If you are using septic tank instead of sewer connection, you need to properly maintain and care for it. You may not like the sound but you need to keep your septic tank well-maintained.

Proper landscaping is one crucial element in the upkeep of the septic system. When constructing your septic tank, make sure that the soil absorption area is far from rainwater drainage or downspouts. Make sure that it is not underneath your garage and areas where you will put heavy equipment. Divert the water coming from other means away from the septic tank drainfield. Do not construct your septic tank near a tree or areas where soil erosion can easily occur. Roots from the trees can get through and damage your septic tank.

Dispose chemicals and other liquid materials properly, this is one key reason for failure of septic system, many septic tanks have failed because of lack of attention to the materials disposed in it. Gasoline, paint thinners, motor oil, varnish, and other chemicals that contain active substances can ruin your septic tank walls and can cause hazard to groundwater as well. Make sure you dispose them properly and away from your septic tank system. Also, grease can easily clog in your septic tank so make sure you steer away from disposing them in your toilet.

Differentiate the toilet from garbage cans always, if you own a septic tank you know that you will need to take care with all your garbage and waste, even if it means that you will need to inform any visitor in your house about it. Cigarette butts and filters facial tissues, paper towels, coffee grounds, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, tampons, cat litter, and other solid waste must be disposed in your garbage bins and not on your toilet. They clog to your septic tank easily.

Cleaning products are also a potential problem, heavy duty cleaners sometimes do their work all too well and cause other problems, you should make sure that your cleaning product is safe to use and that it may kill significant bacteria but can prolong the decomposition of solid waste. Use them properly.

Do not flush left over foods

Left over foods can decompose in time when flushed to your septic tank, food left at the drainage can nonetheless clog your drainage and cause serious trouble. Keep your leftovers on separate disposal container. This will extent the service of your septic tank.

Conserve water

Lowering your water consumption can help maintain a proper-functioning septic tank. Use your dishwasher only if it is full; reduce your water level when washing small amount of laundry; use aerators or flow reducer nozzles to conserve water, check for water leaks on your faucet and repair if necessary; and use a displacer to reduce the amount of water flushed on your toilet.

Septic tanks and Septic systems are used in places that don?t have a direct access to the sewer system, there are new and very advanced models of septic systems for the home

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Two Components

Class 4 septic systems are divided into two components, the septic tank and the septic field or leaching bed. Waste is piped out of the house into the septic tank, which is essentially a water clarification tank, in which anaerobic bacteria break the waste down into solids (sludge), liquid effluent, and scum.

Septic System

The solids settle to the bottom, the scum floats to the top and the liquid effluent flows through an outlet pipe into a distribution chamber, where it is directed to the septic field. The septic field is an effluent water disposal system, where the liquid is channeled through perforated pipes to different parts of a field of loose gravel.

Septic Tank

Materials that initially float in the scum layer are kept out of the drainage system by an outflow tee or baffle. If the tank is not pumped regularly, the level of solids can rise, and if it approaches the level of the outflow tee, scum and solids can proceed out into the drainage system, clogging the pipes and gravel - and eventually preventing the absorption of the water by the surrounding earth.

A Class 5 septic system is a holding tank for the storage of sewage at the site where it is produced. A typical holding tank system is comprised of a single compartment tank with a pump-out stack and an audible or visual warning device to alert the homeowner when the tank requires emptying. A holding tank is costly to operate, places restrictions of the owner, and is dependent on Class 7 (hauled) sewage system for waste collection and disposal.

A property serviced by a holding tank system requires an agreement registered on title to notify current and future owners of the servicing restrictions on the property.

Care and Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, your septic tank and field should provide many years of trouble-free service. There are, however, some important steps to follow to help you maintain the proper operation of your sewage disposal system.

The Honey Wagon!

The septic tank in a residential system should be inspected at least once every two years for sludge buildup. The tank should be pumped by a licensed septic tank pumping contractor when necessary. Under normal use a septic tank should have its contents removed every two to three years.

The use of starters, bacterial feeds or cleaners in a septic system is normally not necessary.

The final grade (top soil) over the field should not be altered after it has been installed and inspected, and should be kept grassed after installation. Shrubs, trees or gardens should not be established over the septic field.

