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<br />13-76 ® SECTION 13, Forms and Reference
<br />UNIVERSITY
<br />OF MINNESOTA septic System Best
<br />Management PrActices
<br />Septic sys#ems protect human health and the environment by safely recycling wastewater and returning it to the natural
<br />environment. It is your job as the homeowner to be sure this happens effectively and safely. As with your car, regular
<br />maintenance and attention is needed to keep it operating efficiently in a cost effective manner.
<br />Septic 'Tank
<br />Functions:
<br />• Separates into three layers: scum {stuff tliat floats),
<br />sludge (stuff that sinks), and the liquid.
<br />• The solids and scum are held until removed by the
<br />maintainer. Anaerobic bacteria work to break down
<br />wastes, prepare the liquid for the drainfield.
<br />• The liquid is delivered to the soil treatment area to
<br />complete the treatment process.
<br />• If solids are not removed, they can end up in the soil
<br />treatment area, causing (often irreparable) damage.
<br />• Factors that increase frequency of pumping: use of
<br />garbage disposal, water treatment unit that discharges
<br />into the septic system, in-home daycare or other reason
<br />a large number of people are present most of the time,
<br />laundry on the 2nd floor, excessive use of water and
<br />strong cleaning products.
<br />Best management practices:
<br />• Tanks need to be evaluated every two to three years
<br />and pumped if necessary. Some counties require
<br />pumping on a specified basis. New homes—pump
<br />within 3-12 months of occupancy the first time.
<br />• Never allow a tank to be cleaned through the inspection
<br />pipe. This is not allowed by code, and it does not allow
<br />a good cleaning to occur. Scum can plug the baffle,
<br />baffles can be knocked off. Tanks should only be
<br />cleaned through the manhole or maintenance hole.
<br />• Be sure baffles, effluent screen, pumps and other
<br />components are inspected when the tank is pumped.
<br />• Install risers on the manhole covers to allow easier
<br />access. Insulate the cover and secure tightly.
<br />• An effluent screen will prevent most solids from
<br />reaching the soil treatment area. Install and clean
<br />according to manufacturer recommendations,
<br />• Never use additives. The cleaners are harmful to your
<br />system. They do not replace good management
<br />Practices. Starters and feeders are not effective.
<br />• Warning: NEVER go into a septic tank—there are
<br />dangerous gases and no oxygenl
<br />• Do not ignore alarms—troubleshoot the Problem.
<br />Soil b-eatment Area: Trench or. MgUn,
<br />Functions.,
<br />• Soil organisms destroy pathogens (bacteria, viruses).
<br />• Remove phosphorus, reduce nitrogen content.
<br />• Recycle clean water -into the soil and ground water.
<br />Water and nutrients enter the ground water, evaporate
<br />through plants, and are used by plants.
<br />Best management practices:
<br />4 Maintain vegetative cover (turf grass, native grasses,
<br />flowers). Mow, but do not fertilize, burn or over -water.
<br />• Keep all vehicles, bikes, snowmobiles, etc. off.
<br />• Do not plant trees or shrubs near drainfield.
<br />• Inspect for cracked, missing inspection pipe covers.
<br />• Follow practices to prevent freezing, including
<br />mulching the entire system if needed.
<br />Household Best Management !Practices
<br />Mang e water usP
<br />• Repair all leaking faucets, toilets, fixtures.
<br />a Change to low flow toilets, shower heads.
<br />• Replace appliances with low water use models.
<br />• Spread water uses evenly throughout the day and week..
<br />• Re-route clean water sources: water softener, treatment
<br />unit recharge water, high efficiency furnace drip, sump
<br />pumps to separate drainage area.
<br />Watch whatgoes down the drain:
<br />o The toilet is not a garbage can—nothing should be
<br />flushed except human waste and toilet paper.
<br />• Excess medications --return, to pharmacy or land -fill.
<br />• Limit or eliminate drain cleaner use.
<br />• Do not use automatic toilet cleaners, disposable brushes.
<br />• Do not use every -use or automatic shower cleaners.
<br />• No hazardous waste, paints, solvents, chemicals. Use
<br />disposable paint brushes.
<br />• !Eliminate or limit use of garbage disposal.
<br />• No chlorine treated water such as from hot tubs.
<br />Mana e roduct use:
<br />• Minimize use of anti -bacterial soaps, cleansers.
<br />• Detergents; measure accurately, use as little as possible.
<br />• Limit use of bleach -based cleansers.
<br />Septage—the solids from the tank are usually land -applied. Lime is added in the truck to destroy pathogens and help
<br />control odors. Septic pumpers must follow strict guidelines to protect public safety and water quality. Septage disposal is
<br />managed by the MN Pollution Control Agency (MPGA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
<br />For more information: Order the Septic Systcm Owner's Guide. Call 800=876-8636 or go to http;//shop,extension.umn.edu.
<br />Onsite Sewage Treatment Program web site; htt a/se tic.urnu.edu, University of Minnesota Extension http:/Jwww,extension.umn.edu.
<br />Written by Valerie Prax, Regional Extension Educator, 6107
<br />IS�2DD8 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights Rescrvarl. The Univers;ty of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This material can /0
<br />nmde available in alternative formats for people with dlsnbilities. Call the Water Resources Center. 612-624.9282_be
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