septic systems
Septic systems are used in many areas where centralized sewage infrastructure is unavailable and are a common non-point source of bacteria in watersheds across the United States. In order to function properly, septic systems must be well designed for the site, maintained on a regular basis, and inspected periodically to ensure that the system is consistently and effectively treating the effluent. A septic system can fail for a number of reasons, and a failure may go unnoticed and untreated until an inspection has been conducted and a course of action decided upon.
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Septic system upkeep
A typical septic systems consists of four main components: a pipe from the chome, a septic tank, a drainfield, and the soil. The septic tank is the initial treatment area for the wastewater, consisting of an underground, watertight tank in which the solids, oil and grease separate out from the wastewater. The wastewater is then discharged into the drain field where microorganisms in the soil digest out any harmful viruses, bacteria and nutrients before the wastewater reaches the groundwater.
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Inspection
A septic system can fail for a number of reasons, and a failure may go unnoticed and untreated until an inspection has been conducted and a course of action decided upon. Older systems may have been poorly designed, and are likely to employ outdated materials and technology when compared to today’s systems and standards. Over time septic tanks can develop leaks, the homeowner may neglect to get the septic tank pumped out, the drip field may collapse or become clogged, soil and drainage conditions may change, even changes in ultraviolet exposure from increased tree cover over a drip field can impact the functionality of a septic system. In the case of a failed septic system, there is a high likelihood that the the signs are not visible above ground and cannot be detected without the help of a licensed inspector, and that the homeowner is consequently unaware of the failure.
A list of licensed septic system inspectors can be found here on the St. Louis County website.
Maintenance
If a septic system is regularly inspected and properly used, the only maintenance necessary is an occasional pump-out. An inspection is the best way to determine whether or not a pump-out is necessary, as the interval can vary depending on what you are putting into your septic system, its age, and its capacity.
A septic system can fail for a number of reasons, and a failure may go unnoticed and untreated until an inspection has been conducted and a course of action decided upon. Older systems may have been poorly designed, and are likely to employ outdated materials and technology when compared to today’s systems and standards. Over time septic tanks can develop leaks, the homeowner may neglect to get the septic tank pumped out, the drip field may collapse or become clogged, soil and drainage conditions may change, even changes in ultraviolet exposure from increased tree cover over a drip field can impact the functionality of a septic system. In the case of a failed septic system, there is a high likelihood that the the signs are not visible above ground and cannot be detected without the help of a licensed inspector, and that the homeowner is consequently unaware of the failure.
A list of licensed septic system inspectors can be found here on the St. Louis County website.
Maintenance
If a septic system is regularly inspected and properly used, the only maintenance necessary is an occasional pump-out. An inspection is the best way to determine whether or not a pump-out is necessary, as the interval can vary depending on what you are putting into your septic system, its age, and its capacity.
LATERAL LINE CONNECTIONS
When a property is within 200 ft of a lateral sewage line and connection is possible, a lateral line connection is required. Sewage systems that are connected in with the centralized infrastructure are much less likely to leak or fail, and maintenance is no longer the responsibility of solely the homeowner.
When a lateral line connection is not possible, a septic system may be updated to ensure that waste is being treated most effectively and that there is the least likelihood of a leak. Newer septic systems are less susceptible to failure or seepage due to environmental conditions such as a high water table, a prevalent condition in the Kiefer Creek Watershed.
When a property is within 200 ft of a lateral sewage line and connection is possible, a lateral line connection is required. Sewage systems that are connected in with the centralized infrastructure are much less likely to leak or fail, and maintenance is no longer the responsibility of solely the homeowner.
When a lateral line connection is not possible, a septic system may be updated to ensure that waste is being treated most effectively and that there is the least likelihood of a leak. Newer septic systems are less susceptible to failure or seepage due to environmental conditions such as a high water table, a prevalent condition in the Kiefer Creek Watershed.
COMPOSTING TOILETS
Composting toilets eliminate the need to flush, significantly reducing water use and allows for the recycling of valuable plant nutrients. The main objective of composting toilets remains to contain, immobilize, or destroy pathogens, reducing the risk of human infection to acceptable levels without contaminating the environment. Composting toilets are relatively inexpensive, and can even be homemade or purchased. Composting toilet systems do, however, require some maintenance and well thought out siting and installation.
Is a composting toilet right for you?
The convenience of a composting toilet, is that it can be installed anywhere, as long as you have access to electricity. If you live in an area where centralized infrastructure is unavailable, and are looking for a cost effective alternative to a septic system, a composting toilet would be a good replacement to consider implementing into your household.
Is a composting toilet right for you?
The convenience of a composting toilet, is that it can be installed anywhere, as long as you have access to electricity. If you live in an area where centralized infrastructure is unavailable, and are looking for a cost effective alternative to a septic system, a composting toilet would be a good replacement to consider implementing into your household.