Discharge from evestough drains and sump pumps should not be directed into or over a septic field, and lawn sprinkler systems must not be located within this area.

Helpful Hints

Limiting excessive amounts of water in a short time can help reduce disruption of the septic process. You may want to consider the following water use reduction practices:

* Install water saving shower heads, sink aerators, and low-flush toilets.

* Use dishwashers and washing machines only for full loads, and stagger the loads through the week.

* Don't run water continuously when shaving, brushing teeth, rinsing dishes or veggies.

* A container of water in the fridge prevents the need to run water continuously for a cold drink.

* The installation of garbage grinders, large volume hot tubs or spas are not recommended unless the septic system has been sized to accommodate their use.

* The use of biodegradable products is highly recommended. Disposal of non-biodegradeable products such as condoms, feminine hygiene products, plastics, dental floss, etc. is strongly discouraged.

If you have questions regarding the care and maintenance of your septic system, consult your contractor or the Environmental Protection Division of your local Health Department.

The standards for private sewage systems are prescribed in Ontario Regulation 358/90, under the Enviromental Protection Act, and the Guidelines established by Ministry of Environment, and requirements of your local munipality or township.

General Guidelines for Purchasers

* If the system is 5-7 years old and has never been pumped it is unlikely that there are serious problems.

* If there is no record of the system having been pumped but the owner has a vague recollection of pumping the system at some time in the distant past, figure that it has never been pumped.

* If the system is over 10 years old and has never been pumped, it is possible that there has been some damage to the septic field, and if it's not been pumped for over 15 years it is quite likely.

* The only way to make an accurate determination of the system is to have a licensed contractor or engineering firm perform a tank, distribution chamber and field inspection, and possibly soils sampling.

* Flushing dye through the system looks good but will only indicate systems that are already seriouslyclogged, in which case there should already be more obvious signs.

* Flushing dye may not indicate serious defects or indicate systems that are close to failure but still functional.

* If you are on a septic system, adding a bedroom, even without adding a bathroom, may mean having to increase the size of the tank and drainage field.

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HOW SEPTIC TANKS WORK

Tanks are designed to allow waste liquids to flow through the tank and enter a percolation area without causing damage to the environment. Waste waters enter the tank and the solids to sink to the bottom. Smaller particles float to the surface creating a scum. Most of the waste decomposes through natural aerobic and anaerobic processes. Solids in the tank are normally emptied every year.

Emptying Frequency.

There is no hard and fast rule, but for a tank to work efficiently the sludge (solids) needs to be removed based on the capacity of the tank and the use it is subjected to. The frequency of "de-sludging" will depend on size of the property and the number of occupants. However, most will require emptying at least once a year are in the case of modern biocycle system or secondary treatment systems according to the manufacturers specifications.

Surveyors tips in improving efficiency of tanks.

• Don't dispose of chemicals, disposable nappies or hygiene products down the toilet.

• Don't use large quantities of biological cleaning agents and bleach.

• Don't clean down internal areas of the tank. Bacterial should be allowed to remain to continue the biological process.

• Do have the tank de-sludged at least yearly.

Common Problems and Solutions

Smells / Odour

Problem, waste particles leaving the septic tank and entering the percolation area can block the exit allowing the septic tank to overflow.

Solutions: Have the tank and pipes emptied at least yearly.

System backing-up

Problem, blockage in the septic tank pipes, percolation area blocked.

Solution: Clear tank pipes. Remove and replace percolation area.

Septic Tank refilling immediately after emptying

Problem, high water table. Ground water enters into the septic tank from the percolation area.

Solution: No easy solution. (possible solution is to increase the height of the area were tank and percolation area are located-expensive and not always a solution)

Septic Tank refilling immediately after emptying

Problem, High water table: Tank cracked / damaged allowing ground water to enter the tank.

Solution: Clear and clean tank, repair or replace tank.

Differences between tanks and biocycle (secondary treatment systems).

A tank does not have any movable parts. its basically a two chamber concrete tank that uses anaerobic bacterial action to break down effluent waste.

Biocycle and other secondary treatment systems have movable parts such as maceraters, aerators etc to aerobically break down the effluent and need a source of electric power to operate.

