From: Subject: Onlot System Operation and Maintenance Date: Thu, 20 May 2010 15:09:57 -0400 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/related; type="text/html"; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0000_01CAF82E.82A97C50" X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2900.5579 This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01CAF82E.82A97C50 Content-Type: text/html; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/Wqp/WQP_WM/FACTS/pa1608.htm Onlot System Operation and Maintenance

Onlot System Operation and Maintenance =
(Homeowner's=20 Guide)

The best designed and properly installed onlot sewage disposal system = will=20 still malfunction if the homeowner does not properly operate and = maintain the=20 sytem. In addition to requiring costly repairs, malfunctioning systems = can=20 contaminate surface and groundwaters, cause various health problems, and = spread=20 disease as well as create unsightly messes and foul odors when raw = sewage=20 surfaces or backs up into the home.

How an Onlot (aka "Septic") System Functions

There are two basic types of anaerobic (without Oxygen) onlot = systems; those=20 with gravity distribution systems and those with pressure distribution = systems.=20 In both types, there are three major components:

  1. the septic tank.=20
  2. the distribution box (gravity system) or dosing tank (pressure = system).=20
  3. the absorption area.

Sewage flows to the septic tank, where the primary treatment process = takes=20 place. In the tank, the heaviest matter settles to the bottom (forming = sludge)=20 and the lighter matter (scum) floats on top of a somewhat clear liquid = called=20 effluent. While the sludge and scum must be pumped out regularly, the = clear=20 liquid flows out of the tank to a distribution box or dosing tank, and = is then=20 directed to the absorption area by gravity flow or through pressurized = pipes.=20 Within the absorption area, this effluent exits through pipes into a = layer of=20 gravel and then percolates through the soil for additional treatment. = The=20 bacteria in the soil neutralizes many of the contaminants in the=20 wastewater.

Signs of an onlot system in trouble include:

Many of these signs indicate an onlot system malfunction.

Preventing Malfunctions

Homeowners can help prevent malfunctions and ensure the long-term use = of=20 their onlot system by doing the following:

Conserving Water and Reducing Wasteflow

Onlot systems not only treat and dispose of domestic sewage from = toilets,=20 they also receive wastewater from various other household fixtures, = including=20 baths, showers, kitchen sinks, garbage disposals, automatic dishwaters = and=20 laundries.

Conserving water and reducing the amount of wasteflow from household=20 activities is an important step to ensuring long-term use. The more = water-using=20 devices in a household, the greater the burden is on the onlot = system.

Following are some helpful water conservation tips and a comparison = of water=20 usage between conventional fixtures versus water-saving fixtures.

  1. Use the dishwasher and laundry washer only when the are loaded to=20 capacity.=20
    • Top Loading Laundry Washer 35-50 gal./load=20
    • Front Loading Laundry Washer 22-25 = gal./load=20
  2. Fix leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures quickly. Install flow = control=20 (regulator) devices on faucets.=20
    • Regular Faucet Aerator 2.5-6 gal./min.=20
    • Flow regulating Aerator .5-2.5 = gal./min.=20
  3. Take short showers instead of baths. Install flow control or water = saving=20 devices on showerheads and other plumbing fixtures.=20
    • Conventional Showerhead 3-15 gal./min.=20
    • Water Saving Showerhead 2-3 = gal./min.=20
  4. Reduce water use each time you flush the toilet. Put a heavy = device such=20 as a brick in a plastic bag or a water-filled plastic bottle in the = reservoir=20 or install a low flow toilet.=20
    • Conventional Toilet 4-6 gal./flush=20
    • Water Saving Toilet 3-1.6 = gal./flush
  5. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. These wastes place a greater = burden=20 on the septic system. If you have garden space, compost the = material=20 instead.

Pumping Your Septic Tank

A septic tank accumulates solids (sludge) and scum which should be = pumped out=20 at least every three to five years. The frequency of pumping depends = upon tank=20 size and household size. Larger households generally require more = frequent=20 pumpings (every one or two years).

In Pennsylvania, specific tank sizes are generally based on the = number of=20 bedrooms in the home because the number of bedrooms is an indicator of = household=20 size. For example, a home with three bedrooms must have a 900 gallon or = larger=20 septic tank. The more bedrooms, the larger the septic tank.

For more information on the recommended frequency of pumpings, = contact your=20 local agency (normally your local township) Sewage Enforcement Officer = or the=20 Department of Environmental Protection.

Your Toilet Is Not A Trash Can

Trillions of living, beneficial bacteria constantly treat and = decompose raw=20 sewage in a septic system. The effectiveness of these bacteria can be = impaired=20 if harmful substances and chemicals are put into the septic system. = Harmful=20 substances/chemicals include:

Remember, what goes into your toilet and drains many eventually end = up back=20 in your drinking water. So instead of using caustic toilet bowl cleaners = or=20 bleach, try mild detergent or baking soda or one half cup of borax per = gallon of=20 water.

Also NEVER flush bulky, hard to decompose items such a = sanitary=20 napkins, diapers, paper towels, cigarette filters, plastics, eggshells, = bones or=20 coffee grounds down the toilet because they can clog the system

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