Septic Systems
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A septic tank system consists of a large, watertight tank that receives wastewater from the home plumbing
system. The tank is followed by an underground drainfield consisting of a network of perforated pipe or
chambers for distributing partially treated water from the septic tank to the soil for final treatment and disposal.
Septic tanks contain bacteria that grow best in oxygen-poor conditions. These bacteria carry out a portion of the
treatment process by converting most solids into liquids and gases. Bacteria that require oxygen thrive in the
drainfield and complete the treatment process begun in the septic tank. If the septic tank is working well, the
wastewater which flows out of the tank is relatively clear, although it still has an odor and may carry disease
organisms. It should flow only into the drainfield. NEVER ONTO THE GROUND SURFACE OR INTO FLORIDA
WATERS!!!
Septic tank systems fail when the drainfield does not dispose of sewage as rapidly as it is being added to the
system. Thus, improvements that reduce the amount of incoming water or improve the quality of wastewater
passing through the system will increase the system’s longevity. Other important considerations include the
following:
A drainfield can be damaged by compaction due to vehicular traffic and can be blocked by excessive shrubbery
or tree root growth. The drainfield should be unobstructed and seeded with grass. Grass and sunlight aid
evaporation.
Washing machines are responsible for large volumes of water entering the septic tank. The surge of wash
water can create turbulence in the tank which increases the amount of solids flushed into the drainfield. Space
washings throughout the week rather than doing many loads at a time, or, install a separate system for
washing machine water.
Cooking oils and grease are trouble makers. The type of bacteria found in septic tanks and drainfields do not
survive or function well in solidified grease. Grease and cooking fats should never be washed down the sink
drain. Save grease in jars or cans for disposal in the garbage.
Do's and Don't's for Septic System Operation
Do’s
Know the location and capacity of your septic tank system.
Have a licensed contractor inspect the tank at least every three years.
Have tank pumped when the combined depth of the sludge and scum equals 1/3 of the tank liquid volume.
Install the system so that rainfall and surface water will flow away from the drainfield.
Grow grass above the system.
Install water conservation fixtures or devices to reduce the total volume of water entering the system.
Keep plumbing fixtures such as toilets and faucets in good repair to prevent leakage and wasting of water.
Don’ts
Never flush paper towels, newspapers, wrapping paper, rags or sticks into the system.
Never allow large, irregular, intermittent or constant volumes of clear water into the system, as with a leaking
toilet or faucet.
Never over-use ordinary household cleaning chemicals that will be flushed into the system.
Never pour out or empty hobby or home industry chemicals into the system.
Never allow grease or other bulky waste to enter the system.
Never flush toxic materials such as pesticides into the system.
Never plant trees or shrubbery in the drainfield.
Never allow vehicles (cars, trucks, etc.) to drive across or park on the drainfield. (Protect it from being crushed.)
Never waste water.
Never use chemical solvents to clean plumbing lines or a septic tank system.
Information provided by: Florida Department of Health
system. The tank is followed by an underground drainfield consisting of a network of perforated pipe or
chambers for distributing partially treated water from the septic tank to the soil for final treatment and disposal.
Septic tanks contain bacteria that grow best in oxygen-poor conditions. These bacteria carry out a portion of the
treatment process by converting most solids into liquids and gases. Bacteria that require oxygen thrive in the
drainfield and complete the treatment process begun in the septic tank. If the septic tank is working well, the
wastewater which flows out of the tank is relatively clear, although it still has an odor and may carry disease
organisms. It should flow only into the drainfield. NEVER ONTO THE GROUND SURFACE OR INTO FLORIDA
WATERS!!!
Septic tank systems fail when the drainfield does not dispose of sewage as rapidly as it is being added to the
system. Thus, improvements that reduce the amount of incoming water or improve the quality of wastewater
passing through the system will increase the system’s longevity. Other important considerations include the
following:
A drainfield can be damaged by compaction due to vehicular traffic and can be blocked by excessive shrubbery
or tree root growth. The drainfield should be unobstructed and seeded with grass. Grass and sunlight aid
evaporation.
Washing machines are responsible for large volumes of water entering the septic tank. The surge of wash
water can create turbulence in the tank which increases the amount of solids flushed into the drainfield. Space
washings throughout the week rather than doing many loads at a time, or, install a separate system for
washing machine water.
Cooking oils and grease are trouble makers. The type of bacteria found in septic tanks and drainfields do not
survive or function well in solidified grease. Grease and cooking fats should never be washed down the sink
drain. Save grease in jars or cans for disposal in the garbage.
Do's and Don't's for Septic System Operation
Do’s
Know the location and capacity of your septic tank system.
Have a licensed contractor inspect the tank at least every three years.
Have tank pumped when the combined depth of the sludge and scum equals 1/3 of the tank liquid volume.
Install the system so that rainfall and surface water will flow away from the drainfield.
Grow grass above the system.
Install water conservation fixtures or devices to reduce the total volume of water entering the system.
Keep plumbing fixtures such as toilets and faucets in good repair to prevent leakage and wasting of water.
Don’ts
Never flush paper towels, newspapers, wrapping paper, rags or sticks into the system.
Never allow large, irregular, intermittent or constant volumes of clear water into the system, as with a leaking
toilet or faucet.
Never over-use ordinary household cleaning chemicals that will be flushed into the system.
Never pour out or empty hobby or home industry chemicals into the system.
Never allow grease or other bulky waste to enter the system.
Never flush toxic materials such as pesticides into the system.
Never plant trees or shrubbery in the drainfield.
Never allow vehicles (cars, trucks, etc.) to drive across or park on the drainfield. (Protect it from being crushed.)
Never waste water.
Never use chemical solvents to clean plumbing lines or a septic tank system.
Information provided by: Florida Department of Health