How does a septic tank work?
The septic tank is a large box-like container, commonly made from precast concrete. Wastewater is held here long enough for liquids and solids to separate. Three layers are formed inside the tank. At the top of the tank, sediments lighter than water, such as grease and oils, form to make a layer of scum. At the bottom of the tank, sediments heavier than water form a layer of sludge. In between the two layers of sediments is a partially clarified layer of water. Bacteria found in the wastewater works to break down the solids. Sludge and scum that cannot be broken down are left in the tank until the tank can be properly pumped out.
Why is it necessary to pump a septic tank?
The pumping of your septic tank is the most important aspect of maintaining your septic system. Your system should be pumped out every 3 years. Failure to do so may result in the escape of solid waste from the tank into the drainage system. The solids will then plug up the perforations in the leach lines and the soil itself, causing extensive damage.
Here are eight simple steps to keep your septic system working:
1. Locate your septic tank and drainfield. Keep a drawing of these locations in your records.
2. Have your septic system pumped and inspected at least every three years.
3. Don't dispose of household hazardous wastes (paint thinner, paint, oil, gasoline, etc.) in sinks or toilets.
4. Keep other household items out of your system (diapers, baby wipes, wrappers, feminine products, cigarette butts, garbage of any kind).
5. Use water efficiently. Reducing water usage reduces the load on your drainfield. Remember, every drop of water used in the house will have to be absorbed by the soil.
6. Keep vehicles and livestock off your septic system. The weight can damage the pipes and tank, and your system may not drain properly under compacted soil.
7. Keep gutters and basement sump pumps from draining into or near your septic system. And very important, keep surface runoff and subsurface runoff away from the septic tank and drainfield.
8. Check with your septic contractor before using additives. Commercial septic tank additives do not eliminate the need for periodic pumping and can be harmful to your system.
Was my tank full?
This is a difficult question to answer. All systems operate full, full meaning to the bottom of the outlet line. The key is to prevent the solids from reaching the leach field. The only way to do this is through regular pumping.
What does it mean if I have a "high H2O level" in my septic tank?
A high H2O level in the septic tank means that the water level is up over the normal operating level, which is the invert (bottom) of the outlet pipe.
- Customers should check all fixtures in the house to ensure water is not running when not in use. Toilets are known for malfunctioning, discharging hundreds of gallons of unnecessary water into your septic system.
- Time of year may also be a factor. If problem arises during the wet period of year, it may mean that the soil is already saturated to capacity and cannot handle any additional moisture.
- There could be obstruction or other issues with the outlet pipe, d-box, etc.
- Lastly, it may mean your leach field is no longer functioning and needs replaced.
When it is rainy outside or the wind is blowing a certain way we notice a septic odor in our home. Do you have any suggestions?
Odor problems can be very difficult to diagnose properly and to correct. Some places to start are:
- Sometimes simply pumping your septic system will eliminate the odor problem.
- You may have a dry trap inside the house, allowing the gases to escape. To alleviate this issue, run water in all fixtures, especially in the ones not used regularly.
- Make sure your venting system is free and clear of any obstruction.
For further information concerning your system, go to The Ohio Department of Health’s website at www.odh.com
Understanding your Jet™ Aeration system
How often should my Jet system be pumped and how long does it take to fill back up?
Most health departments recommend pumping your tank every three years. When pumping, it's very important to remove the solid content. Depending on the size of the household, the tank will take about 4 days to fill back up after being pumped.
How often should my Jet system be serviced?
Jet recommends servicing your system every 6 months to ensure proper functioning. Servicing at a lower frequency than every 6 months is unacceptable (per Jet, Inc). If routine service is not being conducted, damage may occur to your systems and components. Service programs and / or contracts are available. Price varies based on the type of Jet system and components present.
How many gallons does my Jet system hold?
Usually aerobic treatment plants, such as Jet, are sized by the gallons of wastewater that they treat per day (GPD). Basic Jet systems hold 1,225 gallons. The tanks are divided into three separate compartments. An additional 1,000 gallon pre-treatment tank before the Jet treatment plant may be found in larger Jet systems.
My Jet tank smells, what should I do? Can I buy products direct from Jet?
Unpleasant odors should not be noticed if the system is operating normally and / or correctly. If you do notice that your system is producing these odors, there are several factors that may be causing the issue.
Our Jet technicians have been trained in trouble-shooting plant odors and will be able to further assist you. If products are needed to help with unpleasant odors, they can only be purchased through a licensed Jet dealer.
Can I have a garbage disposal with my Jet system?
Research shows that the increased amount of solids from a garbage disposal will not affect your Jet system negatively; however, more frequent pumping may be necessary.
What is BAT Media? How often should it be serviced?
BAT (Biologically Accelerated Treatment) Media are plastic blocks that are positioned in the treatment compartment (middle) of all Jet tanks manufactured after 1994. Their function is to create space for the biomass (bacteria) to adhere to.
To ensure proper functionality, Jet, Inc. recommends that your BAT Media be air cleaned once per year.
BAT Media should be air cleaned within 7 - 10 days prior to pumping of your tank to prevent them from collapsing in the tank due to the weight of the biomass (bacteria). If BAT Media is not cleaned prior to, extensive damage may occur resulting in expensive repairs.
For more information on the proper care and maintenance of your system, visit:
- http://www.jetincorp.com
- http://www.odh.ohio.gov
- Local County Health Department