Расстояние от септика забора: СНиП и норма СанПиН в ИЖС и СНТ по закону

Расстояние от септика Топас до дома по нормам СНиП

Место расположения септика на участке закреплено строительными нормами СНИП 2.04.03–85 «Канализация. Наружные сети и сооружения». В этом документе четко прописано, на каком расстоянии от дома, скважины для питьевой воды, соседнего участка и проезжей части нужно устанавливать септик.

Во избежание размывания фундамента жилого строения и проникновения в помещения канализационного смрада наименьшее расстояние между домом и септиком должно составлять не меньше 5 м. Это условие касается в первую очередь дренажных канав и полей аэрации. Сам Топас может устанавливаться в 2-3 метрах от стены дома. Он работает практически бесшумно, не выделяет неприятных запахов и для его обслуживания не требуется ассенизационная машина, поэтому не создаст дискомфорта для жильцов а также соседей.

Расстояние от септика до скважины или колодца

Смешение бытовых стоков с питьевой водой недопустимо, так как может серьезно навредить здоровью людей. Поэтому расстояние от септика до скважины или колодца также строго регламентируется. Если грунт на участке песчаный или глинистый, быстро впитывающий влагу, оно должно быть не меньше 50 метров. Если источник чистой воды располагается выше по направлению потока грунтовых вод, достаточным считается расстояние в 30 и более метров. Стоит заметить — сам ТОПАС герметичен, поэтому следует рассматривать расстояние от точки водозабора питьевой воды до точки выброса очищенных стоков в дренажный колодец либо в ливневую канаву.Аэрационная станция имеет очень высокую степень очистки (до 98%), стоки теряют склонность к загниванию, поэтому не требует устройства инфильтраторов либо поля фильтрации как например энергонезависимые септики. Поэтому от водозаборного до дренажного колодца достаточно 10-15 м.

Расстояние от септика до соседнего участка и сада

Устанавливая септик, помните, что рядом с вами живут другие люди. Вряд ли соседи обрадуются, если ваша канализация будет пролегать вплотную с их участком. Если вы ещё только собираетесь застраивать территорию, то лучше все нюансы обговорить заранее и разрабатывать план совместно. Это позволит избежать конфликтных ситуаций. Если же речь идет об устройстве удобств в жилом доме, то следует руководствоваться СНИП. По ним расстояние от вашего септика до соседнего участка не должно быть меньше 2 метров. От плодовых деревьев до места установки очистных систем требуется оставить 4 метра. Их можно засадить влаголюбивыми цветами. Если площадь участка не позволяет соблюсти установленные нормы, то стоит подумать об альтернативном варианте очистной станции. Придется использовать септик с накопительной камерой, требующей откачки по мере наполнения.

Нас часто спрашивают:
Что можно и что нельзя сливать в ТОПАС?

Сколько стоит топас с доставкой и установкой?

Нужно ли бетонировать ТОПАС?

Что означает в маркировке топас сокращения ПР, Лонг (Long) и УС?

