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!