Mason County Public Health Septic System, User Manual

Page 1: ...SEPTIC SYSTEM USER S MANUAL Care and Feeding of Your On Site Sewage System by Toby Tahja Syrett Mason County Public Health P O Box 1666 Shelton WA 98584 360 427 9670 ext 352 ...

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Page 3: ...learn more about how your system works and how to maintain it be sure to follow the links on all pages System Type Gravity Distribution pg 31 Pressure Distribution pg 32 Sub Surface Drip pg 33 Glendon Biofilter pg 34 Sand Filter pg 35 Mound pg 36 Sand Lined Drainfield pg 37 Aerobic Treatment Unit ATU Make model ______________________________________ pg 38 Recirculating Filter Type ________________...

Page 4: ... Softeners and Hot Tubs 16 Do You Know Where Your System Is Locating Your System 16 Keeping Your System Accessible 17 Hiding in Plain Sight 19 Protecting Your System 19 Preventing Unauthorized Access 19 Landscaping Your System 20 Forget About It 20 Maintaining Adequate Reserve Area 20 Pumping Your System Why Pumping is Important 21 How Often Should it be Pumped 22 Tanks Safety Checklist 23 Inspect...

Page 5: ...Drainfield 37 Aerobic Treatment Unit ATU 38 Recirculating Filter 39 Component Fact Sheets Septic Tank 40 Pump Tank 41 Trash Trap 42 Pump Basin 43 Grease Trap 44 Aerobic Treatment Unit ATU 45 Recirculating Filter 46 Sand Filter 47 Sand Lined Drainfield 48 Gravity Drainfield 49 Pressure Drainfield 50 Sub surface Drip Drainfield 51 Mound Disposal 52 Glendon Biofilter Disposal 53 Alarms Control Panels...

Page 6: ...ycled water Your first step is to read this manual and try to follow it s advice And remember be nice to your system and it will be nice to you How to Use This Manual This manual is organized to cover all types of systems and you should read Section s 1 and 2 no matter what type of system you have Section 1 is a Do s and Don t list to familiarize you with what you should and shouldn t be doing wit...

Page 7: ...ct Mason County Designer __________________________________ Phone _______________ Your System Installer If you don t know check your approved as built or contact Mason County Installer ___________________________________ Phone _______________ Your Septic Tank Pumper contact Mason County for an approved list Pumper ___________________________________ Phone ______________ Your Operation Maintenance ...

Page 8: ...te and protect your system 3 Do practice water conservation By reducing the amount of water going into your system you can extend the life of the system and lower power consumption 4 Do reduce water use by Using low flow faucets showers and toilets Running appliances one at a time dishwasher washing machine etc Spreading laundry over the entire week and avoid partial loads Washing only full loads ...

Page 9: ...as the manufacturer recommends This usually takes less than a minute Lint can cause your drainfield to plug up resulting in a costly failure If your washer doesn t have a lint filter consider installing one They usually retrofit onto the end of the discharge hose 11 Do use liquid phosphate free laundry detergent and no more than the recommended amount Phosphate free detergents help keep your drain...

Page 10: ...nality isn t jeopardized 20 Do keep all lids ports valve boxes etc easily accessible You or your contractor will have to get back to these components for monitoring and maintenance 21 Do plant grass and or other shallow rooted plants on your drainfield Plants such as grass can play a major role in disposing of household wastewater by absorption and transpiration But please no shrubs or trees as th...

Page 11: ...9 Do remember that the audible alarm can be silenced by pushing the lighted button lever etc usually labeled PUSH TO SILENCE and on the front or side of the electrical control panel However don t just silence and ignore 30 Do remember most alarms are caused by water over use in the house or leaky tanks taking in groundwater in the winter In the house cut back water use until the alarm clears Call ...

Page 12: ...o contaminate ground and surface water 9 Don t discharge water softener backwash into the septic tank The backwash brine contains high levels of chlorides that can destroy microorganisms and the added water can overload your system 10 Don t use toilet tank deodorizers or other chlorine products in your toilet Chlorine damages the rubber seals and gaskets and may cause them to leak overloading the ...

Page 13: ...d or the areas immediately adjacent to it This could cause a disruption of the system surfacing sewage and possible system failure 19 Don t dig without knowing where your system components water lines and power lines are Knowing the location of your underground utilities can help you avoid costly repairs when digging in your yard 20 Don t disturb or compact the soil over filters or drainfield or w...