Запах от ТОПАС: причины появления

90000 How to Run a Septic Tank Line From Your House | Home Guides 90001 90002 By Chris Deziel Updated December 19, 2018 90003 90002 It takes two runs of pipe to make a septic system. The first extends from the house the system services to the tank, where the waste separates and solids settle out. The second extends from the tank to the drainage field, where fluids from the tank disperse into the ground. Installing the first run of pipe is similar to installing a conventional sewer pipe.It must maintain a downward slope to the tank. 90003 90006 Locating the Septic Tank 90007 90002 The tank is the heart of the septic system. It needs to be located between the house and the drainage field. A soil test is a required part of every septic installation, and soil conditions may require placement of a tank in a less-than-optimal location for digging sewer lines. Moreover, you must observe minimum setback distances from property lines, operating wells, surface water and other obstacles.Because the tank inlet pipe slopes toward the tank, the farther the tank is from the house, the deeper in the ground you have to dig it. 90003 90010 Tank Depth 90007 90002 A typical septic tank has a 4-inch inlet located at the top. The pipe that connects to it must maintain a 1/4-inch-per-foot slope toward it from the house. This means that for every 10 feet of distance between the tank and the house, the inlet must be 2 1/2 inches below the point at which the pipe exits the house. The pipe typically exits at ground level, but sometimes it has to pass under a foundation footing or concrete pad.Because that pipe can never reverse its slope, the depth of the bottom of the footing or pad determines the depth of the tank. 90003 90014 Digging the Trench 90007 90002 It’s often easiest to dig the trench for the septic pipe before you dig the hole for the tank; you need a backhoe to do the job, and the tank gets in the way if it’s already in the ground. The pipe should sit on a 2 or 3-inch bed of drain rock to allow rainwater to drain, so take this extra depth into account when digging.Four-inch pipe is standard, and it should extend far enough under the house to connect with the main soil stack, which is a 3-inch pipe that extends vertically past the main bathroom and through the roof. 90003 90018 Precautions 90007 90002 A septic tank installation requires permits from the local building departments and health departments, and you will have to submit a design plan before the permits will be issued. It’s best to draw up that plan in conjunction with a local builder who understands the idiosyncrasies of the terrain in your area.Avoid placing the tank, drainage field or any of the pipes near trees or bushes. Their roots will be attracted to the pipes and can effectively block them in a search for nutrients. Once roots are established in the pipe, you septic system will not work until they are removed. Removal can be costly and troublesome. 90003.90000 Septic Tanks 90001 90002 It is estimated that around 14,600 Otago properties, or 38,000 people (around one in five Otago residents) are serviced by septic tanks. 90003 90002 The Otago Water Plan includes permitted activity rules covering small-scale discharges from septic tanks and long drops. These make provision for the discharge of human sewage, provided certain conditions are met. These conditions vary depending on whether the discharge was put in before or after 28 February 1998.90003 90002 Note: The approval of particular technologies for the on-site treatment of human sewage will usually require the approval of your city or district council. The Otago Water Plan deals only with the effect of the discharge on the environment. 90003 90008 Rules for septic tank 90009 90002 Rules for septic tanks are covered in section 12A (Page 12-31) of the Otago Water Plan. 90003 90008 Septic Tank Maintenance 90009 90002 The basic operation of a septic tank relies on its ability to retain wastewater for long enough to enable solids, fats, and oils to settle.90003 90002 Typical septic tanks operate by allowing solid material to settle out to the bottom of the tank as sludge, and lighter fats and oils to float to the top. Septic tanks also rely on the right kind of flora ( ‘good bacteria’) to breakdown some of the contents. 