2003-P06827 - new septic system - Laserfiche WebLink

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SEPTIC SYStE�I OWNER�S GUIDE I � � � � ' � � l Tank Maintenance Frequency of Pumping �. ��`a�� ,�.:,�;.<,_ The septic tank MUST be periodically cleaned(pumped) to remove fioating �ti;e+�ery.. scum and sludge that accumulate. If either floating scum or sludge is allowed to ��'�.�j�,�"` enter the soil treatment system(drainfield) it will cause expensive and often irrepa- � � ^�•` � rable damage.How often to clean a septic tank depends on its size,use,and operat- ��`�k�^�,��c�c_ ::�, ��. ing condition. arpenslrr , ,�� In new home lnstallotJons, the tank should be cleaned after 6-12 months of y`�•:�p1�.�: . �...;_.:.,��, a.._ use as a precautionary measure to ensure good bacterial activity and proper func- 'a� tioning. In new homes, wastewater from painting,varnishing, staining, and other ��' �� ��. t��.r.�:Y.._� _'+q '♦ construction functions can reduce the initial levels of bacterial activity causing ~� `"` fO ,,�;�"..:,_..,,�. . ��-;��•..: damage to the soil treatment system. lf finishing work is still being completed, the ��.,,:"-�° tank should be cleaned before it is used for sewage. `j��='NY' �`� ,�.-.. . Once a system is known to be operating properfy,the worksheet on page 18 can be used as a guideline for cleaning frequency. Take into consideration both the calculated guideline results (in months)and the condition of the tank(amount of scum and sludge)at the last cleaning. Homeowners should be present when the cleaning is done or be sure to get this information from the cleaning contractor. A typical household will calculate a cleaning frequency(using the guideline worksheet)of 18-30 months. If your final result is very different from this,recheck � your responses and the math. If your result is still very different, contact a qualified • septic system professional for additional advice. If the result suggests very frequent cleaning (less than every 12 months), the system may need to be upgraded and/or use habits changed.Use the space pro- vided in the folder accompanying this guide to record the cleaning dates. _ .,_ - ��:� . . .r.:�f � +�,_� <<..: • � ��y°�: .r,� n�o�is twiee� Fk �'ls �sti� F-��W�f. � Proper Cleaning Method PUMP/ Cleaning, or 'pumping' as it's often called, must be done by a licensed and FLUSH/ bonded professional. Proper cleaning will remove ALL scum, sludge, and liquid from BACKFLUSH the septic tank(s). This requires pumping, flushing, and backflushing liquid contents back and forth between the truck's tank and the septic tank through the manhole several times. This process breaks up all scum and sludge in the tank, allowing a�l solids to be removed by the truck's suction line. Floating scum left in the tank after ' cleaning may plug baffles or allow solids to enter the drainfield when the tank refills. Cleaning will leave a black film on the tank walls and a small amount of liquid on the tank floor. This contains millions of bacteria to help get the tank working following the cleaning. ' When the tank is cleaned, ask che contractor to make sure the baffles are in place and functioning properly. Cleaning a tank through the inspection pipes will often leave solids in the tank and possibly damage baffles. Insist that the tank be cleaned through the manhole if the cank has one. Ask beforehand if the tank will be cleaned [hrough the manhole, and if it ' w�ll not, find a differenc contractor. It may cost slightly more to have the tank cleaned through the manhole, but this will save money in the long run. Afcer cleaning, it is not necessary to add a startec Bacteria present in wastewater and in , the tank will do [he job. n '