BLACK WATER SEPTIC SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY

A septic system consists of a settling or digesting tank connected to wastewater pipes that drain into the surrounding ground, or septic field. Solids settle to the bottom of the tank and are removed on a designated schedule. The liquid goes into the wastewater pipes and is allowed to seep into the ground where it is cleaned by bacteria in the soil. A septic system requires minimal attention to maintain; however, adequate depth and quality of soil is required for septic fields to function properly. This is often a limiting factor in mountain environments. Septic systems require road access in the summer to install.

The life of a septic system depends on the following factors:

• Septic tank pumping frequency: providing you are starting with a functional and reasonably- designed septic system, the most significant step you can take to extend the septic system life is to have the septic tank cleaned or "pumped" on schedule
• How the septic system is used,: including the wastewater usage level and what materials are flushed down the septic system drains. Conserving water reduces the load on the absorption field. Avoiding flushing chemicals or items that don't biodegrade reduces the solid build-up rate in the septic tank
• Soil conditions such as the soil percolation rate and the amount and level of ground water or surface water that affect the soil absorption area or drain field
• Drain field size
• Septic tank materials: a steel septic tank rusts away, first losing its baffles (which lead to drain field clogging) and eventually rusting at its bottom or sides. The rate of rust depends on the soil conditions, soil acidity and other factors. A concrete septic tank can have a very long life, in excess of 40 years, except for cases of poorly mixed concrete or possibly acidic soils which may reduce that life span. Plastic or fibreglass septic tanks can expect to have a similar life unless they are mechanically damaged
• Life of special components such as effluent pumps or septic grinder pumps, septic filters, septic media, and sand bed filter systems often determines the need for repair of alternate-design septic systems that use these components
• Nearby trees or plants whose roots invade system components