Home Owners Guide to Septic Systems

The following Homeowners Guide to Septic Systems is offered by the Tolland  WPCA  ( Water Pollution Control Authority ) as part of its continuing effort to minimize ground water contamination within the town.

Home Owners Guide to Septic Systems

If properly designed,   constructed , and maintained, your septic system can provide long-term, effective  treatment of residential wastewater. Failure to maintain your septic system may result in the need to repair or replace part, or all of the system. A   malfunctioning   system can contaminate groundwater.

The System

The typical system has four main components: a pipe from the dwelling,  a tank, a leaching  field and the soil below the field. Microbes in the soil digest or remove most contaminants from wastewater before it intercepts groundwater.

The tank is a buried watertight container typically made of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene. It holds the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle  out  ( forming  sludge ),and  oil and  grease to float to the surface as scum. It allows partial decomposition of solid material. Two compartments and a T-shaped outlet in the tank prevent sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the leaching field. Effluent outlet filters are recommended to keep solids from entering the leaching field. Wastewater exits the tank and is discharged into the leaching field for further treatment by the soil. Microorganisms in the soil provide the final treatment by removing harmful bacteria, viruses and nutrients.

Protecting your System

  • Inspect your system regularly and pump out the tank every three to five years This is, of course, dependent on the number of people living in a house  Do not wash or disinfect the tank after it has been pumped. Do not use additives they will not increase the life of the system and may even shorten it.
  • Undigested  waste   food  should  not enter the system. Human digestive tracts provide the bacteria responsible for primary septic treatment.
  • Prevent hazardous wastes or non-biodegradables from entering the system. Plastics, disposable diapers, moist towelettes, cotton balls, adhesive bandages, cat litter, cigarette butts,  paper towels etc, belong in the trash, not in the toilet.
  • Fats, Oils and grease should not enter the system.
  • Use water efficiently. The  less  water  entering  the system the healthier it will remain. Dripping faucets can waste up to 2000 gallons per year. A running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons a day. Avoid repeated large laundry loads over short periods. Run the dishwasher only when it is full. Consider installing water saving fixtures.
  • Do not connect footing drains downspouts water softeners or dehumidifiers to the system.
  • Direct all surface water away from the  leaching  field.
  • Avoid  planting  trees or shrubs on or near the field. Their roots can clog  the  field. A  grassy lawn is  the most effective cover for your field.
  • Do not drive or park heavy equipment on the field.

More information regarding the design,  construction  and maintenance of septic  systems cam be found on the Connecticut DEP website for “Septic Systems”