2003-P06826 - septic - Laserfiche WebLink

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' S�rr�c S�ti�t�,+ O��,titP's Guior ' � � 1 ' � � � � � '' , The effecciveness of a septic system in treating sewage depends on how the ' homeowner uses and operates the system. Water-use habits, fixtures and appliances, product selection, and sepcic additives and cleaners all affect how well a septic , system works. The septic system operates every time wastewater enters the syst.em. :� Water Use ^ , t The total amount of water and the pattern of water use affects how the sept'ic system works. For complete and uniform treatment of wastes, the system needs time to work. The ideal situatior would be to have wastewater enter the system as evenly as possible throughout the day and week. Every time water is used, waste- ' water enters the septic tank and an equal amount of water leaves the tank for the � drainfield. Large volumes of water entering the system in a short period of time may = agitate and re-suspend sludge and scum into the liquid contents (Figure 6). If this � `" happens, suspended solids are carried into the soil treatment system, clogging soil � pores and preventing adequate treatment. : The Qmount Excessive water use puts an unnecessary load on the septic system. Allowing � of wate►' faucets to drip, fixtures to leak, and using running water to wash and rinse dishes; households shave, and brush teeth are wasteful water habits. In most households, toilet flushing use for speCific is the largest user of water, follo�ved by bathing, laundry, and dishwashing. tasks varies One of the best ways to reduce the amount of water treated by the septic � , with the system is to replace old water-using appliances. If a major remodeling is planned, � , fixtures and regulations may require upgrades to low water use appliances. For example, local- government units may have adapted the new state building codes requiring low- appliances flush toilets in new construction or when replaced by a plumber. Whether ' and with remodeling or not, consumers may choose low-flow showerheads, hand-held individual showers with pause control, and temperature control valves to reduce water use, habits. save energy, and save money.The way appliances are used affects how much water ' passes through the septic system, as shown in the chart on page 13. , r---- � — -- ' _ � Water , j � - i and ' � solids � � I . . . � � � ; .��'�':, � , _ - - - , ,.. _ _ ' --_, .. - � � — — '� �: `�;:.. Fi - ` j � _ � � � � �. •• ' gure 6 =:* Agitation of solids from use of `� ' large volumes of water � � ' ' 12