Enter your search terms Submit search form Web www.siteforarticles.com

Print | Send To Friends | Add To Favorites | Comment

All About Septic Systems By: New Jersey Home Inspector Michael Del Greco Article Word Count: 508 words  [Comments (0)] Total Views: 2 Views

All About Septic Systems Submitted by: Michael Del Greco Accurate Inspections, Inc Septic systems are a \"dirty\" topic, but one that should at least be understood by homeowners. Here\'s an overview of how your septic system operates as well as preventative maintenance steps you can implement. The Way A Typical Residential System Works 1. The waste from the house goes into the tank and the anaerobiotic bacteria breaks down approximately 65% to 70% of the solid waste. Anaerobiotic bacteria develop when air is not present (Most common type system). Aerobic bacteria develop in the presence of air and would break down 90% to 95% of the solid waste. 2. The liquid waste is called effluent and normally goes into the leaching fields at the same rate that you use the system. Example: If five gallons of waste goes into the tank (liquids and solids), five gallons of effluent goes into the leaching fields. 3. The effluent goes into a distribution box that is installed level so that each leaching bed receives the same amount of effluent. 4. When the effluent goes into the leaching fields it is absorbed by the soil. The Parts of a Septic System 1. Concrete or steel tank (1,000 gallon is typical) a. With maintenance, a concrete tank will typically last 40 to 50 years. b. Steel tanks typically last 20 to 30 years. These were last installed in the middle 1960s.) c. The tank has inlet and outlet pipes and baffles to separate scum/grease from the effluent that goes into the leaching fields. 2. Leaching fields a. Stone beds with a perforated pie (in most cases). b. Sand mounds are only needed if the soil does not \"perk\" (see \"perk\" explanation below). Maintenance Suggestions 1. A septic tank should be pumped out every 24 to 36 months (average family of four people). 2. A clean out should be installed if there is none. Other Information 1. Do not use a garbage disposal when you have a septic system or cess pool because it will dilute the biological farm (deplete bacteria activity). Note: Photographic chemicals, paint or grease that are disposed into the system will tend to shorten the life of the septic system. 2. \"Perkability\" is the rate at which the soil will absorb water. Check with the local authorities for the acceptable rate. You should test about eight times or until the readings become stable. Note: Perkability tests are performed before a system can be installed. 3. The tighter the soil is, the shorter the life of the leaching fields and the less the soil will \"perk\". 4. Leaching fields are not to be below 3\'. 5. Cost for a new septic system is approximately several thousand dollars depending on the conditions. An elevated sand mound could be an additional $3,000 to $5,000. 6. Adding yeast to a septic tank to help the bacteria activity is a myth. Human waste will produce ample amounts of anaerobiotic bacteria. Information provided by Michael Del Greco, New Jersey Home Inspector Lic. GI 0121, American Society of Home Inspectors Member 102273, Pesident of Accurate Inspections, Inc. A West Paterson New Jersey Home Inspection firm.

Print | Send To Friends | Add To Favorites | Comment

Related articles

Synthetic Grass: An Increasingly Popular Alternative for the Yard By: Allen Wilson - As Australia’s severe drought has turned many green, lush gardens and yards into brown, lifeless dustbowls, an increasing number of Australian homeowners are turning to synthetic turf as a viable solution.
 
Build a Rain Garden By: JD McGuire - Build a Rain Garden There's a new garden in town.
 
Bonsai Trees By: Andrew Green - What are Bonsai trees? Many people think of tiny little Japanese trees cut and pruned to a miniature size but literally speaking Bonsai means ‘plant in a tray’ and while they are smaller than their wild counterparts they don’t have to be a couple of inches tall; they can be grown in a pot in the garden and will be smaller than their wild counterparts.
 
Lawnmowers Guide And How To Save Time Installing Synthetic Turf In A Tennis Court By: Mr.Andrew Caxton - Why install synthetic turf instead of real lawn? Most of the following steps are not required when you choose to install synthetic surfaces rather than a traditional one.
 
5 Steps To A Better Lawn And Garden By: George Chapman - If youÂ’re lucky enough to have a lawn with a good topsoil base, much of the hard work of keeping a lawn beautiful is already done for you.
 
6 Indoor Plants That Love The Dark: A Tip From The Garden Center Nursery By: Flor Buenaventura - It was a long search that took me more than ten years.
 
Bonsai Care By: -JD - What are the basics of effective Bonsai care.
 
Using Popular Rose Varieties In Your Garden By: Steven Hall - When many people think of gardening, their thoughts turn first to roses, and there is no wonder.
 
A Beginners Guide To Garden Bridges By: Charles and Susan Truett - Just because you dont have huge, elaborate gardens does not mean you cant accentuate what you do have with l garden bridges.
 
Why Teak Wood is so Popular as Garden Furniture By: tobody - Why is Teak Wood so Popular? As the days go by, teak is becoming rarer, harder to acquire and more expensive to own.
 
Amazing Artemisias By: Susun Weed - WHO IS ARTEMIS? Amazonian moon goddess.
 
Handcrafted Garden Bridges Builds Traditional Arched Span Bridges with Modern Flair By: joeguraro - Though handcrafted wooden bridges have been used for many centuries for things such as draw bridges, spanning crevices, creeks, ponds, gulleys and anything from dips to depressions, a California-based custom bridge maker is currently receiving international recognition for spanning the divide between traditional to modern bridge making.
 
Reliable Lawn Mowers For Healthy Gardens By: A.Caxton - Learn how lawn mowers are able to save time when mowing around your beautiful garden.
 
Make A Coffee Can Herb Garden By: Katelyn Thomas - If you drink a lot of coffee, you probably have quite a few metal coffee cans on hand.
 
Flowers Are A Great Gift By: Alan Jason Smith - Flowers are a great gift, useful in home decoration or in landscaping.