Biocycle / secondary treatment systems have shown to breakdown a higher percentage of solid waste and have safer effluent than septic tanks as the sludge decomposes through a mechanical assisted aerobic and anaerobic process. This can be twice as efficient as a non-mechanical assisted aerobic and anaerobic process in a traditional tank.

The requirement to use a septic tank or secondary treatment system is usually dependent on the site conditions, however most Local Authorities (following a site assessment), will now require the use of a treatment system fitted by an approved contractor with appropriate professional indemnity insurance. Always check with your Local Authority before carrying out any renewal works to an existing septic tank.

An occupier of a property can be subject to substantial penalies if their tank or secondary treatment system is found to be polluting the environment.

General Information and Running Costs.

The tank's main function is to remove solids from the effluent, allowing a liquid effluent to soak into the soil through the percolation area.

The efficiency of septic tanks can vary significantly, frequent desludging of ineffective septic tanks can prevent anaerobic digestion of waste materials further reducing the efficiency of tanks.

A biocycle system or a secondary treatment system, is a more efficient and effective treatment system that incorporates a tank and a submerged aerated filter for secondary treatment within a single tank. The desludging intervals can also extend up to seven and more years according to some manufacturers. These secondary treatment systems will normally require to be serviced by an approved contractor on a yearly basis according to manufacturer's specifications

A properly designed and installed secondary treatment system, can be up to twice as efficient as a traditional tank system in breaking down waste and discharging a cleaner effluent to the environment.

A secondary treatment system should have all paper work including design and installation assessments, site assessment and planning conditions available for inspection to confirm that it has been installed to standards and complies to planning permission requirements.

Running costs, depending on the type of secondary treatment system in use, a secondary treatment system runs on electricity continuously and would be expected to consume at least as much power as a fridge.

The treatment system will also require to be desludged as per manufacturer's specifications.

There is also an annual service charge for the inspection of the secondary treatment system plus the cost of labour and parts if they need to be replaced or repaired.

Pending Legislation on the Licensing and Regulation of Tanks.

The European Court of Justice has ruled against Ireland for failing to have a proper system of licensing and regulating individual septic tanks.

It is estimated that there are over 400,000 tanks in Ireland.

It is accepted that many septic tanks and percolation areas have been constructed in areas not suitable for same and their maintenance is often ignored.

Ireland is required to introduce a scheme to insure that septic tanks and waste water disposal are in compliance with EU Regulations and to maintain compliance into the future.

It is expected that the proposed scheme would include a

i) scrappage remit to facilitate the replacement of inefficient / polluting septic tanks and treatment systems,

ii) an inspection schedule to ensure ongoing maintenance and monitoring of tanks,

iii) a licensing system that is renewable

iv) an enforcement element.

Operation of Tank inspection scheme.

Some commentators consider that a system similar to the NCT (National Car Test) would work, in that each property owner would be given a date when an Inspector is to call to their property. The property owner would allow for access to the septic tank including relevant documentation and maintenance records. The costs of the inspection would likely be carried by the property owner.

If the tank is found to be working correctly, then a certificate would be issued and remain valid for a limited number of years.

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Solar Grease Trap Aeration Systems were developed to solve Odor and Water Quality Problems. Solar Grease Trap Aeration Systems will remove and avoid odor problems while also improving overall water quality without the need for Chemicals, Bacterias, and /or Ozone. This allows the Restaurant Owner to become more effective and efficient immediately. They can pay off the investment within 1-6 months. The Restaurant Owner will no longer have monthly or weekly Bacteria Treatments with Chemicals, Pit Cleaning, Power costs, or Water Quality Fines.

Grease Traps typically have poor water movement; otherwise the operation is much like a septic tank. The Bacterias that process waste are Aerobic, Facultative and Obligate Anaerobic. Aerobic Bacteria require Oxygen and a good source is the compressed air, which is provided by the Solar Grease Trap Aeration System. Aerobic Bacteria or more aggressive and effective than Anaerobic Bacteria which do not require Oxygen. Typically there are very few of these type of Bacteria in your Grease Trap. In a conventional Grease Trap System, most of the Bacteria are Facultative.

