Victoria Precision Products, Inc.
On-Site Waste Water Treatment Experts
Septic System Types
Septic systems are actually complex, biological waste treatment and disposal systems. Contrary to common belief, there is no such thing as a “maintenance free” system. Regardless of the type of septic system, there are certain maintenance procedures that must be followed to insure that the system functions properly and does not create a public health hazard.
The On-Site Sewage Facilities Regulations dictate the type of system that can be installed on any site. A number of factors, including the soil type at the proposed site, determine the approval of a system for a particular application. The application to construct an onsite sewage facility includes the requirement for a Soil Evaluation and a Site Evaluation. Having these completed by an experienced, licensed professional is also a good first step in the planning process since these reports will determine, to a large degree, the type of system that will not only meet the OSSF Regulations but that will perform best in the specific soil type at the site.
Victoria Precision Products is equipped to handle all of your on-site sewage disposal needs. Regardless of your particular circumstance, or potential problem areas, you can be assured that we will find a solution to provide you with a septic system that will meet your needs. We have a staff of experienced licensed Professional Registered Sanitarians and experienced soil evaluation personnel who will evaluate, design and install your onsite sewage disposal system. For twenty-one years, Victoria Precision Products has manufactured all of its septic systems and works closely with state and local health authorities to insure that the systems comply with all regulations and codes.
Maintenance and Suggestions
All on-site wastewater disposal systems, whether conventional, low pressure or aerobic,require routine maintenance. The following suggestions for maintenance of your system will help to insure that you obtain the best service from your system and prolong its life:
1. Have all compartments (including the pump chamber, if applicable) checked for solids build-up after one year of use. You probably will not need to have your tank pumped more often than once every 3 to 5 years thereafter. Measure the solids level in the bottom of the tank prior to pumping in order to determine a subsequent pumping schedule. Failure to have the tank pumped may result in failure of your system due to plugging of the drain field.
2. Check the solids level in the first compartment of the septic tank by inserting a long stick wrapped with a 12-inch length of white towel or absorbent cloth. Push the stick to the bottom of the tank and remove it slowly. The sludge level depth should be less than 8 inches. Have the tank pumped if the level is 8 inches or more.
3. Install water saving devices. You may adjust the float in the water closet to conserve water.
4. Do not dispose of plastic, cardboard or other non-biodegradable materials in your commodes. Only biodegradable solids will break down in your septic tank. You may safely use detergents and drain cleaning products such as Draino. You may dispose of toilet tissue in the commodes.
5. Repair leaking faucets and commodes. One leaking commode can saturate a drain field. (See Table)
6. Direct downspouts away from the drain field. All surface water must also be directed away from the drain field.
7. Do not drive heavy equipment over the drain field or construct buildings, patios or driveways over the drain field. Avoid any activity that would pack the soil over the lateral lines.
8. Settling of the soil over the tank and lateral lines is a natural, expected occurrence. After the soil settles, cover the depressions with topsoil and till the entire area. Finetexture red backfill if often not possible in tight clay soils
9. Any septic system is limited in its capacity to dispose of wastewater by size and soil type. If more water is applied to a system that it can dispose of, the excess will surface. When water surfaces over an entire drain field, the system is being flooded beyond its capacity either from wastewater or from surface water. If water surfaces in one location, the probability is that a fitting is broken or there is a natural void in the soil over the line. Water conservation is extremely important to insure that the system is able to dispose of the volume with which it is being loaded.
10. Chemical additives or “enzymes” are not necessary for the operation of a septic tank. Addition of these products is useless and may be harmful to your system.
11. If your system has an effluent pump, it has a one-year warranty. Replacement pump assemblies may be obtained at the V.P.P. yard in lnez. If V.P.P. staff replaces a pump, either during the warranty period or beyond, there will be a service fee. The system warranty covers only materials.
The following is a table indicating the volume of septic system loading which occurs due to small, inconspicuous leaks in household plumbing and fixtures. Check for leaks in commodes by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl within a few minutes, there is a leak. Periodically check the clean-out between the house and the septic tank for a small stream of water when no water is running in the house.