Chipman Construction

Septic systems must be properly maintained and monitored if they are to be expected to give you the service and efficiency you deserve.

The typical septic tank is a large, buried rectangular or cylindrical container made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Wastewater from your toilet, bath, kitchen, laundry, etc. flows into the tank. Heavy solids settle to the bottom where the bacterial action partially decomposes them to digested sludge and gases. Most of the lighter solids, such as fats and grease, rise to the top to form a scum layer.

Septic tanks may have one or more compartments. Tees or baffles are provided at the tank's inlet and outlet pipes. All tanks should have accessible covers in order to check the conditions of the baffles and for pumping both compartments. Solids that are not decomposed remain in the septic tank. If not removed by periodic pumping, solids will accumulate until they eventually overflow into the drain field. Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 3 to 5 years, depending on the tank size, plus the amount and type of solids entering the tank. Orenco has developed a simple retrofit filter system that easily adapts to common septic tanks.

Your existing system will look something like the illustration below, after the installation of the ORENCO Biotube Effluent Filter®. This filter will need to be inspected and cleaned approximately one time per year.

If you have a pressurized system you most likely already have an effluent screen such as the one illustrated below. If you are like most of us, your system was installed and you haven’t given it another thought. Nor did you realize the screen needed to be cleaned. At least once per year the screen pictured needs to be inspected and cleared of any solids coming through your septic system before they reach your drain field and begin filling it. NCWSSS Inspection Service will keep a maintenance record of your septic system were you to ever sell your property, as well as assurance that your system is working at capacity.

Do:
• Inspect your tank for signs of sludge buildup and make sure the baffles and tees are in working order.
• Pump your tank as needed (every 2-3 years for year round residents and 4-5 years for seasonal residences), and keep a written record for yourself or the future owner.
• Compost food garbage or put it in the trash.
• Keep grease can handy.
• Mark your septic system so you can protect it from vehicles and encroaching trees and shrubs.

Don't:
• Use a garbage disposal (adds 50% solids to system).
• Pour automotive oil, cooking oil, or grease down your drain.
• Drive vehicle over the system or leach field.
• Plant bushes or trees over leach field.
• Use phosphorus detergents.
• Use too much water during rainy wet seasons when ground is saturated.
• Use chemical or biological system cleaners, which can plug up leach fields and ruin your system.

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