Page 14: ...rainfield but not into a storm drain 30 Don t connect rain gutters or storm drains to your septic system or allow surface water to drain into it 31 Don t dump recreational vehicle RV waste into your septic tank The system is designed for your residence flow and may not be able to handle the extra load RV waste may also contain chemicals that are toxic or that may hamper the biological activity in ...

Page 15: ...r system it will fail and you will be paying to repair or replace it It s that simple 2 The Health of your family community and environment Your septic system when properly operated does a very important community service It takes dangerous waste and turns it into clean water All it asks in return for keeping you safe is a little help from above above the ground that is A properly functioning syst...

Page 16: ...rst flush both in your waste and in the soil of the drainfield They thrive on the waste coming into your system in the tanks filters and drainfield they grow multiply and eat up all the bad stuff What s left after they get done with their feast Purified water This clean water flows into the soil under your drainfield and then eventually groundwater tables feeding lakes rivers streams and Puget Sou...

Page 17: ...ead do one load a day for seven days if possible If you are planning a large gathering reunion etc rent port a potties for the event This will prevent your system from being overloaded Install low flow fixtures and appliances if possible and fix leaking toilets and faucets Remember it s easier than fixing your septic system Garbage Disposals and High Strength Waste A Garbage Disposal usually under...

Page 18: ...r system although the jury is still out The safest alternative is to NOT dump backwash into your system Since this is not sewage the softener can be plumbed to discharge to an outside footing or other drain The same goes for hot tubs Drain them in the yard and not in your septic system Pop Quiz Do You Know Where Your System Is Locating your system There are many reasons to know where your septic s...

Page 19: ...l rod listening for a hollow sound The tank will be at least as deep as the outgoing sewer pipe WHATCLUES WILL HELP ME LOCATE THE DRAINFIELD A mound or settled area Snow melts more quickly The grass doesn t grow as well or where it grows greener and faster The earth is soggyor there is moisture loving vegetation Keeping your system accessible Don t bury tank access lids under ground under decks or...

Page 20: ...e problems no one knows until they are bigger and harder to fix If and when someone does decide to look in on the system they will have to dig up the yard This can cost a lot of money and really wreaks havoc on those new flower beds you spent all weekend on If you have a system that does not have accessible components you must seriously consider making them accessible for monitoring and maintenanc...

Page 21: ...g soil structure This very often leads to system failure A general rule is nothing heavier than a riding lawnmower should be driven over the drainfield Remember your microscopic farm animals They re out there eating the pollutants in the waste stream coming from the house If you crush them or seal off their oxygen then how can they do their job Heavy wheeled vehicles can also damage system pipes C...

Page 22: ...ed soil The roots of these plants will get big enough to disrupt your drainfield in a few short years Also they will prevent access to your drainfield area for monitoring purposes which means you may not find out there is a system problem until it s too late Keep the area clear and monitoring ports located and accessible Maintaining Adequate Reserve Area Your reserve or repair area is a very impor...

Page 23: ...ank causing backup in the house Solids can also be forced into your drainfield or sand gravel filter etc causing it to plug and fail IN FROM HOUSE OUT TO SYSTEM ACCESS RISERS WHEN IS IT TIME TO PUMP SOLIDS ENTER THE TANK FROM THE HOUSE AND EITHER FLOAT OR SETTLE THE TANK NEEDS TO BE PUMPED WHEN THE SOLIDS BUILD UP ENOUGH TO PASS THROUGH THE OUTLET BAFFLE PUMP THE TANK IF There is less than 3 betwe...

Page 24: ...ears Number of people using the system Tank Size gallons 1 2 4 6 8 1000 gal 12 years 6 years 3 years 2 years 1 year 1500 gal 19 years 9 years 4 years 3 years 2 years Adapted from Estimated Septic Tank Pumping Frequency by Karen Manci 1984 Journal of Environmental Engineering Volume 110 The most important thing remember is to check your system annually Once your system has to be pumped for the firs...

Page 25: ...ous diseases Anytime you come into c or solids from your system wash y clothes before eating drinking g around others ontact with liquids ourself and your oing inside or being Keep vehicles and other equipment away from your system Driving on tanks or over pipes could collapse them Drivin oy its ability to breathe and transmit water Never smoke near system openings Combustible gases may be present...