90003 90002 Although having some sludge present in the bottom of your septic tank is necessary to support the good bacteria, having too much sludge in your septic tank will reduce the amount of time wastewater can be held for, resulting in insufficient wastewater treatment, potentially creating an environmental problem.90003 90002 On average a septic tank should be pumped clear of sludge every three to five years, however, some may require pumping out on an annual basis. How regularly your septic tank requires pumping out will depend on what steps you take to conserve water and reduce sludge build-up. 90003 90022 DO 90023 90002 Do scrape your dishes clean of food and fats before washing 90025 Do remove sand and soil from your clothes before washing them 90025 Do install water saving devices 90025 Do use showers instead of baths 90025 Do use biodegradable soaps and washing powder 90025 Do use detergents and cleaners compatible with your system 90025 Do protect your septic tanks and disposal fields from vehicle access to avoid cracking the pipes and tank.90025 Do fix leaky taps 90025 Do try and avoid doing more than one full load of laundry a day. 90003 90022 DO NOT 90023 90002 Do not use a waste disposal unit 90025 Do not flush sanitary products, disposable nappies etc 90025 Do not flush expired medicines 90025 Do not use washing machines or dishwashers unless you have full loads 90025 Do not overuse strong bleaches and disinfectants 90025 Do not put paints, weed killers and other chemicals down the drain 90025 Do not put oils, fats, or greases down your drain 90025 Do not use septic tank cleaning chemicals unless specified by the manufacturer 90025 Do not allow storm- water to enter the disposal field 90025 Do not put large volumes of water through your system (e.g. from spa pools) 90025 Do not plant deep rooting trees or shrubs over the disposal field and pipes. 90003 90008 Septic tank failure 90009 90002 Septic tank failure occurs when your septic tank no longer provides sufficient treatment for its contents. This happens when the good bacteria die off, your septic tank is damaged, or your disposal field is damaged. 90003 90002 When a septic tank fails it results in untreated or partially treated wastewater being released into the environment.Failing septic tanks can contaminate streams and wells, make people sick and are unpleasant to be around. 90003 90002 Your septic tank may be failing if you have: 90003 90056 90057 Waste-water ponding at the surface 90058 90057 Smell of sewage near the septic tank or disposal field 90058 90057 Slow draining sinks and toilets 90058 90057 Sinks backing up when the toilet is flushed 90058 90057 Black and slimy areas around your tank or disposal field 90058 90057 Evidence of discharges around vents or gully traps.90058 90069 90002 Septic tanks may fail for any of the following reasons: 90003 90056 90057 Build-up of sludge 90058 90057 Tree roots extending into the disposal system 90058 90057 Heavy stock or vehicles fracturing the system 90058 90057 Poor location of the system 90058 90057 Good bacteria being killed off. 90058 90069 90002 If you find evidence that your septic tank is failing then you may need to arrange to have it pumped out as well as getting a suitably qualified plumber or drain-layer to inspect your system.90003 90002 Groundwater contamination risk, septic tank density and distribution within Otago 90003 90002 This report above examines some of the problems associated with septic tanks and their management under the current Regional Plan: Water for Otago (RPW) ‘permitted activity’ rules, and suggests some ways in which they might be managed in the future. Modelling of the number of septic tanks and the susceptibility of groundwater to septic tank leachate contamination was undertaken to facilitate ‘permitted activity’ management within the Otago Region.90003 90090 90002 Generic cutaway of a typical septic tank and disposal field 90003 90093 90002 Failing disposal field 90003 90096 90002 Failing disposal field 90003 .90000 Your Guide to Septic Tank Maintenance 90001 90002 Did you know that it costs anywhere from $ 3,000 to $ 7,000 to replace the average septic tank? With this in mind, proper septic system maintenance is absolutely essential to keeping your septic system up-and-running. Routine septic system maintenance will not only save you from spending big bucks on expensive repairs, but it will also help make your living environment a healthy and safe space. Fortunately, septic system maintenance is not rocket science.From your toilet and shower to your garbage disposal and washer, whatever goes down your drain ends up in your septic tank. Therefore, it’s important to pay close attention to what items you are putting down the drain, as well as the efficiency of your appliances. For more information on how to maintain your septic system, read our guide below. 90003 90004 90005 Septic System Basics 90006 90007 90008 90005 What is a septic tank? 90006 90011 90002 Your septic system contains a septic tank and a drainfield.The septic tank container is located underground and is responsible for holding solids and scum accumulated from your wastewater. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), «more than one in five households in the United States depend on an individual onsite system or small community cluster system to treat their wastewater.» Households that use a septic tank system are typically located in rural areas without access to public city sewers. While potential home buyers may initially view having a septic tank as a negative, they should know that with proper maintenance, these septic tanks have the ability to last 30 years or more.90003 90008 90005 What is a drainfield? 90006 90011 90002 Once wastewater exits the septic tank, it passes on to the drainfield. Part of the septic system, the drainfield is a «shallow, covered, excavation» in the soil, according to the EPA. It is sometimes referred to as a «leachfield.» If the drainfield becomes inundated with wastewater and / or outside liquid, it can flood. This can lead to a sewage backup. 90003 90008 90005 Why is septic system maintenance so important? 90006 90011 90002 Given how expensive it is to replace a septic system, proper maintenance is an important step to keeping your septic system (and your finances) healthy.The more proactive you are in caring for and maintaining your septic system, the longer that septic system will last. When maintaining your septic tank, the goal is to prevent the accumulation of solids, as well as any groundwater contamination. 90003 90008 90005 How often should I have my septic system pumped? 90006 90011 90002 The size of your household, total wastewater generated, amount of solids present and tank size will all determine how often your septic system will need to be pumped.The EPA reports that while the average septic system is pumped every three years, those with «electrical float switches, pumps or mechanical components should be inspected more often.» In general, we recommend having your septic system inspected and pumped once a year to be safe. Below is an easy four-step maintenance program, which, if followed carefully, will prevent solid build-up and ensure that your system will operate at peak efficiency for many years to come. 90003 90004 90005 4 Steps to Septic System Maintenance 90006 90007 90036 90037 90005 Step 1 — Responsible Pumping — 90006 Each household should be on a regular septic service schedule to prevent the accumulation of solids in their system.Servicing frequency varies per household, so be sure to ask your technician their opinion on how often your septic system needs to be pumped. 90040 90037 90005 Step 2 — High-Pressure Water Jetting — 90006 All septic systems, regardless of responsible pumping, will accumulate solids and other debris in their drain pipes. The presence of these solids clog the pipes that connect the septic tank to the drainfield. Therefore, we recommend high-pressure water jetting every five years to eliminate and clear any debris that could prevent your system from operating efficiently.90040 90037 90005 Step 3 — Use a Bacteria Additive — 90006 Septic owners should use a live organic bacteria that breaks down the presence of unnatural substances and solids, like detergents and soaps, that sometimes enter your septic system. If these common household substances penetrate your septic system they kill off the naturally occurring bacteria that allow your system to function properly. Bacteria additives are an inexpensive insurance policy that keeps your pipes clean & clear, odor free, and your system functioning properly.90040 90037 90005 Step 4 — Install an Effluent Filter — 90006 Your filter, which prevents solids from entering into your drainfield, needs to be cleaned or replaced whenever you service your system. Some older systems do not have a filter. If your septic system does not have a filter, inform your technician. 90040 90053 90004 90005 Septic System Dos 90006 90007 90008 90005 Do perform regular maintenance 90006 90011 90002 To keep your septic system running efficiently, we recommend having a service professional inspect your septic system every year.According to the EPA, household septic systems are pumped every three to five years. Professionals should be able to tell you how often your septic system needs to pumped. Pumping a septic system when needed will prevent it from breaking down. 90003 90008 90005 Do maintain your drainfield 90006 90011 90002 To maintain your drainfield, avoid planting gardens and trees nearby. This will prevent roots from growing and bumping against your septic system. You should also avoid parking cars over your drainfield.90003 90008 90005 Do limit the amount of stuff you put down your garbage disposal 90006 90011 90002 The more junk you dispose of down the garbage disposal, the more likely you are to damage your septic system. To avoid clogging your system up, try not to put cooking grease, coffee grounds and fats down the disposal. Instead, dispose of these items in the trash. 