Some Facts Relating To Septic Systems Kingsland Tx Residents Will Find Informative

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By Diane Nelson


Septic systems are integral to the disposal process of household wastewater. They are especially important in rural areas where in most cases a centralized system is non-existent or is too expensive. They are generally simple in design and easy to maintain. There are a number of important things relating to septic systems Kingsland Tx residents need to know if they plan to install them or already have them on their farms.

Septic systems have two main components; the septic tank and the drain field. The tank is a watertight container made of fiberglass or concrete. It receives wastewater from the household through the inlet pipe. This water is held in the tank for a few days (or weeks) to allow for separation of the solids and the liquid. The top most layer (scum) comprises solids that float on water. The middle layer is made up of water and the bottom layer (sludge) has heavier solids.

Solid waste is acted on by naturally occurring bacteria in the tank. Most of it gets broken down and whatever remains is held up in the tank until it is pumped. The water then moves through an outlet pipe into the drainfield, the second part of the system. Drainfields are made up of trenches that are lined with either sand or gravel. Water enters these trenches through pipes with small perforations. The drainfields help to treat the water further.

The system should be inspected on a regular basis. At least one inspection every three years is recommended for the ordinary system. Systems that have electrical and mechanical components tend to fail more often and require more frequent inspection. Pumping should also be done every three to five years or more frequently if possible. Professionals should be contracted to help in identifying and fixing defects that may exist.

There are several factors that influence the frequency of pumping. They include the total amount of wastewater produced in a household, the number of people in the household, the volume of solid waste and the size of the septic tank. A number of additives may be used to reduce the volume of solid waste. These additives are, however, not always effective which leaves pumping as the only reliable option.

Using water more efficiently within the household will greatly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the system and this will in turn improve its operation as well as reduce the chances of failure. One of the ways of having an efficient system is to install water closets that use less water. While older designs have reservoirs that hold between 3.5 to 5 gallons, newer ones hold 1.6 gallons or less but still flush effectively.

Overloading the drainfield the sewage may flood the ground surface or cause backups in your plumbing fixtures. Having a reserve drainfield helps take care of such a problem. Well drained soils are the most suitable for setting up a drainfield. If the soil in your area has poor drainage, you may need to consider alternative systems. These systems use peat, sand or plastic media to facilitate the treatment process.

Septic systems require proper maintenance if they are to serve their purpose optimally. There is a need to avoid clogging them with hair, plastic, rags and other non-biodegradable materials. Ensure that regular inspections and repairs are done by a professional.




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