Green Oaks Estates

Septic Systems in Gwinnett County

How to Maintain Your Septic System

You won't seem many new homes in Gwinnett County built with septic systems. However, but if purchase an older home in Gwinnett or a new home in outlying counties, you may be the proud owner of a septic system.

A septic system is a completely passive system that works on gravity. Your home's sewer line takes waste water to the septic tank, where solids sink to the bottom (called the "sludge" layer. The middle "water" layer remains in the middle, with a light weight scum layer on top (from cooking oils, etc.).

The water layer is piped out of the tank to a Distribution Box which distributes waste water into drain fields.

Here is an excellent article with diagrams of a septic system:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/sewer2.htm

Older systems may have deteriorating concrete pipes, and all systems require proper maintenance to serve the household. A failing septic system can create a nightmare for the homeowner and may leach dangerous bacteria into creeks and rivers.

You can obtain a graph of your septic system for a small fee:

Environmental Health Section
240 Oak Street Suite 101
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
(770)963-5132
Fax: (770)339-4282
General Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What the experts say about septic system maintenance:

INSIDE

1. Promptly repair any dripping faucet, running toilet or plumbing leak.

2. Don't overload the system by washing all your laundry in one day, running the dishwasher during peak use hours, etc.

3. Do not use a garbage disposal or dump grease or coffee grounds in the sink.

4. Do not flush anything down the toilet except toilet tissue.

5. Do not use any commercial additives or yeast in your system advertised to facilitate the breaking down of sludge.

6. Avoid dumping solvents like dry cleaning fluid, pesticides, photographic chemicals, paint thinner, or auto products down the drain.

OUTSIDE

1. Have your tank pumped and inspected every two to five years, depending on use.

2. Avoid compacting the soil by running heavy equipment over your system.

3. Do not plant trees over or near your septic system (grass and shallow rooted plants are good).

4. Direct drainage away from the field area to prevent ground saturation.

Article Added
August 9, 2007
P. Sabin

Links

Septic Systems at How Stuff Works