Page 26: ...nce O M provider They can identify and help correct problems before they damage the system Your pumper may or may not be a certified O M provider so check to be sure The county maintains a list of currently licensed providers contact them for a copy Look at the whole thing When your system is checked it is important that the entire system is looked at from the source plumbing coming from the house...

Page 27: ...the system is aintaining your records M art of bein P records First of all make sure you have your design and as built drawing If you don t have an as built and the county can t find one for you create one yourself using the worksheet on page 59 or hire a designer to generate one Keep a record of any work done on your system inspections when it is pumped repaired etc The aintenance Record Log on p...

Page 28: ...light will stop flashing If the problem happens again the whole cycle of buzzing and flashing will happen over again requiring you to silence it and try to figure out what s causin Air blower ATU and disinfection unit alarms function to alert you that a unit is not working properly When one of these ala in M such as switches timers meters etc DO NOT ALTER SETTINGS INSIDE YOUR PANEL Only a professi...

Page 29: ... filter moun ATU gravel filter drip system etc and it hasn t been looked at before by a licensed O M provider If you have broken pipes If you have electric If you are getting strong sewage odors in or around the house and you cannot figure out where they are coming from and fix the problem yourself If you have sewage on the ground take immediate action to protect yourself and your family from cont...

Page 30: ... broken or Ensure baffles clear plugged Fix or replace baffles if necessary Pump tank if solids are problem Excess water use in house Fix leaks Limit high use activities Install water saving fixtures Groundwater infiltrating into tanks Drain ground and surface water away from tanks Find and fix leaking openings Water tight tanks if possible High waste strength Stop using garbage disposal or placin...

Page 31: ...per plumbing Repair plumbing Sewage Smells in House Toxic gases can be flammable or make people sick Unsealed ejector sump pump Locate and seal ejector sump properly Someone else s septic problems Talk to your neighbor about correcting the problem If public health is threatened call county Sewage surfacing in yard Repair or replace drainfield Inspection port caps damaged or removed Replace damaged...

Page 32: ... nd how to working Follow the links on components and h TION 3 this manual to see what system and ked components are page numbers Those re the pages y r system how ou need to read to it works a learn more about your make sure it keeps all pages to read about your particular system ow to properly maintain them ...

Page 33: ... 31 SOUR GRAVITY SYSTEM SEPTIC TANK PG 40 CE DISTRIBUTION BOX PLEASE TURN TO THE PAGES INDICATED E TION ON EACH SYSTEM PART FOR MOR INFORMA GRAVITY DISTRIBUTION DRAINFIELD PG 49 RESERVE AREA PG 56 ...

Page 34: ...YSTEM ALARM CONTROL PANEL PG 54 SEPTIC TANK PG 40 PUMP TANK PG 41 SOURCE MANIFOLD PLEASE TURN TO THE PAGES INDICATED FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH SYSTEM PART PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION DRAINFIELD PG 50 RESERVE AREA PG 56 ...

Page 35: ...SEPTIC TANK PG 40 OR ATU PG 45 SOURCE OR RECIRC FILTER PG 46 OR SAND FILTER PG 47 PUMP TANK PG 41 RETURN FLUSH LINE SUPPLY LINE PLEASE TURN TO THE PAGES INDICATED FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH SYSTEM PART SUB SURFACE DRIP FIELD PG 51 SERVE EA PG 56 RE AR 1 ...

Page 36: ...EASE T T URN O THE PAGES INDICATED FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH SYSTEM PART ALARM CONTROL PANEL PG 54 SEPTIC TANK PG 40 PUMP TANK PG 41 GLENDON BIOFILTER S MOUND G 53 P RESERVE AREA PG 56 GLE SY NDON BIOFILTER STEM ...

Page 37: ...L PANEL PG 54 SEPTIC TANK PG 40 PUMP TANK PG 41 SOURCE PLEASE TURN TO THE PAGES INDICATED FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH SYSTEM PART SAND FILTER PG 47 DRAINFIELD MAY BE GRAVITY PG 49 PRESSURE PG 50 DRIP PG 51 MOUND PG 52 RESERVE AREA PG 56 ...