90003 90008 90005 Do buy high-efficiency appliances 90006 90011 90002 According to the EPA, efficient water use can improve the operation of your septic system.That means that the more water you waste (via leaky toilets, excessive use of your washing machine, etc), the more water will enter your septic system. This can cause damage and potential drainfield flooding. The easiest way to prevent wasting water is by using high-efficiency appliances. Look for Energy Star appliances, which use 50 percent less water than typical appliances. 90003 90008 90005 Do save inspection reports & maintenance records 90006 90011 90002 Homeowners should save any and all maintenance records and inspection reports when having their septic system serviced.Inspections should include detailed reports on potential or existing leaks, as well as scum levels and possible damage. If damage is reported, then you should hire an experienced repairman to fix it as soon as possible. 90003 90004 90005 Septic System Don’ts 90006 90007 90008 90005 Do not flush items down the toilet 90006 90011 90002 To prevent breaking your system, avoid flushing anything down the toilet that is not toilet paper. While toilet paper is designed to break down and dissolve inside of septic tanks, other items are not.Even items described as «flushable» should not be flushed down your toilet. According to the EPA, items to avoid flushing down the toilet include cooking grease or oil, flushable wipes, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, paper towels and cat litter — among many other non-flushable items. 90003 90008 90005 Do not hire a septic system repairman who is not qualified 90006 90011 90002 Need to hire a local repairman? To find an experienced and certified technician, search the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association’s database of service professionals.90003 90008 90005 Do not pour chemicals down the drain 90006 90011 90002 Whether you’re at the kitchen sink or the bathroom shower, avoid pouring chemical drain openers, oil, grease and toxic liquids down the drain. This will prevent damage to your septic system. 90003 90008 90005 Do not waste water 90006 90011 90002 Conserving water is the easiest way to maintain an efficient septic system. Several easy ways to avoid wasting water include investing in Energy Star appliances, fixing leaking faucets and repairing running toilets.90003 90008 90005 Do not put rainwater drainage systems near your drainfield 90006 90011 90002 Keeping things off and away from your drainfield area should be a top priority. The EPA reports that excess rainwater from a drainage system, such as a roof drain, can cause excess water to accumulate near your drainfield. In turn, this will only slow down your septic system’s treatment process. 90003 90004 90005 Household Features That Affect Your Septic System 90006 90007 90002 Many homeowners are not aware that everyday appliances can have a negative effect on the state of their septic system.The frequent use of home features such as hot tubs, garbage disposals, washing machines, toilets and showerheads can all decrease the efficiency of your septic system. 90003 90036 90037 90005 Hot tub — 90006 Hot tub owners must be aware that draining the water all at once can damage their septic system. According to Pipeline, «hot tub water should instead be cooled and then drained onto turf or landscaped areas of your property well away from the septic tank, drainfield, and house in accordance with local regulations.»90040 90037 90005 Garbage disposal — 90006 If your home has a standalone septic system, we do not recommend using a garbage disposal at all. Eliminating the use of a garbage disposal will drastically cut back on the number of solids and scum levels in your septic tank. If you do use a garbage disposal, you’ll most likely need to pump your septic system more often than those who do not use this home feature. 90040 90037 90005 Washing machine — 90006 The EPA reports that the average single-family home uses nearly 70 gallons per individual per day.That’s a lot of water. Unfortunately, the more water your family uses, the more overloaded your septic system will be. When a septic system is overloaded, it increases the risk of failure. To prevent this from happening, those who have a septic system should limit the amount of laundry they do in a single day. They should also opt for Energy Star washing machines, which use 45 percent less water than regular washers. 90040 90037 90005 Toilet — 90006 Hear your toilet running? According to the EPA, a running or leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day.Yikes. Not only will this increase your utility bill, but it will also increase the amount of water in your septic system. Replacing old toilets with high-efficiency toilets is an easy way to stop this from happening. 90040 90037 90005 Showerhead — 90006 It might be time to switch out your old showerhead for a newer, high-efficiency one. These showerheads help to restrict the flow of water and reduce the amount of water seeping into your septic system. 