Maintenance Is Key To Septic System Survival

Date: Fri 29-Mar-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

garden-home-spetic-systems

Full Text:

Maintenance Is Key To Septic System Survival

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

If a septic system is properly installed and maintained, it is very efficient

and reliable, according to the Newtown District Department of Health.

Among other health-related matters, the health department is responsible for

reviewing the design, construction and proper maintenance of septic systems in

the Town and Borough of Newtown.

"We recommend water conservation" to prolong the life of a septic system, said

Kathleen M. Purches, the department's director of environmental health.

To ensure a well-running septic system, homeowners must adhere to other basic

maintenance practices including: not disposing of any harmful substances in

the system; inspecting the system annually; and pumping it regularly.

Groundwater pollution problems stemming from clusters of septic system

failures caused the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to

order the town to build a more than $30 million municipal sewer system for the

Borough, Sandy Hook Center, and a portion of the Taunton Pond area. A

combination of relatively small building lots, poorly drained soils, the

presence of rock ledge near the ground's surface, and high groundwater levels

contributed to the pollution problems. Besides the traffic disruptions caused

by sewer system construction, sewer system users and town taxpayers will be

paying for the sewer system for the next 20 years.

So, it makes sense to maintain septic systems for environmental as well as

financial reasons. Otherwise, sewering might be needed in an area with septic

system failures.

Precautionary Steps

The health department recommends that septic system users practice water

conservation measures such as staggering their laundry days to limit water

use. Leaking faucets and toilets should be repaired. Excess water in a septic

system can cut its longevity. A well-maintained septic system can last 20 to

25 years while a neglected system that isn't maintained can fail in three to

five years, or less, according to the health department.

Septic systems are designed to dispose of the wastewater created by normal

domestic water use and shouldn't be used as garbage disposals or dumping

points for petroleum-based chemicals.

The health department warns there are certain substances that should never be

poured into a septic system. These include: excess water from overly heavy

laundering, fats, greases, cooking oils, garbage, vegetable peelings, coffee

grounds, excessive bleach, disposable diapers, paper towels, sanitary napkins,

condoms, disinfectants, drain cleaners, paints, paint thinners, antifreeze,

motor oil, gasoline, pesticides, hazardous wastes, non-biodegradable

detergents and cleaners, photographic chemicals, water softener backwash,

soil, kitty litter, and cigarette butts.

The health department warns that the regular inspection and pumping of septic

tanks is "critical" to keeping a septic system running well. New septic

systems should have their accumulated waste solids pumped out every three to

five years, depending on the condition of the system and its level of usage.

In order to get a system pumped out, the owner should go the health department

office on the lower level of Town Hall South at 3 Main Street to obtain a copy

of his or her "septic as-built" map so that the septic system's septic tank

and distribution boxes can be located on the property.

The department says a recommended and licensed septic pumping firm should be

hired to do the work. Homeowners should observe the pumping as it's being done

and discuss the system's condition with the pumper. Homeowners should keep

records on the system's location and its pumping history.

The health department warns that homeowners should never enter a septic tank.

Accumulated toxic methane gas and hydrogen sulfide gas in a septic tank can

cause death in a matter of minutes.

The health department urges that homeowners regularly check the area around

the septic tank and the septic leaching fields, especially in the spring when

groundwater levels are high. Wet areas, patches of exceptionally green grass,

and bad odors are signs of septic trouble. If water drains slowly from

plumbing fixtures in the house, it signifies a blockage which may ultimately

cause sewage backups into the house. Consult the health department if such

problems arise.

The department urges against parking automobiles and other heavy vehicles in

the septic system area because excessive weight can break system components.

Water draining off of roofs and driveways, as well as surface runoff, should

be diverted away from the septic system. Footing drain discharges and sump

pump discharges also should be diverted from the septic system.

To prevent problems, the health department urges property owners to hire

licensed professionals to repair their septic systems and that all necessary

health department permits be obtained to repair systems.

The town's Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) is seeking state approval

for a loan/grant program which would financially help property owners with

failing septic systems outside the town's sewer district to either repair the

systems or replace them.

Besides its work to get a municipal sewer system installed in the sewer

district, the WPCA also works to keep the district from expanding by pursuing

on-site corrections of septic system failures.