Overview and information regarding septic and cesspool systems and their proper maintenance.
How does a septic system work?
A septic system consists of two major components; the septic tank and the drainfield.
Water Energy Type S Bacteria restores and maintains the proper bacterial diversity to
digest non-toxic wastes and help keep your system functioning properly.
What does the septic tank do?
A typical septic tank holds 1,000 gallons of liquid, is watertight, and is usually made of concrete, but can be made of fiberglass or plastic. The tank has internal slabs at the inlet and outlet that controls flow patterns.
The primary purpose of the tank is to separate the solids and greases from the liquid waste. The septic tank contains anaerobic bacteria, e.g. bacteria which thrive without oxygen. These bacteria partially digest the solids and greases. The solids in the form of sludge settle on the bottom of the tank. Grease, scum, and hair float to the top.
These undigested solids left on the bottom of the septic tank must be pumped out on a regular basis. This pumping prevents solids from being carried into the drainfield and preserves the effective capacity of the tank.
What is the purpose of the drainfield?
Waste water is passed to the drainfleld via the distribution box. The drainfleld usually contains a series of perforated pipes that lay in a bed of rock. Under the rock layer is a membrane. The waste water is distributed through the pipes into the field. A biomat or slime forms around the laterals, most aerobic digestion and filtration takes place in this biomat. After passing through the biomat, the waste water enters the soil where aerobic digestion continues to remove any remaining impurities. Pure water is then returned to the water table.
How can I tell if the drainfield is working?
From the first day of use the drainfleld begins to deteriorate. Small particles, grease,
and soap scum can accumulate and clog passageways. If the tank becomes too full, more of
these clogging agents are allowed to pass through to the drainfleld which puts a further
strain on the system.
As the flow becomes more restricted, the water will have a harder time flowing downward and accumulate in the soil above the drainfield. Early signs to watch out for are noticeable changes in the types of plants growing in the area of the drainfield as well as excessive soil moisture.
If it is allowed to remain wet, the biomass surrounding the drainage pipes become anaerobic. Poor soil drainage and a high water table can also lead to poor absorption of the waste water.
What is the Drywell?
The drywell generally consists of a pit lined with rocks or blocks to allow water to pass through into the underlying soil. The drywell does not receive any septage but only
receives water from areas such as the laundry drain. This water can contain lint or other
small fibers as well as detergent scum. The water drains through the soil where the
biodegradable material is acted on by the aerobic bacteria in the soil.
How can a Drywell fail?
The solids in the waste water and soap scum foam solidify and accumulate in the drywell, thereby slowing the dispersion of water. If clogging occurs to the point there is standing water, anaerobic bacteria will start to grow, eventually overtaking the beneficial aerobic bacteria. The anaerobic bacteria forms slime that clog the pores of the soil and will slow and eventually stop water from flowing. In other words, if the drywell becomes anaerobic, it will not function properly and backups occur.
How can I help prevent Drywell failure?
Adding Water Energy Type S Bacteria directly to the drywell or through the drain which empties directly into the drywell will help. Water Energy products out-compete the anaerobic bacteria, their waste products and other organic material in the drywell. Water Energy Type S breaks down these materials while releasing oxygen. This helps to restore percolation and encourages the growth of aerobic bacteria, which are required for a drywell to work properly.
What is proper preventative maintenance for a Drywell?
Preventative maintenance can stop a problem before it happens and keep your drywell
functioning properly. If you have access to your drywell you can add Water Energy Type S directly into the drywell and normal water flow will distribute the product.
If you do not have access to your drywell, you may add Water Energy Type S through a drain closet close to the drywell. Shake your quart container of Water Energy Type S vigorously and add the contents directly into the sink or drain. Flush with an additional amount of water to ensure that all of the liquid is carried into the drywell. If you do not properly rinse the product with adequate rinse water, the product will collect and remain in your drain trap — only delaying treatment.
How do I care for my septic system?
To maintain a healthy septic system, you need to exercise care what is drained into the system as well as perform preventative maintenance procedures, such as
- provide periodic pump-outs of the septic tank
- maintain treatment of the septic tank and drainfield with Water Energy Type S
- periodically inspect the system
Periodically adding Water Energy Type S to the septic tank and drainfleld can prevent
problems such as clogging. Any soaps or solids that may be accumulating
can be removed allowing the liquids to flow without obstruction.
Maintaining proper
bacterial diversity in your septic system will lead to prolonged service prior to pump-
outs. The septic tank is not a place to dispose of all household wastes. It is a living
system and many wastes can kill it. What is put into the system has a direct effect on
whether your system will be a healthy, long lasting and trouble free system.
How do I best do preventative maintenance for a Septic System?
For preventative maintenance in a properly operating septic system, add one quart bottle of Water Energy Type S per year. In a normal operating system, the laterals should be free of standing water.
If you have access to the distribution box or directly to the laterals, add the bottle
directly into the distribution box or divide equally among the laterals. Allow the normal flow of water to distribute the product.
How do I best do preventative maintenance for Cesspools?
For preventative maintenance in a properly operating cesspool, add one quart of Water Energy Type S per month. If the system is operating normally, the cesspool should be essentially free of standing water. Add two bottles initially, then one per month, directly into the cesspool and allow the normal flow of water to distribute the product. If you do not have direct access to the cesspool, add Water Energy Type S to a drain at the closest point to the cesspool.
Things to AVOID
Do not put toxic or hazardous chemicals into the tank. Even small amounts of paints, varnishes, thinners, waste oil, photographic solutions, pesticides, and other organic chemicals can destroy the biological digestion taking place within the system.
Do not put plastics, cat litter, cigarette filters, condoms, tampons, sanitary napkins, paper towels, and facial tissues in the septic system. These items quickly fill the tank with solids, decrease its efficiency and require the tank to be pumped out more frequently. They can also clog up the sewer line into the tank causing waste water to back up into the home.
Do not dump grease or fats down your kitchen drain. They solidify and may cause blockages in the system.
Helpful TIPS
Be conservative with the amount of water used.
Add Water Energy Type S to your septic system every month to keep the digestion and drainfleld operating correctly.
Divert other sources of water, such as roof drains and sump pumps, away from the septic
system.
Have the septic tank periodically pumped (typically every 2 to 3 years). This will keep
the solids and scum from filling the tank.
