the ABC's of Septic systems

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If you are new to the Fairview, Lucas, and Parker area, you might not know that the great majority of homes in these three towns have septic systems rather than public sewer.  Please click here to see why.   Many people have a pre-conception when it comes to septic systems.  They might have heard nightmare stories about septic systems backing up and the things homeowners have had to go through to fix them.  Not surprisingly, they might be a little "gun-shy" about buying a home with a septic system in place.  Septic systems aren't flawless, but neither are public sewer systems.  You can also have a blockage between the home and the street.

There are two basic types of septic systems.  The system that most people associate with are the older style with the "lateral lines".  In this type of system, the affluent is broken down by  "anaerobically", or without oxygen.  There is usually no mechanical device attached to these system whatsoever unless a lift pump is needed.  Over time, the affluent breaks down and migrates into the lateral lines where it leaches out into the soil.  You can often see these lateral lines in the dry summertime as bright green streaks.

The second type of system is the newest technology.  These are called "aerobic" systems.  These are actually mini-wastewater treatment plants not unlike the huge plants that might serve a city.  The technology is really very simple.  In this system, the matter is broken down in two different tanks.  The first tank is the settling tank just like the tank on the older style systems.  The material is broken down without oxygen and then moves from the first tank to the second tank.  The second tank is has a pvc line run into the bottom which is attached to an air compressor at the surface.  The air compressor is constantly forcing oxygen into the tank, thus breaking down the matter "aerobically" or "with oxygen".  There is also a third tank, which is simply a holding tank.  When the third tank reaches a certain height, a sprinkler pump within the tank pumps the water out to the sprinkler lines.  Between the second and third tank is a pipe which can be easily accessed from the surface.  About once a month, chlorine tablets are dropped into this pipe.  The treated water slowly washes by the chlorine tablets and is chemically sanitized. 

I have read literature stating that the water coming out of a properly maintained aerobic septic system is about 95% pure and potable, but I have never tried it :-).  The water is dispersed onto the property just like a regular sprinkler system or sometimes a drip irrigation system. 

By the way, if you are looking at a home with the older style system with lateral lines, don't let that scare you off.  I have had more than one septic inspector tell me that they prefer the older systems because of their simplicity, minimal maintenance, and cost savings.  There are virtually no moving parts to replace.  If they are working correctly, they are "out of sight and out of mind".

Both types of septic systems are engineered before installation and inspected after they are installed, but only the newer style aerobic systems require continual inspections.  The newer technology "aerobic systems" require little if any maintenance, but when you have mechanical, moving parts, it is inevitable that something will eventually fail.  The good news is these systems are designed for quick repairs.  It is usually nothing more than pulling up a sprinkler pump from a tank and dropping in a new one, replacing the small compressor at the surface, or cleaning or replacing a filter.  The chlorine tablets must be added at intervals, but that is just dropping tablets into a tube.  The aerobic septic systems must be inspected 4 times a year by a licensed professional to make sure everything is working correctly, and this is not an option, it is a requirement.  These companies charge about $150 to $200 per year for the 4 yearly time inspections, but if they find something, it must be repaired. 

Important note here ... both types of septic systems should be pumped about every three years.  This will cost about $250 to $300 depending on the size of the septic tanks.  I have sold homes with the old-style systems which were never touched and never had a problem.   But I would err on the side of caution and pump your system periodically for peace of mind. 

The company that installs your aerobic septic system usually agrees to inspect it free of charge for two years.  After that, if you need another name, try White Eagle at 1-903-527-3730.  We use them to monitor and maintain our system and they are honest and reliable.