Arnold, California septic maintenance provider? The home’s sewer line drain pipe needs to slope 1/4 inch per foot downhill to the inlet side of the septic tank and the outlet pipe needs to flow downhill at least 1/8 inch per foot downhill to the leach field, where the septic tank effluent enters a manifold or distribution D box. Beyond the manifold or D box the leach field trenches (for an Infiltrator chamber system) are excavated perfectly level at a depth of at least seven inches below the grade of the manifold pipes or D box (for chambers). And covered with at least one foot of soil atop the trench or chamber. Trenches can be deeper, if the site dictates, but rarely more than three feet below finish grade.
A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a drainfield (also known as a leachfield), and the soil. The septic tank is a watertight box, typically buried beneath the ground, usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene with an inlet and outlet pipe. Wastewater flows from the home to the septic tank through the sewer pipe. Sludge (solids) and scum (oil and grease) stay in the tank while the treated wastewater (known as effluent) is released.
When it rains and the ground gets saturated, ground water can enter the system. This can cause leach field saturation as additional water is introduced to the tank through I&I which can be more than your leach field can absorb. You will see water ponding over your leach field or running above the ground. On dosing systems, the computer can sound audible alarms. I&I also lets red worms make it through into your system filter pod (if you have this type of system). The worm’s waste, called “castings” clog the filters causing ponding and ruins the pretreatment your system was designed for. Discover more info at septic tank pumping in Sonora.
Water is then returned to the soil in the drain field. The drain field is made up of a network of perforated pipes in gravel trenches buried beneath the soil. The drain field is designed to help the wastewater flowing through the septic tank dissipate into the surrounding environment. Most of the water drains down through the topsoil and is eventually filtered into the groundwater. With regular maintenance, a septic system will last between 20-30 years. However if the system is not properly installed and maintained, a system can fail within a few years. Once a system fails, it can be difficult to repair and a complete replacement is often needed. With a tank replacement costing between $3,000 and $7,000, it’s important to keep your system in the best possible condition. Fortunately, it’s not hard to take care of a septic system, if you follow a few simple tips.
Foothill Sanitary Septic and Foothill Portable Toilets has been serving California in the Calaveras, Tuolomne, Amador, San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties for many years. With locations in Copperopolis, Valley Springs and Arnold we are equipped to fulfill all of your septic or portable toilet needs in a timely manner to your complete satisfaction. We’re committed to providing you with the highest level of service, so you’ll always choose us for your septic pumping, maintenance and repair needs. Discover additional information on this website.