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SEPTIC SYSTEM INFORMATION SHEET WHAT IS IN BACK YARD AND HOW DOES IT WORK? Most hou es built in Orono after 1960 where city sewer is not available hav two septic tanks, one or more distribution boxes and a number of d ainfield trenches . In the septic tanks, heavy sewage solids will ettle to the bottom and be decomposed by anaerobic (oxygen-free) bacteria action. Floating solids such as grease, fat, and soap scum will be retained inside the tank by baffles at the inlet and outlet . This ensures that the effluent entering the drainfield is I relatively free of solids, which tend to clog up clay soils . Many houses built after 1975 have mound drainfields . These systems function on the same principles as trench drainfields except that tae trench bed is installed above the original" ground to provide a separation from the seasonally high water table and allow the system to function adequately. TRENCH SYSTEM 1� y I ,oV^ _f. _:"�! �. t ��, G J O ) p�Z^.` G �(f C 6 -0,771 riaterxrata ;n distribution box floating solids drainfields sludge l MOUND SYSTEM '..49Ata121- J Amanammat pumping chamber PAi•ullu V,k_A1. HOW CAN I MAKE MY EPTIC SYSTEM LAST LONGER? 1 . Do not use our toilet or kitchen sink as a garbage can. Undigested fo ds and cigarette butts will not decompose in the septic tanks this includes the use of garbage disposals ! ) . 2 . Have your tanks pumped at least once every three years (once every two years is necessary with garbage disposals) . This will probably cost you $80 - $125 . If you do not specifically ask the pumping contractor to open up your tanks, he will probably just put the hose down the Inspection riser and drain the liquid from the tanks . This method wll not effectively remove the solids ! The tanks should be opeied in order to. stir the contents while pumping to break up the sludge and scum layers. The baffles can also be cleaned, examined, and repaired (if necessary) at this time.