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SEPTIC SYSTEI�I INFORi�IATIO\ SHEET �VHAT IS IN 1�IY BACKYARD AND HOW DOES IT WORK? iViost houses built in Orono after 1960 where city se�ver is not available utilize t�vo septic tanks, one or more distribution boxes and a number of drainfield trenches. In the septic tanks,hea�-y sewa�e solids will settle to the bottom and be decomposed by anaerobic (oxygen-free) bacteria action. FloatinJ solids such as grease, fat and soap scum will be retained inside the tank by bafIles at the inlet and outlet. This ensures that the effluent enterinJ the drainfield is relatively free of solids, which tend to clo? or plu�up clay soils. Numerous houses built after 197�utilize mound drainfields. These systems function on the same principles as trench drainfields except that the trench bed is installed above the orijinal�round usin� �vashed sand to provide the required separation to the seasonally hi�h watet t�61e and allo�v the system to function properly. All septic systems require a three foot separation distance to the seasonally high watertable. � TRENCH SYSTE�I +�.�. '`�'�,,,,, .. �j-i I ��-� ;• e—,. c �a + ,�„ c —C �c o .. ( t" �� , a o .. . i • �� z a � ., . — � � � , o � a_I ., ' � Z � i • 1�� ° =� - � 2'.�•.. . � f�.0a.C7.Lly 50�7.C5 G�Str:.}JL'C10i1 �OX G=21^ilE�CS 5�L1CcE � i•IOu�) SYS t t.i�i � ., :: .l,r�'�'_ _'.�, �_-��=:;. n ., � _:,, . ,,;•y,� ,� ��i_ � _ • � �I LL':�l�C CC:2tit7E� ' �•.r �..�V 1 l:� �..► � - HO`�' CA�' I NIAKE I�IY SEPTIC S�'STE�I LAST LO�'GER? 1. Do not use your toilet or ltiitchen sinl:as a garbage can. Undijested foods and ci�arette butts ��ill not decompose in the septic tanks. The use of garbage disposals are not recommended for this reason. 2. Do not drive on or around the drainfield area. This�vill cause compaction of the system. The septic system�vill not absorb all the water it was desi�ned to and could cause early failure. ;. Have your septic tanks pumped at least once every three years (once every•two years if you use a Qarbage disposal) This will probably cost you about $200.00. �Iinnesota State La�v now requires that all septic tanks must be pumped throu�h the manhole covers. If the contractor pumps throu�h the white inspection pipe, all he is removin� is the liquids. This method�j•ill not effectivelv remove the solids. The tanks should be opened in order to stir the contents to break up the slud�e and scum layers. The baf�les can also be cleaned, examined and repaired (if necessary) at this time. - _