Facultative Bacteria also require Oxygen but they get it from non-aerated water by stripping Oxygen Molecules from other sources which directly produce the "rotten egg odor," also known as hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). As the wastewater is stripped completely of all Oxygen, in many cases, this gas accumulates and makes it to the surface through the sewer or septic tank vent pipes causing the restaurant owner many other problems and loss business. When you aerate the Facultative Bacteria it stops producing the H2S and odor and only produce an earthy smell like dirt.

There are now Solar Grease Trap Aerators available as after market products to eliminate H2S odor. The one I looked at is a Kit Mounted Bubbler, 9-Watt Grease Trap Aerator, 1.5 foot x 1-foot ½ foot footprint, 1/16 horsepower replaceable diaphragm pump, 25 foot of air hose, 1 diffuser. Each kit is designed to aerate 500 gallons of grease trap.

Look for a system that is easy to install, Safe, Low Voltage, No Wiring, No Electricity Cost, and Day and Night Operation. Has a capacity of 30 gallons per minute induced water flow and it aerates a minimum of 10,000 gallons per unit and it works At Night! The kit should have 2 liter per minute permanently lubricated diaphragm air pump and 18 volt, 0.5 Amp Solar Panel.

Find a Solar Powered aeration system that does not require a degree in electrical engineering, a contractors license for installation near any public access, and is not a daily maintenance nightmare. There are ones available that need no priming, you just squeeze the battery clamps in place, drop the diffuser in Grease Trap and aerate. Let's Help Make This Island Home, Our Earth, GREEN Again!

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Sewage and waste disposal has been a great challenge to the local governments in many parts of the world. This is a result of the difficulties encountered when all the citizens in the city are linked to the main sewage system. The septic tank system comes in handy since it acts as a small scale method of disposing waste.

The septic tank system is usually a connection of drainage lines to some common tanks. The tanks making up the system are quite large, thus they may cover quite a large area. The main aim of the system is to separate the solid particles, grease and oil found in the sewage from the water before treatment is done to the water for recycling purposes.

Since the tanks are considered to be a good choice when it comes to sewage disposal, innovations have been done on them to improve on their efficiency. Nowadays, these tanks are produced using various materials including light weight materials such as plastic and fiber glass. Another innovation is the addition of a filter on the outlet so as to reduce the amount of solid particles in the effluent let out of the tanks.

To give a more quality service, an aerator unit has also been introduced in the recently developed septic tanks. This has a greater oxygen concentration, thus the rate of oxidation is higher. The aerobic bacteria helps to decompose the waste materials much faster. The aeration unit is fixable thus an older generation septic tanks without aerators can be fixed with aerators to improve their efficiency.

Considerations have to be made before installing the septic tanks. Mostly, the function of these tanks depend almost solely on gravity. Therefore, one has to consider the aspect of downward movement of the sewage so as to enhance the flow. The installers also have to gauge the amount of sewage to be disposed over a given period of time before the tank is emptied. This gives them the chance to think carefully about the size of tank to be installed.

These tanks require little attention from the owner once they are installed. The only thing to be kept constant is the bacteria population so that the decomposition of the waste materials is not hindered. The introduction of the aerator systems has made the maintenance required even lower. Plants should not to be allowed to grow in the drainage field as their roots may damage the drainage lines.

The septic treatment system provides an easy and cost effective method of dealing with waste. The method is safe and also helps break down harmful materials before they get to spread diseases. As a result, these tanks are regarded as alternative way of dealing with small scale sewage that may be harmful if disposed off into the free environment.

With the increasing population and housing, it is important to have more sewage disposal systems. The septic tank system is could be one of the solutions to this demand. It is easy to install and maintain and provides those who are not connected to the main sewage systems a great way of disposing their waste.

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All septic tanks are aerated either one way or the other.

That is because there are three types of bacteria in every septic system which process waste: aerobic, facultative and obligate anaerobic.

Aerobic bacteria require oxygen (compressed air) and are more aggressive/effective than anaerobic bacteria (which do not require oxygen). Typically there are very few of these type of bacteria in your septic tank. In a conventional septic system most of the bacteria are facultative.

Facultative bacteria also require oxygen but they can get it from non-aerated water by stripping oxygen molecules from other sources which directly produce the "rotten egg odor," also known as hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). If you aerate the facultative bacteria they will stop producing the H2S and odor, and only produce an earthy smell like dirt.

