The average indoor water use in a typical single-family home is nearly 70 gallons per individual, per day. making adjustments to the basic controls of the system. In those situations, mound systems are built, where engineered fill is placed on the native ground and the septic field goes into the top of the mound. The mound is covered with topsoil and seeded with grass, and more of the water escapes through transpiration and evaporation. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. This clear “effluent” is transported to the drainfield through a series of boxes and pipes where it is absorbed into the ground and ultimately returned to the groundwater. For septic tank cleaning or pumping, give us a call at 804.232.6774. If the soil is not suitable for a conventional system due to the inherent limitations, then an alternative system is the next choice. We are available during our normal business hours: Monday-Friday, 8am to 4:30pm. Regular, preventative maintenance will not only diagnose potential problems, but will also help homeowners save money on repairs by catching them early before they become serious. Since then, treatment and disposal technology has become more advanced and concern for the public health and environment has become forefront. Once the raw sewage enters the septic tank, it is held in a relatively still environment for a period of time where the sewage separates into layers and natural bacteria digest organic matter and pathogens. They tend to be less expensive than the media filters at installation, but require regular maintenance and adjustments to perform properly. An aerobic treatment system is a type of alternative system. These bacteria anaerobic and require little or no oxygen to survive. 2. When the sewage leaves the tank, it is cleaner and clearer than when it started. Faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restrictors help reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system. Your septic tank includes a T-shaped outlet which prevents sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling to the drainfield area. National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline toll-free at 800-624-8301. A service contract is important since alternative systems have mechanized parts. EPA’s WaterSense program has many simple ways to save water and water-efficient products. Don’t put chemicals, paints, food scraps, grease, or other solids down the drain. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. The remaining solids accumulate in the distribution system and the drainfield, clogging these components indefinitely. But, with the proper use, operation and maintenance, these systems can perform at a high level for many years. Other Energy Star appliances provide significant energy and water savings. Here’s how: Be careful of what you send through the system. Conventional systems are  treatment works with septic tanks and gravity or pumped conveyance to gravity-distributed subsurface drainfield. © 2015–2020 Lyttle Companies. At the most basic level (and this applies to pretty much every type of septic system), avoid pouring oil, grease and chemicals down the sink or flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet. Click Here to read all about why alternative septic systems require a contract. Trash tanks require pumping-out every 2 years. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. Your drainfield—a component of your septic system that removes contaminants from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank—is an important part of your septic system. The service provider should note repairs completed and the tank condition in your system’s service report. How do you maintain Mound Septic Systems? All of the water that goes down your drains or your toilet ends up in your septic system… Try to spread washing machine use throughout the week. Maintaining a septic system is rather simple. Prior to the advent of engineered systems, the owner of a septic system needed only to follow best practice by cleaning the septic tank every 3-5 years. If they are maintained well despite this, they generally last around 25 to 30 years. The greatest advantage of a conventional system is its simplicity. Also direct outside water away from the... Don’t flush chemicals, grease, trash. If you have an alternative septic system, by regulation, you must have that system serviced annually (at a minimum) by a licensed alternative septic system operator. An easy rule of thumb: Do not flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper. The septic tank removes about 50-60% of the total suspended solids before the effluent leaves the tank for the drainfield. There are four main components: Avoid excess water. Good alternative septic system maintenance includes having the system routinely inspected, adjusted and pumped, as necessary, to prevent. A residential septic tank system differs from a municipal sewer system in that the homeowner is directly responsible for the septic system maintenance. After all, the main purpose of a shower is to clean yourself. A properly functioning aerobic system should have no objectionable odors, only a musty smell. An official website of the United States government. Just a single leaky or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water per day. One disadvantage is that aerobic bacteria require constant aeration and organic loading for survival, so lengthy power outages or inconsistent usage can harm bacterial colonies causing bad odors. Some alternative septic systems utilize a combination of anaerobic, aerobic, and packed bed media methods. A residential septic tank system differs from a municipal sewer system in that the homeowner is directly responsible for the septic system maintenance. Here are a few ways your can minimize the wear and tear on your septic … Never flush: Flushing Toilet Paper!Exit Septic system maintenance is not complicated, and it does not need to be expensive. Septic systems in Virginia are typically separated into two main categories: conventional and alternative. These bacteria release methane gas and hydrogen sulfide during their digestion process, which explains the strong odors that emanate from an open septic tank or vent pipe.

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