Septic System Maintenance

At York Septic, We have offered quick and dependable septic upkeep for the Western Connecticut region. All things considered, we suggest a septic tank be siphoned each a few years. The recurrence relies upon the number of people in a home and the degree of utilization.

Operation and Maintenance

  • The contents of the septic tank should be pumped every two to three years or when the total depth of sludge and scum exceeds one-third of the liquid depth of the tank. If the tank is not cleaned periodically, the solids are carried into the absorption field; rapid clogging occurs; premature failure follows; and finally, the absorption field must be replaced. Pumping your septic tank is less expensive than replacing your absorption field.
  • Detergents, kitchen wastes, laundry wastes and household chemicals in normal amounts do not affect the proper operation of household sewage treatment systems. However, excessive quantities can be harmful.
  • Avoid the disposal of cigarette butts, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, plastics, trash, etc., into your household sewage system. These items are not readily decomposed.
  • Connecting your laundry wastes to a separate waste system (dry well or seepage pit), while not normally necessary, will reduce the load on the regular system and permit the survival of a marginal system.
  • All roof, cellar and footing drainage, and surface water must be excluded from the system. This drainage water can be discharged to the ground surface without treatment; make sure it drains away from your sewage treatment system.
  • Roof downspouts should not drain toward the absorption field.
  • Backwash from water softeners and/or iron/manganese removal equipment may be discharged to the septic tank and absorption system or to a separate system.
  • Roots from trees in the immediate area of the absorption lines may clog the system.
  • Keep swimming pools (above or in-ground) away from the absorption field.

Caution:

  • Avoid entering your septic tank.
  • Individuals have died from gas asphyxiation.
  • Never permit heavy equipment to pass over the absorption field.
  • Conserve your water usage; this can prolong the life of your sewage treatment system. Check defective toilet tank valves, repair leaky fixtures, install appliances and fixtures that use less water and avoid wasteful practices.
  • Your sewage treatment system is normally designed to accommodate two persons per bedroom. If your household is larger than this, or if you add additional bedrooms, enlarge the system.
  • If surface water from higher ground is flowing onto your absorption field, install a ditch or berm to intercept this surface water.

Septic Maintenance Tips:

  • Pump your septic tank regularly based on the recommended frequency.
  • Have the baffles inspected at time of your septic pumping.
  • Repair any dripping or leaking plumbing fixtures within the home to prevent flooding the septic system.
  • Divert roof drains and any surface water drainage away from septic system.
  • Do not allow vehicles or heavy equipment to drive over or park on your septic system.
  • Do not allow backwash from any water treatment systems to enter the septic system.

Unsafe Items for a Septic System:

GreaseDisposable WipesDisposable DiapersBaby Wipes
Cat LitterPlasticsSanitary ProductsPaper Towels
Facial TissuesFood ScrapsCoffee GroundsGasoline
OilsPaintsPaint ThinnerPesticides
Photography SolutionsPharmaceuticalsAntifreezePetroleum Producs

Signs of a Septic System Back Up

  • Slow draining sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs, etc.
  • Gurgling sounds in the plumbing
  • Sewage backups in the house
  • Sewage odors in the yard
  • Ground wet or mushy underfoot

If you see any signs of backup call York Septic at (203) 744-6669.

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