90040 90053 90004 90005 Other Septic Tank Maintenance Tips 90006 90007 90008 90005 How do I know if I need to pump my septic system? 90006 90011 90002 Have a professional septic system technician come to the house to inspect your tank at least once every one to three years.When the technician arrives, they will record your scum levels in the tank. These levels should indicate when and how often you’ll need to pump your septic system. The EPA reports that «if the top of the scum layer is within 12 inches of the outlet, your tank needs to be pumped.» 90003 90008 90005 How do I know if my septic system is failing? 90006 90011 90002 Is your septic system emitting foul odors? Allstate Insurance Company claims that this could be a sign that something is wrong. When a septic system is clogged with solids, it is more likely to fail.Yearly maintenance can prevent this from happening. Another reason for septic system failure could be its specific design and location. If located near «inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables,» the septic system could become inundated with outside water sources, reports the EPA. If you begin to notice muddy waters around your septic system, this could be a sign that the system has accumulated too much liquid and is backing up. 90003 90008 90005 What do I do if my septic system backs up? 90006 90011 90002 The last thing you want (and anyone wants!) Is sewage backing up into the home.However, this can happen if you fail to properly maintain the septic system. If this does take place, make sure that you and your family avoid contact with the sewage. According to the EPA, the sewage backed into your home could contain harmful pathogens and bad bacteria. Instead of trying to clean it up yourself, call your local health department to inform them of your septic system failure. You’ll need to hire a professional cleanup crew to handle the mess. Afterwards, be sure to wipe down and disinfect any belongings that came in contact with the sewage.90003 .90000 How a Septic System Works — and Common Problems 90001 90002 90003 In This Article 90004 90005 Septic Tank 90005 Leach Field 90005 Sizing the Leach Field 90005 System Maintenance 90005 Performance Problems 90005 Post Comments & Questions 90005 90012 See Also 90013 Septic System FAQs View all SEPTIC SYSTEM articles 90014 90002 In areas without municipal sewage systems, each home must treat its sewage on its own land using an «on-site sewage disposal system,» more commonly called a septic system.A typical system consists of a waste pipe from the house, a large concrete, fiberglass, or plastic septic tank, and a leach field. 90014 90002 The most common type of leach field consists of a series of perforated distribution pipes, each set in a gravel-filled absorption trench. Sometimes a small group of homes share a larger community septic system that performs much the same way as a single-house system. 90014 90019 SEPTIC TANK 90020 90002 After passing from the house, the wastewater collects in the septic tank.Septic tanks typically range from 1,000 to 2,000 gallons and are made of concrete, heavy plastic, or metal. High-quality concrete tanks are the most durable and, if not damaged, should last 40 years or more. Many modern tanks have two chambers to increase the efficiency. 90014 Wastewater from the house collects in the septic tank, where it separates and begins to break down before flowing to the leach field. CLICK TO ENLARGE 90002 Tanks are sized large enough to hold new wastewater for at least a day, giving it time for the solids to separate out and settle.In the tank, oil and grease float to the top of the tank as 90012 scum 90013 and solid waste sinks to the bottom as 90012 sludge 90013. The partially treated wastewater, or 90012 effluent 90013, is mostly clear (see illustration). 90014 90002 90032 The solids at the bottom are subject to a host of bacteria and other microorganisms that begin breaking down the materials in an anaerobic (without oxygen) process. Over time, the sludge at the bottom and scum at the top build up thick layers.To keep the system working properly, the solids and grease must be pumped out during regular maintenance of the system. 90014 90002 As new wastewater enters the tank from the house, the partially treated water, or 90012 effluent 90013, flows from the tank into the leach field, where most of the sewage treatment takes place. Each new gallon into the tank sends one gallon out to the leach field, leach pit, or similar treatment area. Too much water delivered too quickly to the tank will send untreated effluent, along with grease and solids, into the leach field, potentially clogging the field.90014 90019 Leach Field 90020 90002 The leach field (also called a «drain field») consists of rows of perforated pipes buried in gravel trenches 18 to 36 inches below grade, deep enough to avoid freezing, but close enough to the surface to allow air to reach the bacteria that further purify the effluent (see illustration). 