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SEPTIC SYSTEII I�i'FORIL�TIO\ SHEET `VHAT IS I�1 IvIY BACKYARD AI�tD HOW DOES IT �VORK� `lost house� built in Orono after 1960 where city ser.ver is not available utilize two septic tanks, one or more distribution boxes and a number of drainfield trenches. In the septic tanks, hea�y se�va�e solids will settle to the bottom and be decomposed by anaerobic (oxygen-free) bacteria action. Floatin� solids such as grease, fat and soap scum will be retained inside the tank by bafrles at the inlet and outlet. This ensures that the effluent enterin� the drainfield is relatively fre� of solids, �vhich tend to clo� or plu� up clay soils. I�rumerous 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 ori�inal�round usin� washed sand to provide the required separation to the seasonally hi�h water table and allo�v the system to function properly. All septic systems require a th.ree foot separation distance to the seasonally high watertable. II �L—� _ TRENCH SYSTEM — � •,��h� � G T� - C —� c �� -'_ c —C c o ,) I �� t ` ' v . ' : � v ^ �• i � � � � � � � o � �=� '1 1 .1�O�` , I �� •O J /��L� r.,. � � — =1CcC�:1� 50�'CS C�5`�i�.}JL'�.10^ �OX • c>ai�=ie1cs sluc.�e � i•iOU�� S�'�S 1�M `� r�-,,.--_.� .�" � — _�•'-., ^ �i h T ~ _. •r %''�•/ i -�- �' ---- • � �I _ � � LL-:�ii g c:ar,lber . '•.� ,,,�v � i;� y..J. I �/ � ��C HO�V CAN I l�L��:E NIY SEPTIC S�'STEi�I LAST LO�'GER? 1. Do not use your toilet or kitchen sinic as a�arbage can. Undijested foods and ci�arette butts w�ill not decompose in the septic tanks. The use of garba�e disposals are not reconunended for this reason. 2. Do not drive on or around the drainfield area. This will cause compaction of the system. The septic system ��ill not absorb all the water it �vas desi�ned to and could cause early failure. 3. Have}•our septic tanl:s pumped at least once every three years (once every two years if you use a garba�e disposal� This �vill probably cost you about 5200.00. vlinnesota State La�v now requires that all septic tanks must be pumped through the manhole covers. If the contractor pumps through the �vhite inspection pipe, all he is removin� is the liquids. This method �s•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 baffles can also be cleaned, examined and repaired (if necessary) at this time. -