Page 38: ...PAGES INDICATED FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH SYSTEM PART ALARM CONTROL PANEL PG 54 SEPTIC TANK PG 40 PUMP TANK PG 41 MOUND PG 52 RESERVE AREA PG 56 IF YOUR MOUND IS PRECEDED BY A SAND FILTER SEE PAGE 35 ATU SEE PAGE 38 RECIRC FILTER SEE PAGE 39 ...

Page 39: ...NIFOLD DRAINFIELD PLEASE TURN TO THE PAGES INDICATED FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH SYSTEM PART ALARM CONTROL PANEL PG 54 SEPTIC TANK PG 40 PUMP TANK PG 41 SAND LINED DRAINFIELD PG 48 RESERVE AREA PG 56 SE SAND R LINES COAR UNDE ...

Page 40: ...RE INFORMATION ON CH SYSTEM PART PAGES FOR MO EA ALARM CONTROL PANEL PG 54 DISINFECTION UNIT PG 55 RESERVE AREA PG 56 ATU PG 45 TRASH TRAP PG 42 PUMP TANK PG 41 DRAINFIELD MAY BE GRAVITY PG 49 PRESSURE PG 50 DRIP PG 51 MOUND PG 52 ATU SYSTEM ...

Page 41: ...G 46 RETURN FROM FILTER PLEASE TURN TO ICATED THE PAGES IND FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH SYSTEM PART RESERVE AREA PG 56 DOSE TO FILTER PUMP TANK PG 41 DISIN FECTION UNIT PG 55 DRAINFIELD MAY BE GRAVITY PG 49 PRESSURE PG 50 DRIP PG 51 MOUND PG 52 SEPTIC TANK PG 40 RECIRCULATION TANK PG 46 ...

Page 42: ...the heavy solids to sink and the lighter ones to float while a clear middle Clarified effluent from this clear zone is then passed on to the rest of the system Mainte and have it pumped when needed See page on on when to pump Pull and clean the effluent filter as necessary hose solids back into tank Visually in leaks etc See Secti mation on protecting your tanks wing directly out ffled tank with a...

Page 43: ...ptic t limits how often and how long a pump can run ot tangled up F T tank ATU or filter and then sends it on to another component generally a drainfield or filter Many pump tanks function on demand which means that when enough water enters the tank to activate the pump switch usually a floa the pump comes on and pumps until the switch goes off Other pumps are controlled by a timer which Maintenan...

Page 44: ... minimum by a certified O M provider d and pump when needed fi compartment Function The trash trap is a primary tank that collects all wastewater coming into the se system With the use of baffles in the tank wastewater is slowed down This allows the heavy solids to sink and the lighter ones to float while a clear zo forms in the middle Clarified effluent from this clear zone is then passed on th M...

Page 45: ...iameter and 5 to 6 deep and can be for moving so or liquids F ction Solids or grinder pump basins are usually installed because the plum comes out in a p somewhere Liquid pump basins are installed as lift stations to collect and transmit effluent between tanks or to a drainfield Maintenance Solids pump so check and clean often Make sure floats swing freely and that cords are not tangled up Visuall...

Page 46: ...ore floating aintenance Commercial systems must be checked yearly by a certified O M provider cessary tanks F The function of the grease trap is to stop grease from entering the downstream septic system components especially filters and drainfields It functions much the same as a sep c grease buildup M Grease traps must be checked regularly and pumped when ne Depending on the establishment this co...

Page 47: ...y inspect the tank when pumping for damage leaks etc See Sections 1 2 for more information on protecting your tanks Description An ATU is a system generally made up of a buried tank and an air blower Sewage first passes through a trash trap page 42 and then enters the ATU tank where it is injected with a large volume of air and often agitated or mixed S contactors See the manufacturers guidance do...

Page 48: ...rough the filter Function The function of the recirculating filter is to clean the wastewater to a high level before passing it on to the drainfield The filter oxygenates the effluent and creates a surface area for treatment Microbes consume most pollution out of water after multiple passes before it flows o the Maintenance Recirculating Filters should be checked yearly by a certified O M provider...

Page 49: ...r treatment Microbes consume most pollution out of the water s into the drainfield If sand filter has a pump basin clean and pump when needed oats swing freely and that cords are not tangled up Check observation ports for ponding water and filter before it flow Maintenance Sand filters should be checked every 3 years by a certified O M provider Homeowners should check the system annually Make sure...

