7. Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the system. Also, do not apply manure or fertilizers over the drain field.
- 8. Keep vehicles and livestock off your septic system. The weight can damage the pipes and tank, and your system may not drain properly under compacted soil.
- 9. Keep gutters and basement sump pumps from draining into or near your septic system.
- 10. Check with your local health department before using additives. Commercial septic tank additives do not eliminate the need for periodic pumping and can be harmful to your system.
How does it work?
A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe
from the home, a septic tank, a drain field, and the soil.
Microbes in the soil digest or remove most contaminants from
wastewater before it eventually reaches groundwater. The
septic tank is a buried, watertight container typically made
of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It holds the
wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out
(forming sludge) and oil and grease to float to the surface
(as scum). It also allows partial decomposition of the solid
materials. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet in the septic
tank prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and
traveling into the drain field area. Screens are also
recommended to keep solids from entering the drain field.
The wastewater exits the septic tank and is discharged into
the drain field for further treatment by the soil.
Microorganisms in the soil provide final treatment by
removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients.
Your septic system is your responsibility!
Did you know that as a homeowner you're responsible for
maintaining your septic system? Did you know that
maintaining your septic system protects your investment in
your home? Did you know that you should periodically inspect
your system and pump out your septic tank? If properly
designed, constructed, and maintained, your septic system
can provide long-term, effective treatment of household
wastewater. If your septic system isn't maintained, you
might need to replace it, costing you thousands of dollars.
A malfunctioning system can contaminate groundwater that
might be a source of drinking water. And if you sell your
home, your septic system must be in good working order.
Pump frequently...
You should have your septic system inspected at least every
3 years by a professional and your tank pumped as necessary
(generally every 3 to 5 years).
Use water efficiently...
Average indoor water use in the typical single-family home
is almost 70 gallons per person per day. Dripping faucets
can waste about 2,000 gallons of water each year. Leaky
toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons each day. The more
water a household conserves, the less water enters the
septic system.
Flush responsibly...
Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers,
cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter,
paper towels, and other kitchen and bathroom items can clog
and potentially damage septic system components. Flushing
household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze
and paint can stress or destroy the biological treatment
taking place in the system or might contaminate surface
waters and groundwater.
How do I maintain my septic system?
Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots
from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the drain
field.
Don't drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic
system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drain field or
damage the pipes, tank, or other septic system components.
Keep roof drains, basement sump pump drains, and other
rainwater or surface water drainage systems away from the
drain field. Flooding the drain field with excessive water
slows down or stops treatment processes and can cause
plumbing fixtures to back up.
Why should I maintain my septic system?
A key reason to maintain your septic system is to save
money! Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or
replace, and poor maintenance is often the culprit. Having
your septic system inspected (at least every 3 years) is a
bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire
system. Your system will need pumping every 3 to 5 years,
depending on how many people live in the house and the size
of the system. An unusable septic system or one in disrepair
will lower your property's value and could pose a legal
liability. Other good reasons for safe treatment of sewage
include preventing the spread of infection an disease and
protecting water resources. Typical pollutants in household
wastewater are nitrogen phosphorus, and disease-causing
bacteria and viruses. Nitrogen and phosphorus are aquatic
plant nutrients that can cause unsightly algae blooms.
Excessive nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water can cause
pregnancy complications, as well as methemoglobinemia (also
known as blue baby syndrome) in infancy. Pathogens can cause
communicable diseases through direct or indirect body
contact or ingestion of contaminated water or shellfish. If
a septic system is working properly, it will effectively
remove most of these pollutants.
Contents
PATCH
Independent Home Inspections, LLC
Serving Columbus and Central Ohio
Rick A. Harrington
13514 Falmouth Ave
Pickerington, Ohio 43147
(614) 565-4962
(614) 768-1190 fax
Home Inspections
Thermal Imaging (Infrared)
Central Ohio Certified Home Inspections
