Septic Systems New Castle LWV

A septic system, just like a car, appliance, or tractor must be properly operated and maintained to ensure long-term, cost effective service. Many septic systems are installed and forgotten. After all, they're buried in your yard, "out of sight - out of mind".

Approximately 90% of homes in New Castle rely on septic systems for household wastewater treatment and disposal. Wastewater from your toilet, sinks, tubs, laundry and dishwashers may contain chemicals, dirt, grease, bacteria and viruses. If not properly treated, these pollutants are discharged into the groundwater and water bodies, including wells and drinking water supplies, which ultimately affect the health of humans and ecosystems.

Septic systems which are properly sited, designed, installed and maintained can function efficiently for 20-30 years. Most septic system failures are due to improper maintenance. The homeowner is totally responsible for this maintenance. Repair and especially replacement of a system is costly. Repairs generally cost between $8500-12,000 and a new septic system can cost up $75,000.

The following information is to help the homeowner to properly maintain a septic system.

HOW YOUR SYSTEM WORKS

Septic Diagram

Step 1- House sewer line carries wastewater from the house to the septic tank
Step 2- In the septic tank, solids settle to the bottom and are partly decomposed by bacteria to form sludge; the liquid effluent (wastewater) flows out the top
Step 3 - The effluent enters the distribution box and is released into perforated pipes
Step 4- The pipes carry the effluent into the absorption field where it is further purified by filtration through the soil and by decomposition by microorganisms in the soil.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

DO:

1 -Conserve water - excess water overloads you system (click here for water conservation tips)
2 - Direct downspouts away from the absorption field
3 - Use grass and shallow rooted plants to cover the field
4 - Avoid the use of biological additives; nature provides the necessary microorganisms for decomposition
5 - Use house hold cleaners in moderation; these add pollutants
6 - Use a trash can. Disposing of improper solids in your septic can cause clogging and as a result, shorten its life since the system can't break down the material. Dispose of solids such as cigarette butts, diapers, coffee grounds, tampons, condoms and grease in your household trash.
7 - PUMP OUT YOUR TANK EVERY 2 - 3 YEARS - businesses are listed in the telephone directory

DO NOT:

1 - Use garbage disposals; this adds too much "stuff" which clogs your field!
2 - Pour gasoline, paint thinners, pesticides, grease, harmful chemicals down the drain; these pollutants go into groundwater, especially in high density areas
3 - Drive heavy equipment over the absorption field; causes compaction
4 - Plant trees or shrubs in the absorption filed; roots will invade the pipes

FAILING SEPTIC SYSTEMS

YOUR SYSTEM IS FAILING IF:

* Sewage backs up in your drains or toilets
* Sinks, tubs, toilets drain slowly
* There are soggy areas or standing water above the system
* The grass over your absorption field is lush and green, even in dry spells
* There are nitrates and/or bacteria in your drinking water wells
* You smell unpleasant odors

WHAT TO DO:

* Notify the Westchester County Department of Health at (914-813-5000)
* Have the tank pumped
* Reduce water use
* Consult a licensed contractor for remediation or replacement of the system

Your septic system is an important part of your home. It treats the water you use everyday. A failed septic system is very expensive to fix and can be a significant source of ground and surface water contamination. Periodic maintenance will prevent failure to a properly constructed system. Maintenance is your best (and only) insurance.

Links www.westchestergov.com/waterquality/checklist4.htm

The information above was prepared by the League of Women Voters of New Castle. Much of the information was adapted from the Cornell Cooperative Extension publication "Your Septic System" in addition to Huron River Watershed Council and National Small Flows Clearinghouse.

Updated Oct. 27, 2009 by Valerie Castleman

Many thanks to Westchester Alliance for Telecommunications and Public Access (WATPA ) & the Westchester Library System (WLS) for hosting this site.