#Septic tank and drain field layout full#
#Septic tank and drain field layout professional#
#Septic tank and drain field layout series#

The pollutants harm local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish.

Protects the Environment - Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean.

A properly functioning septic system helps remove these pollutants so well water and nearby surface water does not get contaminated.

Keeps You and Your Neighbors Healthy - Household wastewater is loaded with disease-causing bacteria and viruses, as well as high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Saves You Money - Maintenance fees of a few hundred dollars every few years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning septic system, which can cost thousands.

A responsible septic owner is alert to the signs of a possible failure and with a quick response may save money in repairs and may prevent illness and negative impacts on the environment.

A failed or malfunctioning septic system is a risk to human and animal health and can pollute the environment. Septic systems need proper care and maintenance just like your car. If the drainfield is overloaded with too much water, it will flood, causing sewage to pond at the surface or create backups in toilets and sinks. Some alternative systems are designed to evaporate wastewater or disinfect it before it is discharged to the soil. Bacteria and viruses are removed from the effluent as it filters through the soil ultimately discharging back into the groundwater.Īlternative systems use pumps to help septic tank effluent trickle through sand, organic matter or other media to remove or neutralize pollutants like disease-causing pathogens, nitrogen, and other contaminants.

#Septic tank and drain field layout series#

The liquid effluent flows out into a drainfield for treatment, which in conventional gravity systems typically consists of a series of perforated pipes in trenches designed to slowly release the effluent into the soil. The addition of an outlet screen can further help extend the life of your septic system by preventing even finer waste particles from escaping the septic tank to clog soil pores in the drainfield. The outlet baffle prevents the sludge and scum from leaving the tank.

The liquid portion between the two layers, called effluent, then flows into the second chamber where additional settling and digestion occurs. Bacteria begin to work on the solids and partially digest them. In the first chamber, heavy solids settle to the bottom to form a sludge layer greases and soaps float to the top to form the scum layer. Modern septic tanks are divided into two chambers. The septic tank is designed to use naturally occurring bacteria to digest organic matter and separate floatable materials like oils and grease while the solids settle out from the wastewater. The septic tank collects all the wastewater from the kitchen, bathroom and laundry and then separates the solids from the liquids. The typical septic system consists of a septic tank and some type of a disposal drainfield.

#Septic tank and drain field layout full#

It is full of information about how systems work, the Do's and Don'ts of Septic System Use (PDF), and tips to follow to help your system last as long as possible. To learn more about the different types of septic system inspections see the System Status Report page.Ĭlallam County Environmental Health Services (CCEH) has published an artistic and informative tabloid titled `Take Care of your Septic' (PDF) available online.

#Septic tank and drain field layout professional#

Visit the septic system Operation and Maintenance (O&M) page for more information on professional septic system inspections. Please go to the Summary of Septic System Inspection Requirements page for more details. The 2005 on-site septic system regulations ( WAC 246-272A) state that septic system owners shall 'assure a complete evaluation of the system components to determine functionality, maintenance needs, and compliance with regulations and any permits.' Those State regulations require that homeowners inspect and maintain their septic system regularly (meaning annually for those with pumps and every three years for gravity-fed systems) to ensure it is functioning properly.

Maintenance of these systems is important if they are to continue to work properly over a long period of time, and in order to protect our health and environment.

Over 50% of the residents in Clallam County live in homes that are not served by public sewers, but by a septic tank and drainfield system known as an On-site Septic System (OSS) because it treats sewage at the location it is generated.