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Individual Sewage Systems DO's and DON'Ts

Individual Sewage Disposal Systems

Importance of Maintenance

A septic tank system will serve a home satisfactorily only if the system is properly designed, installed and maintained. A neglected or abused system may result in liquid waste overflow to the ground surface or stopped-up plumbing in the home. Overflows not only create offensive odors, but are also health hazards. Sewage may contain infectious organisms and are prime breeding places for some kinds of mosquitoes and other insects.

The Septic Process

The septic tank is a watertight structure in which organic solids are decomposed by natural bacterial processes. Sewage flow is slowed within the tank to allow solids to settle to the bottom (sludge) and to allow grease and floatable solids to rise to the surface and accumulate (scum). Bacteria biologically converts some of the solids to liquid. Liquid from the middle layer of the tank passes out of the tank to a subsurface leach field for absorption into the soil. Build-up of solids (sludge and scum) within the tank will eventually result in an overflow of solid material into the soil absorption area. This overflow will cause clogging in the absorption field area and may result in system failure (ponding sewage and/or backed-up plumbing).

The DO’s of Septic Tank Maintenance

  • Use water sparingly. Do only full loads of wash at off-peak times and try to limit the number of loads per day.

  • Limit use of garbage disposals. Ground-up foods are hard on septic systems since they are not digested by the human body first.

  • Remove solids from the septic tank by periodic pumping. Pumping frequency will depend on the size of the tank and the number of persons using the system. A 1,000-gallon system serving a four-person family will typically require cleaning every two to three years.

  • Fix all plumbing leaks as soon as possible. A leaking faucet or toilet can overload the septic system.

  • To facilitate cleaning and maintenance, the homeowner should have a diagram showing the locations of all septic system components with relation to the house. The diagram should be passed to subsequent owners if the house is sold.

The DON’T s of Septic Tank Maintenance

  • Do not plant deep-rooted plants (trees, shrubs) within ten feet of the septic system.

  • Don’t pour kitchen grease into drains.

  • Do not flush cigarette butts, sanitary napkins or other inorganic material down the toilet.

  • Don’t drive over the septic system. Most septic tanks and sewer piping are not designed to support the weight of an automobile. In addition, compacting the soil over an absorption field will increase the likelihood of premature failure.

  • Don’t ignore the warning signs of problems. Contact a licensed septic system repair company at the first sign of trouble (found in the yellow pages under “septic”).

Warning Signs of Septic System Failure

  • Sluggish drains or plumbing back-ups in the home.

  • Outdoor odors.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION

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Phone: 217-373-7900 or 217-363-3269
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201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign, IL 61820

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