Understanding a Septic System
Septic systems are individual wastewater treatment systems that use the soil to treat small wastewater flows, usually from individual homes.
They are typically used in rural or large lot settings where centralized wastewater treatment is impractical.

There are many types of septic systems in use today. While all septic systems are individually designed for each site, most septic systems are based
on the same principles. A septic system consists of a septic tank, a distribution box, and a drainfield, all connected by pipes called conveyance lines.

Your septic system treats household wastwater by temporarily holding it in the septic tank where heavy solids and lighter scum are allowed to
separate from wastewater. The solids stored in the tank are decomposed by bacteria and later removed, along with the lighter scum,
by a professional licensed septic tank pumper.

After the partially treated wastewater leaves the tank, it flows into a distribution box which separates this flow evenly into a network of
drainfield trenches. Drainage holes at the bottom of each line allow the wastewater to drain into gravel trenches for temporary storage.
This effluent then slowly seeps into the subsurface soil where it is further treated and purified.

Slow draining tubs and toilet back-ups are signs of septic systems failure. Standing discolored waste water in the drain field area may
indicate a failing system. We can evaluate your system, including inlet and outlet T's, distribution boxes and the drain field. A simple
evaluation can save your family thousands of dollars, unforseen stress and embarrassment.

Do:

1. First and foremost you should have your septic tank cleaned every 2 to 3 years depending on usage, this is cheap insurance just like
   changing the oil in your car!
2. Be conservative with the amount of water being used, such as laundry, and dishwashing. Avoid excessive use of antibacterial soaps.
   Space the use of your washer so that it is not one load after another.
   
3. Repair any leaking faucet or toilets. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" was never more true than
   it is with your on site septic system.
   
4. Keep vehicles and equipment away from your septic tank and the septic leach field. The reason is you don't want to
   compact the soil around the leach field.
   
5. Have your septic tank cleaned by an experienced and professional septic service company.
6. Get to know where your septic tank and leach field is, and how it works.
   

Don't:

1. Garbage disposals are not recommended for homes with septic systems.
2. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, enzymes and bacteria additives such as yeast and RID-X
   are not needed to keep your septic system working properly. The EPA has also said that these products may do
   more harm than good. Yeast will only break down starches.
   
3. Non-biodegradable items such as feminine hygiene products,condoms, cigarette butts,and baby wipes should not be
   disposed of in your toilet.
4. Do not overuse cleaning products, including bleach and drain cleaners. This is hard for the bacteria in your septic tank to break down.
   
5. Avoid having your water softener back flush (self cleaning) empty into your septic tank. Doing so will add sulfides,
   and chlorides into the the septic system, this may kill the good bacteria.
   
6. Limit the usage of antibacterial soaps. These soaps may kill the good bacteria that are found in the septic tank
   and pump stations.