90014 90002 The perforated pipes are covered with about two inches of gravel and a layer of topsoil, typically 18 to 24 inches deep. A sheet of geotextile (or hay in the old days) keeps the topsoil from clogging the gravel below.Grass is usually planted above. The grass helps remove excess moisture from the soil without sending down deep roots which can block the piping. 90014 The leach field uses rows of perforated pipes in gravel trenches to distribute the effluent over a large area for further purification. CLICK TO ENLARGE 90002 The effluent passes from the perforated pipes into the surrounding gravel and on to the native soil. Where the gravel meets the soil, a bacteria-rich slime mat grows and does the heavy lifting of water purification.90014 90002 90032 All elements carrying liquid must be buried deep enough to prevent freezing, as this will stop the bacterial action that the system depends on. Wastewater freezes at a much lower temperature than does pure water but freezing is still a concern in cold climates. 90014 90002 The remaining liquid, carrying small suspended solids, percolates though the native soil, where it receives its final treatment by bacteria and other tiny critters in the soil. These convert the remaining pathogens into important plant nutrients, while sand, gravel, and soil filter our any remaining solids.90014 90002 Some of the liquid evaporates into the air, and some is absorbed by plant roots. At this point, if the system is working properly, the filtered wastewater returns to the aquifer as naturally pristine water, fit for human consumption. It’s a pretty neat trick that takes perfect advantage of nature’s highly effective process for recycling organic waste. 90014 90002 Where a conventional leach field will not work due to poor soil conditions or a high water table, an alternative system may be allowed.These often cost two or more times the price of a conventional system and require greater maintenance. Special systems may also be required near flood plains, bodies of water, or other environmentally sensitive areas. 90014 90019 SIZING THE LEACH FIELD 90020 The drain field uses perforated pipes placed in gravel-filled trenches, and is sized for the number of bedrooms. 90002 For the system to work well, the leach field must be properly sized for the soil type and volume of wastewater, typically based on the number of bedrooms.90014 90002 The soil, as measured by a perc test, must be porous enough to absorb the liquid, so the denser the soil, the larger the leach field required. For a three-bedroom house with normal soils, the total leach field area may vary from about 500 to 1,500 square feet. 90014 90002 90032 It’s better to have excess capacity in your system than to cut it too close. Your family may grow or you may get an exceptionally wet spring with saturated soils and a higher-than-normal water table. If the ground can not absorb the liquid, then sewage can back up into your home, pool on the surface, or pollute nearby groundwater.90014 90002 Also, if there is not enough depth of good soil before reaching rock, impervious hardpan, or the water table, then the system will not work correctly. Dense clay soils will not absorb the liquid fast enough, causing backups. 90014 90002 But the soil can also be too porous. If the soil consists mostly of course sand and gravel, it can drain so fast that untreated sewage can pollute the aquifer or nearby bodies of water are polluted. System designers need to take all these variables into account.90014 90002 Where a conventional leach field will not work due to poor soil conditions or a high water table, an alternative system may be allowed. These often cost two or more times the price of a conventional system and require greater maintenance. Special systems may also be required near flood plains, bodies of water, or other environmentally sensitive areas. 90014 90019 SEPTIC SYSTEM CARE & MAINTENANCE REQUIRED 90020 90002 Treat your system well and you will be rewarded with years of trouble-free service.Periodic pumping of the septic tank is essential to remove the solids (sludge) and grease layer (scum) from the tank. Otherwise, solids will eventually overflow the tank and flow into the leach field, reducing its effectiveness and shortening its life. It is difficult or impossible to rehabilitate a clogged leach field, so regular pumping is critical! Forgetting to pump out the tank is the leading cause of premature failure of septic systems. 90014 90002 Cooking fats, grease, and solids can also wash into the leach field if the tank is too small for usage levels or is overloaded periodically.Fats, petroleum products, and solids that reach the leach field can clog the biological mat where the leach trenches meet the soil and interfere with its job of purifying the effluent. 