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.'ram septic system Best UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSIN Management Practices i httod/septic.urnii:edu Septic systems protect.humav-heafth and the environment by.saf~elyrecycling wastewater and -returning it to the -natural. environment. It.is.-your job as the homeowner to besure this happens effectively atad safely. As *ithyour-car,:regular maintenance and attention is needed to. keep it operating efficiently in a cost effective manner. Septic Tank Functions: w Separates. into three layers: scum (stuff that floatg), sludge (stuff that "sinks), and *the liquid. • The solids. and scum are held until removed by the. maintainer. Anaerobic bacteria. work to breakdown wastes, prepare the -liquid for the drainfield. • The liquid is delivered to the soil treatment: area.: to complete the treatment:process. If solids are not removed, they can end -up in the soil treatment area, causing (often irreparable) damage: • Factors that increase frequency of pumping. use of garbage.: disposal, water treatment unit that discharges. into the septic system, in -home daycare or other -reason a large number of people are present most of the time; laundry on the 2nd floor, excessive use of water and strong cleaning products: Best managementprnctices: • Tanks needto be evaluated every .two to three:years and pumped if necessary. Some counties require pumping, on a specified Basis. New homes -pump within 3--1I-months of occupancy the first time. • Never allow a tank to be cleaned through the inspection pipe. This: is :not.. allowed by code, and it does not allow a good cleaning to occur; Scum can plugthebaffle, baffles: can be knocked off.. Tanks should only .be cleaned through the manhole or maintenance hole: Be sure baffles, effluent sdeeni pumps and other components are inspected when the tank is pumped, 41 Install risers on the manhole covers to allow easier access. insulate the cover and secure tightly. • An effluent screen will prevent:mostsolids front. reaching the soil treatmentarea. Install and clean according.,to manufacturer recommendations. • Never use additives. The. cleaners are harrtiful to your. system. They do -not replace good management practices. Starters and feeders are not effective. • Warning: NEVER go intoa. septic tank —there are dangerous gases and .no oxygen! • Do riot ignore alarms ---troubleshoot the problem. Soil TireatmentAres: Trench or Mound Functions: • Soil organisniv destroy pathogens (bacteria, .viruses). Remove phosphorus, reduce nitrogen content. • Recycle clean water into the soil and ground water: Water and nutrients enter the ground water,. evaporate through plants, and are used by: plants. Best management practices: • Maintain vegetative cover (tarf*grass, native grasses, flowers). Mow, but do not fertilize, burn or over -water. • Keep all vehicles; bikes, snowmobiles, etc: off. • Do notplant trees or shrubs near drainfidd. • Inspect for cracked, missing inspectiiop pipe covers. follow practices to prevent freezing, including entire system if needed. Household Best Management Practices Manage water use: • Repair all leaking faucets, toilets, fixtures. • Change to low flow toilets, shower heads. • 'Replace appliances with low water use models. s Spread water uses evenly throughout the day and week.. • Re-route clean water sources: water softener, treatment unit recharge water,. high efficiency furnace drip, sump pumpslo: separate drainage area... Watch what goes down the drain:. The. toilet is not a garbage can nothing ishotild be. flushed except human waste and toilet paper, • Excess medications -storm to pharmacy: or land -fill: • Limit or eliminate drain cleaner use. Do-ngt-use automatic toilet cleaners,. disposable brushes.. Do not use every -use or*automat a shower cleaners. • No hazardous waste; paints, solvents, chemicals. Use disposable paint brushes. Eliminate or limit use of-girbagl disposal: • No' chlorine treated water such as from hot. tubs. Manage product use: • Minimize use of anti -bacterial soaps, cleansers. • :Detergents: treasure accurately, use as little as possible.. Limit use of bleach -based cleansers. $.ptage—the solids from the tank are usually land -applied. Lime is. added in:the truck to destroy pathogens and help control -odors. Septic pumpers must follow strict guidelines to. protect. public safety and water'quality. Septage disposal is managed by the MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)-and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ac. r more information: Order the Septic System Owner's Guide. Call 800-876-8636 or go to http://sh6p.extension.umn.edu: Onsite Sewage Treatment Program web site: htip.//�eptic.ptnn.edu. University of Minnesota Extension ittn://www.extension.uinn.edu. Written by Valerie Prax, Regional Extension; Educator, 6/07 02009 Regents of theUnivetsity.of Minnesota. All tights Reserved. The.Univen. by of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer: This materialcan be made available. in allernative fornnats for people.with disabilities. Call the Water Resources. Center, 612-624-9282.