Page 50: ...to a high lev before passing it into the original soil The sand creates an oxygen rich surfa area for treatment Microbes consume most pollution out of the water as it passes through and moves into th Maintenance Sand lined drainfields should be checked every 3 years by a certified O M provider Homeowners should check the system a Check the observation ports for ponding water Have laterals flushed ...

Page 51: ...m g water of o Function A gravity drainfield disposes of effluent by allowing it to absorb into the underlying soil The soil provides an oxygen rich surface area for treatment Microbes consume most pollution out of the water in M Gravity drainfields must be checked every 5 years at a mini Homeowner s should inspect the system annually Check observation ports for pondin Clear drainfield of large ve...

Page 52: ...nal soil Function A pressure drainfield disposes of effluent by allowing it to absorb into th underlying soil The soil provides an oxygen rich surface area for treatment Microbes consume most pollution out of the water as it flows through into the environment Maintenance Pressure drainfields must be checked a minimum of every 5 years Homeowner s should inspect the system annually Check the observa...

Page 53: ...b in underlying soil The soil provides an oxygen rich surface area for treatment Microbes consume most pollution out of the water as it flows through into the environment to the a certified rterly or every 6 months ation ry frequently Maintenance Sub surface drip systems must be checked yearly at a minimum by O M provider Some systems must be checked qua ask your designer and or installer for more...

Page 54: ...ing DO NOT FILL around mound to make it level Check surface of mound for soggy spots or breakouts See Sections 1 2 for more information on protecting your drainfield fo Function The function of the mound is to clean the wastewater to a high level before passing it into the underlying soil The mound sand provides an oxygen rich surface area fo it M Mounds should be checked every 3 years by a certif...

Page 55: ...nal soil Function The function of the Glendon Biofilter is to clean the wastewater to a high le before passing it into the underlying original soil The basin provides mechan filtration and anaerobic breakdown of wastes The mound sand provides an oxygen rich surface area for treatment Microbes consume th M Glendon Biofilters must be checked yearly by a Check basins for solids build up when other ta...

Page 56: ...rs data collectors etc which run your system Function The function of the alarm is to alert you to problems wit is an alarm you should take action immediately to correct whatever is causing the problem For more information on alarms see page 25 For trouble shooting see page 28 M Most alarms are caused by water over use in the house Cut back on water use If alarms persist call a professional Make s...

Page 57: ...ntial human health sk once the water flows through the drainfield and into the environment aintenance Disinfection units are part of ATU or recirculating filter systems which must um by a certified O M provider unit when necessary and replace w exiting Function The function of the disinfection unit is to kill harmful bacteria viruses and other pathogens ri M be checked annually at a minim Make sur...

Page 58: ...erve area ted space r unction our reserve drainfield area is the area you will use to replace your primary reserve area whenever you check the rest of your system Treat your reserve area like you treat your drainfield F Y system should it ever fail Maintenance Check your See sections 1 2 for more information on protecting your reserve area PRIMARY DRAINFIELD AREA RESERVE DRAINFIELD AREA SEPARATE R...

Page 59: ...5 FOG to ensure appropriate levels are being met Conduct annual sampling and lab testing to ensure waste strength is being met If it is consistently high you may have to expand the system Water Use immediately address any flows exceeding 60 70 of designed capacity Running at capacity all the time will overload your system System Data alarms problems maintenance etc and keeping a log Mechanical Ope...

Page 60: ...t Through the FOG OG fat and food oil and grease can be managed to minimize the F discharge to the septic system and decrease main reventing the introduction of FOG into the septic system you redu p on the grease traps and reduce maintenance time costs and disposal fees Cleanup Tips Use rubber scrapers to remove FOG from cookware utensils chafing dishes and serving ware Disposing of grease by recy...

Page 61: ...an erase if necessary Be sure to include Buildings Driveway Wells Tanks Sewer lines Valves or D boxes Drainfield lines Observation ports Reserve area Water lines Sand or other filters Show distances in ft 5 HOUSE IVE DR 30 25 75 R WELL PRIMARY DRAINFIELD RESERVE MPLE EXA 40 PUMP HOUSE WATER LINE 59 ...

Page 62: ...Maintenance Record Log DATE ACTION TAKEN SERVICE PROVIDER NOTES Make additional copies of this sheet as necessary and keep them with your records 60 ...