The vast majority of Septic Systems in the U.S. (9 out of 10) are the simple gravity-operated Conventional Septic System.

To tell you the honest truth, this is often the most basic system that a builder can install in order to develop a property. Codes have however been improved but many systems need to be brought up to code.  This system is located below ground and is nearly impossible to service and maintain.

This system functions in an anaerobic state (airless or with-out air) and if properly installed, serviced (periodic cleaning) and maintained, this system should last a Life-Time!

If not installed properly, it may not function properly.

"You can Detect defective septic systems before you buy!"

 http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/1997/11/03/focus3.html

 This can be accomplished by having a Professional Septic Inspection done, which is thorough and will actually open the system!"

If not serviced and maintained to include pumping the septic tank every 3 to 5 years, it may not function properly.

This system has only 3 sections that are installed, serviced and maintained.

There is technically a 4th section, the soil, however the soil should not be a consideration in most cases because if the soil is substandard then a conventional system will not work and should not be installed.

 If the system has already been installed then it probably shouldn't have been since the soils are substandard. Please see the article "Detect defective septic systems before you buy."

This could be investigated by reviewing the soils analysis and seeing how a conventional system was mistakenly installed in substandard soils.

Substandard soils require an unconventional system solution.

The common conventional system problems and their solutions will be covered in the three sections below.

Section #1 - the Sewer Main Line:

The Sewer Main Line is generally a single line that transports the sewage from the house to the septic tank.  It is often difficult to access for servicing and therefore often incurs a stoppage (clog) and must be hydro-jetted in order to ensure proper function.

Hydro-Jetting is a service provided by local septic companies who utilize the jetter system located on their septic truck.

The Hydro-Jetter is a device that propels itself up the line and removes the stoppages.  It is high pressure and cleans the line utilizing water pressure that cuts and removes the hardened grease, soap and other substances that clog the line.

The Main Line can also allow the sewage to back-up into the home when the system fails.

This can be prevented by adding a back-up prevention device called a Sewer Popper!

If your system fails and backs-up, this device allows your system to back-up into the yard (outside) rather than into the home.

Installing the Sewer Popper also provides a clean-out for easy access to the Main Sewer Line and so it solves two problems in one!

Section #2 - the Septic Tank

The Septic Tank is generally a container that holds the solids for digestion (decomposition) and allows the septic effluent (black water) to flow into the field lines.

The Septic Tank is often difficult to service and maintain since it is usually located below ground.

The Septic Tank can be made easy to service and maintain by adding a man-hole access with cover to the top of the septic tank.

This will also prevent having to dig up your system when it is time for pumping the contents.

Section #3 - the Field Lines and Absorption Field:

The Field Lines transport the septic effluent (liquid) to the absorption area for distribution into the soil.

The Field lines are usually little more than PVC pipes that contain holes for dispersal of the effluent.

These lines are surrounded by gravel (aggregate) that allows for better dispersal. 

The Field Lines and/or the Absorption Field most often fail due to excessive Bio-Mat growth.

This can be detected by an internal inspection of the system as well as the absorption area.

Dark, smelly puddles over the absorption area are a tell-tell sign that excessive Bio-Mat growth has rendered the absorption field unable to absorb the septic effluent properly.

The Bio-Mat Problem can be treated by either short or long term solutions.

The links below will give you a great deal of information but please > BEWARE of DAD'S SEPTIC!

The Short Term Solution is to use a chemical treatment "click here", which is applied to the field lines, in order to temporarily restore the lines and absorption field.

The Long Term Solution is to apply a new device into the Septic Tank that will reduce the Bio-Mat Problem to its natural levels!

This device is called a Remediator "click here" and is often used to reclaim failing systems. This device can be installed in some cases by the homeowner and in others it is preferred to have it done professionally, especially in the cases which require a new cement lid with permanent access.

The excessive Bio-Mat growth takes place when the anaerobic effluent (air-less) makes contact with the aerobic (with air) soils in the absorption field.

When these two opposites meet, a reaction takes place and the result is the forming of a thin membrane called the Bio-Mat.

The membrane grows until it gets out of control and often surfaces as small puddles.  When digging in an absorption field clogged with excessive Bio-Mat growth, the dark gray Bio-Mat can easily be detected in many cases.

FYI: Some companies in the industry will give estimates on replacing field lines and this will not solve the bio-mat problem.

New Field Lines can cost in excess of $5,000.00 and will likely fail again due to the excessive bio-mat problem originating from the septic tank.

The Remediator can be purchased alone or professionally installed.

--------- Please Note ---------

Cost of aquaworx remediator: 

Insider Secret - Remediation "New Solution or Drastically Over Priced?"

The Truth about Septic Remediation: Don Wolf told me himself that he was charging thousands for a professional installation and that adding air to the septic tank does work >>> but he also told me that there is a huge mark-up in this product! Call (678) 732-4610 and I will tell you how to save thousands by installing the Remediator yourself at a Fraction of the Price!

I am presently writing a Tell-All Home Owner's Manual on Septic Systems designed to empower the individual with the ability to upgrade their system so that it can last a Life-Time - while avoiding the disreputable companies.  Please feel free to contact me for more information.

There are other remediation devices on the market and you CAN shop around!

See Youtube Remediation Videos below.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=septic+remediation&search_type=&aq=f

Beware of Dad's Septic and the manufacturer of the Remediator as they are conspiring to charge Homeowner's an arm and a leg (price gouging) for this product - which is little more than air - aerobic bacteria and plastic!

This practice endangers public safety and the environment by making it unaffordable to properly dispose of raw sewage on-site!

Homeowners should be able to add air and aerobic bacteria to their septic tanks themselves as long as they do not endanger the public (raw sewage is a bio-hazard) but unfortunately it is illegal in many places to touch your system with out checking with your local county public health (environmental health) organization.

For example, you could put a small air compressor in your garage or basement and use it to pump air into your tank but putting a hole for the pipe into your tank may be illegal!

See Georgia State Regulations for Septic Systems: http://health.state.ga.us/pdfs/environmental/LandUse/rulesregs/290-5-26.pdf

The Septic Remediation Conspiracy

--------- Continued --------- 

Field Lines also fail due to solids entering the outlet baffle tee (located inside the Septic Tank) and these solids can clog (create a stoppage) the field lines.

Preventing this from occurring can be as simple as adding a septic filter to the outlet baffle tee.

--------- Other Problems > WARNING! ---------

The very high cost to septic companies to dispose of sewage in county dumps results in illegal dumping.

Sometimes companies will instruct their drivers (technicians) to dump in any place to include any open man hole cover or storm water drain > in order to avoid paying these high costs.

As I mentioned before, raw sewage can be washed into the drinking water and result in death and bodily injury due to water born diseases.

Also, many technicians are working on Commission! So BEWARE!

And please use only State Certified Septic Companies:

(Their operating radius is usually 50 Miles from their location so just call those with-in 50 miles of your system.)

http://health.state.ga.us/pdfs/environmental/LandUse/Contractors/Certified/Pumpers.pdf