There are now solar powered aerators available as after market products to eliminate H2S odor by directly aerating the influent flow in the septic tank and supplying the facultative bacteria with oxygen. Just place the air diffuser near the incoming or influent end of the tank. There is a solar aerator that is sized to minimize mixing and solids suspension in your treatment tank. Unlike high air flow, line power aerators, no effluent filter is required, because no matter where you put the diffuser in the septic tank no solids are suspended.

In the presence of oxygen, these bacteria are 20 times more aggressive at consuming waste materials.

Under aerated conditions the treatment in the tank is increased and effluent leaving the tank will be cleaner, this in turn takes the load off the soil treatment area improving overall life of the system.

With a solar septic tank aerator you never pay a power bill. Standard line power electric units require a electrician to install, will cost you more than $500.00 yearly for electricity and need elaborate ground fault protection to meet safety codes.

Solar septic tank aerators are an easy way to aerate any septic tank from the surface. They are designed for outdoor use. A well designed system has a self positioning diffuser with float, you simply drop the diffuser attached to the float and weighted bubble tubing in the septic tank influent inspection opening. Oxygen transfer is sufficient to treat up to 500 gallons per day of flow. This is equal to taking 15 ten minute showers, 5 loads of laundry, and 25 flushes per day, at a waste strength of 100 mg/l BOD. Other applications include placing diffuser in the septic tank wet wells, effluent distribution boxes, pumping chambers, dosing pits, and overloaded "dry wells."

Air flow is automatically managed by diffuser and included float system so air is completely dissolved, off gassing is odor free, and suspended solids treatment and removal is enhanced.

Check for a solar aerator system that includes one pole mounted linear air pump, integral solar panel, flex cap non-plugging coarse bubble mixing diffuser with float, and 20 foot of ¼ inch flex weighted tubing. System suitable for replacement of other advanced aerobic 500 gallon per day units. Seek a system with manufacturer 1 year warranty on all parts, 3 year warranty on pump motor, 5 year warranty on solar panels, 180 day money back warranty, system that is extremely quiet & efficient, free shipping, no sales tax except in Illinois!

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Living in the boonies normally means having a self contained waste water/sewage treatment system more commonly known as a septic system. Proper use and maintenance of a septic system is important in keeping it working efficiently and prolonging its life. Using an aeration system in the septic tank is one method of ensuring that your system is working in a highly efficient manner.

The reason an aerator septic tank works better then a standard tank is really quite simple; it adds more oxygen into the system which leads to better waste material break down. More oxygen helps two of the three types of bacteria that live in the system process more sewage then they normally would in a non-aerated system.

The three bacteria in question are aerobic, facultative and obligate anaerobic. Aerobic bacteria thrive in an oxygen rich environment while anaerobic bacteria do not require oxygen to reproduce and grow. There aren't a whole lot of these two types of bacteria found in a septic system, but they can be found there. Facultative bacteria are the most common bacteria found in a septic tank.

Facultative bacteria are unique in that they need oxygen but can survive in an anaerobic environment. They can do this by using oxygen taken from other sources such as food partially digested food items. When they obtain oxygen in this fashion they release hydrogen sulfide gas which gives off a rotten egg smell. Providing oxygen through an aeration system will alleviate this problem as the bacteria will stop producing the hydrogen sulfide gas and emit a more agreeable odor that smells like dirt.

Facultative bacteria are also more aggressive in their consumption of sewage under aerated conditions. In fact they can be up to twenty percent more effective in treating the waste products in the septic tank. This leads to cleaner waste water leaving the tank into the drain field and increases its life.

An aeration tank is a good choice for new systems or if you are thinking of replacing your current tank. You can also have an aerator installed in an existing tank during a maintenance cycle that includes pumping out and cleaning the tank.

In most cases the aerator is located in the middle chamber of the septic tank and will need an electrical source of some sort to operate. Think of a large oversized fish tank pump and bubble system and that's essentially water a septic tank aerator is. It will provide a constant supply of oxygen rich air into the effluent and allow the beneficial facultative bacteria to flourish.

While an aerator septic tank will lengthen the life of any septic system it must be remembered that proper maintenance and regular inspections are still needed. Failure to do these two things will lead to problems that even a properly aerated system will be unable to deal with.

