If you live in an area without sewerage, it is advisable to install a septic tank for the safe and hygienic treatment of household wastewater. To avoid potential problems and to ensure a long lifespan for the septic tank, certain usage and maintenance rules must be followed.
Where Can a Septic Tank Be Installed? This is probably the first question for anyone planning to have a septic tank. It can be installed in the yard, near the house, but it is best to avoid the following areas:
- Spaces where vehicles can compact the soil;
- Areas where trees with strong roots can damage the tank or pipes in the drainage field;
- Near potable water sources or lakes;
- Flood-prone areas – components of the tank can be damaged;
- Steep slopes or areas with dry soil – the water that drains needs to stay in the soil for a period for optimal decomposition;
- Near buildings that may require repairs.
Once the septic tank is installed, the owner must ensure proper maintenance for it to function correctly. Every 1-3 years, it needs to be inspected for any issues and to pump out the solid materials that have accumulated over time and which bacteria could not decompose. If pumping is not done at appropriate intervals, there is a risk that the septic tank will no longer be able to treat household waste, leading it to the drainage field and then into the soil. This can cause additional expenses and there is a risk of groundwater contamination. If groundwater gets contaminated, it affects the health of those around and harms the environment. Additionally, for proper pumping, it is important to call specialized professionals.
To avoid frequent pumping, bioactivators – microorganisms that digest solid matter in the septic tank and turn it into sludge or completely eliminate it – can be introduced into the septic tank. This makes the pumping process less frequent and reduces maintenance costs. The action of bioactivators can be interrupted or even completely stopped due to cleaning products and cosmetics we use that end up in the septic tank. Therefore, it would be ideal to switch from conventional products to eco-friendly cosmetics and cleaning products.
Another factor that can affect the septic tank is water consumption. High water consumption reduces the settling time of solid materials and can affect the biological process of wastewater treatment. As a result, a large amount of solid matter can reach the drainage field. It is advisable not to use water excessively and to repair pipes and fittings that may have leaks, and water that drains into the soil should be directed away from the septic tank to not affect soil permeability.
These problems do not occur randomly; there are certain signs that warn us something is wrong with the septic tank:
- Water pools above the drainage field;
- There are many plants above the drainage field because of the excess water they absorb;
- Water drains slowly from the sink;
- Sewage backups in the bathroom;
- Unpleasant odors in the house and around the house;
- Excessive algae growth in nearby pastures.