Septic Systems Offer Alternative Waste Solution

A septic tank system is an on-site disposal system designed to safely dispose of household biological waste from the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Basically, a septic tank provides a "24-hour holding tank" where natural bacterial action decomposes human waste products into environmentally acceptable components - - the major end-components being water, gases and undigested solids. Domestic wastewater is pretreated in the septic tank and separated into the three major end-components every 24-hours. The end products, except the undigested solids, are then discharged to the on-site soil absorption environment.

A septic system is made up of the septic tank, a distribution box, and a soil absorption field. The septic tank is a large underground tank, which is usually made of concrete, plastic, or fiberglass. The top of the septic tank is usually located about a foot below the surface so it can be periodically opened for inspection and pumping.

The heavier solids settle to the bottom to be decomposed by bacteria and form what's called a "sludge layer." Lighter solids, such as oil, hair and paper, float to the top to form a "scum layer." The septic tank prevents any scum that floats to the surface, and sludge that settles to the bottom, from passing out of the tank. The sludge at the bottom of the tank, and the scum floating at the top of the tank must be periodically pumped out and properly disposed of.

According to Anthony Gaudio, president of Apalachee Backhoe & Septic Tank, Inc. in Tallahasse, FL, the average life of a septic system in the Tallahassee area, when properly installed and maintained, is anywhere from 15 to 30 years, with a median age of 18 years in the state of Florida. This, of course, depends on such things as soil conditions, water usage, root intrusion and whether regular maintenance pumpouts have been performed. Using bacterial additives is not always a factor, though some systems can last longer than 30 years if conditions are favorable.

Gaudio also says that there is no "set rate" at which a septic tank is designed to drain. As waste water enters the tank, an equal amount of effluent exits into the drainfield. The septic tank is designed to stay full to the flow line, but the tank should not be full of solids. Septic tanks usually back up for two reasons: a greater amount of water is introduced into the system than the soil can absorb, which may mean a failing drainfield, or the septic tank is full of solids that prevent the effluent from entering the drainfield.

According to Gaudio, septic systems cost less than centralized sewers in the long and short run for both the homeowner and the taxpayer.

"Septic systems get a bad name when they are improperly installed, infrequently maintained or installed in the wrong place," said Gaudio. "However, decentralized, localized disposal of waste water via septic systems is usually very environmentally friendly. The Big Bend is generally well-suited for such systems. Onsite wastewater disposal should be considered a viable and appropriate alternative for suburban and rural developments in our area."