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Septic Aeration Restore Systems

The waste in a septic system breaks down when naturally occurring microorganisms consume the organic material in sewage. Adding a septic aerator encourages the growth of naturally-occurring aerobic microorganisms as a means of treating effluent. These aerobic microbes are the reason septic aeration works so well. Microbes prefer aerobic conditions to anaerobic conditions. As shown in image on the left, aerobic bacteria (microorganisms that consume both organic matter and oxygen) are 50 times larger and far more efficient than anaerobic bacteria at digest organic matter. When dissolved oxygen is introduced (septic aerator), microorganisms in decomposing organic matter consume oxygen dissolved in the water. The more dissolved oxygen the septic aerator can introduce the more aerobic microbes can live to consume organic matter.

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Septic Aeration

Septic aeration has been around for nearly a century, with the first documentation of using diffusers to release oxygen to break down sewage dating clear back to 1916.

In approximately 1946 ATU's (aerobic treatment units) were being used on a limited basis as septic aeration moved from municipal wastewater treatment into household systems. These first ATU’s were expensive alternatives to conventional septic system used to replace failing systems or required or forced on home owners when soil conditions or lot size prohibited conventional system. Today, in many states, if your current system fails there is a strong possibility you will be forced into a permanent aerobic system. Depending on engineering costs these ATU’s can reach over $30,000.

The Discovery of a Phenomenon

The first discovery of the phenomenon that septic aeration shrinks the bio mat slime and restores function to a failing drain field is hard to pin point. Extensive research shows strong evidence that it happened somewhat simultaneously in a number of locations around the world in the late 1960’s.


The Retrofit Septic Aeration Industry is Born

The 70’s and early 80’s would see a number of different companies enter the market that offered septic aerators designed to install into existing conventional septic systems. 1985 would see one the first official government and industry monitored study. Today the universities, government, and industry studies number in the dozens. All reporting what countless home owners already knew……..If your Septic System is Failing…… Septic Aeration Restores it!

The Journal of Environmental Quality Reported: "Using aeration has been successful in restoring hydraulic function in more than 60 failed onsite wastewater treatment systems in the eastern United States."

Purdue University Department of Agronomy and Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering in Doc HENV-14-W States: "Retrofit aerobic treatment devices have been found to restore the original functioning of drain fields in a matter of months."  the study concludes with:
Drain fields that become too thick due to excess organic matter or water can reduce the system’s effectiveness and result in system failure. Normally, there are three options for reducing the organic matter load on the soil absorption field and correcting this problem:
1. Construct an additional soil absorption field
2. Rest the absorption field for an extended period
3. Install a septic aeration unit

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Septic Tank Aeration Systems

Advantage and Disadvantage
An aeration system is very similar to a septic system. They both hold waste that comes from bathroom facilities, break it down and send it out into the ground. However an aeration system is more expensive to purchase, costs the owners more in electricity and needs attention more often from service technicians. Because power is needed to run part of the system, power outages that last a great length of time can cause build up that might cause back up, pumping or at the least a service call. Even with these disadvantages, the system is a better set up with cleaner water coming out the other end.

Basics
The system itself is made up of a large tank with three compartments within. Each compartment has an opening near the top of the tank for the water to flow to the next chamber. There is a filter in place that keeps large solids from going through to other sections. An aerator is in the middle chamber powered by electricity. There is an access area above ground to get to the workings of the aerator in case it needs maintenance. The third chamber has a sloping floor at the bottom that leans back toward the second chamber and an opening at the bottom connecting it to the second chamber.

Operation
The waste water flows into the first chamber, which is called a settling camber. Large solid waste settles to the bottom. Natural bacteria from the body reside in the waste and break it down into smaller pieces. This waste water flows through a filtered opening near the top of the tank into the second chamber. In the second chamber the aeration system mixes up the waste water forcing air into the water. Bacteria from the air enter the water and further break down waste. The water then flows through a second opening near the top of the tank into a third chamber. In this chamber any solids or bacteria that might have made it through, settle to the bottom while water flows out of the tank. The particles that settle to the bottom, fall onto a sloped floor that sends them sliding toward an opening at the bottom and back into the second compartment for more treatment.

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