90014 90002 Excessive water from heavy household usage or yard drainage can overload the system, carrying grease and solids into the leach field. To avoid problems, direct yard drainage away from the leach field. And do not do a week’s worth of laundry for a family of five in one day. This will help keep the load manageable and prolong the life of your system.90003 To avoid overloading the system: 90004 90014 90080 90081 Spread out laundry loads, and other heavy water usage, throughout the week 90082 90081 Use low-flow appliances, faucets, and fixtures in kitchen and bath. In general, toilets generate the most water usage. 90082 90081 Direct drainage from the yard, gutters, and basement sump pumps away from the leach field. 90082 90087 90002 Also avoid putting solids, harsh chemicals, and just about anything else down the sink or toilet other than biological wastes and white toilet paper.Avoid the use of kitchen disposals. If you must have one, use it only for minor non-meat scraps. Avoid dumping chemicals or paints down the drain as many chemicals can kill friendly bacteria or lead to water pollution nearby. 90003 Avoid putting these down the drain: 90004 90014 90080 90081 Grease, fats, meat scraps 90082 90081 Paints, thinner, chemicals, medications 90082 90081 Sanitary napkins, tampons 90082 90081 Paper towels, disposable diapers 90082 90081 Egg shells, coffee grounds, nut shells 90082 90081 Antibacterial soaps, antibiotics 90082 90087 90002 It’s best to plant grass over the leach field and not to drive or park in this area.Placing heavy loads above the leach field can compact the soil reducing the effectiveness of the drain field. Also trees and plants with invasive roots can clog drain lines. 90003 To avoid damage to the leach field 90004: 90014 90080 90081 Do not drive, park, or store heavy equipment over the leach field (or septic tank) 90082 90081 Do not place a deck, patio, pool, or any type of structure over the leach field. 90082 90081 Keep trees and plantings with deep roots away from the leach field.Grass is the best groundcover. 90082 90087 90002 Even with gentle use and regular maintenance, however, leach fields will not last forever. The soil will eventually become clogged from dissolved materials in the wastewater, and the soil will be unable to absorb the incoming water. An odorous wet area over the leach field, or plumbing backups in the house, are often the first signs that things are amiss. Many areas require septic system designs to include a second «reserve drain field» under the assumption that the first field will eventually fail.A properly designed and maintained system should serve for 20 to 30 years or more. 90014 90002 90003 Read more on Septic System Maintenance 90004 90014 90019 SEPTIC SYSTEM PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS 90020 90002 Most septic system problems are a result of poor initial design, misuse, or physical damage, such as driving heavy vehicles over the leach field. Common conditions that can cause a septic system to perform poorly include: 90014 90002 • 90003 House plumbing 90004. clogged or inadequate plumbing vents, blockage between the house and septic tank, or inadequate pitch in sewer pipe from house 90014 90002 90003 • Septic tank to leach field.90004 Blockage between the septic tank and leach field caused by a plugged or broken tank outlet, or a plugged line to the leach field cause by tree roots, or by solids that overflowed from the tank 90014 90002 • 90003 Leach field piping 90004. Driving or parking heavy vehicles over the leach field can break the perforated leach pipe, especially if it is not uniformly supported by the gravel bed. Usually tree roots do not penetrate through the gravel bed into the perforated piping. 90014 90002 • 90003 Leach field sizing 90004: Drain field may be too small for current flow levels out of the home.Reducing flows though use of flow restricters, and low-flow faucets and fixtures might help. 90014 90002 90003 • High water table 90004. A seasonal high water table can saturate the soil around the trenches impairing the soil’s ability to absorb wastewater. This is sometimes an issue on relatively flat building sites with poor surface drainage. This can often be fixed by installing subsurface drains or curtain drains to intercept the water flow toward the leach field area and to lower the water table locally.90014 90002 For more information, download the EPA Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems. 90014 90002 90003 See also: 90004 90005 Who Should I Hire For Perc Test? 90005 Are Alternative Septic Systems Allowed? 90005 How Long Do Septic Systems Last? 90005 How Much Slope For Septic Line? 90005 Inspecting a Septic System 90005 Perc Test: Best Time of Year? 90005 Sand Filter for Existing Septic System? 90005 Testing for Well & Septic 90005 View all 90003 SEPTIC SYSTEM 90004 articles 90014 90002 Back to Top 90014.