SEPTIC TESTING (DYE TEST ONLY)

SEPTIC SYSTEMS

A septic system has two major components, the septic tank and a soil absorption system.

Waste water flows from the house to the septic tank. The tank is designed to retain waste water and allow heavy solids to settle to the bottom. These solids are partially decomposed by bacteria to form sludge. Grease and light particles float, forming a layer of scum on top of the waste water. Baffles installed at the inlet and outlet of the tank force the water to move slowly though it, and prevent scum from exiting the tank.

A solid pipe leads from the septic tank to a distribution box where the waste water is channeled into one or more perforated pipes set in trenches of gravel, or into a gravel or rock filled tank ( Dry Well ) in this type of system, liquid flows to a pre-cast tank with sidewall holes.

Possible Signs of Trouble

• A wet area or standing water occurs above the absorption field. This situation can develop when particles clog the absorption field, when tree roots or broken pipes keep the waste water from dispersing though the entire drain field, or when water use in the house regularly exceeds the design capacity of the system. When these conditions occur, waste water does not move through the soil as it should, and instead rises to the surface creating a serious health risk and odor problems.
• Worst cases, toilets run slowly or backup, the basement is flooded with sewage, this can be the result of a plugged sewer pipe to the tank.
• Septic odors occur in the house, or above the tank or absorption field. If the system is operating properly, there should be no odors.
• Other signs may occur of the septic tank has not been pumped in the last five years.