SEPTIC BASICS
Why are septic systems installed for new home construction in rural areas or areas without municipal sewer systems?
Septic systems are typically installed for new home construction in rural areas or areas lacking a municipal sewer system to prevent water supply contamination and address public health concerns. The state of Georgia and local municipalities have established specific rules and regulations governing the installation of septic systems to ensure proper wastewater management and protect both the environment and public health.
How does landscaping need to be adjusted for new septic system installations?
When installing a new septic system, it is important to consider landscaping adjustments that may be necessary. Due to the underground nature of septic systems, the existing landscaping may need to be removed and relocated to accommodate the installation. Our technicians may recommend placing the new system in a different location to avoid potential interference from plant and tree roots.
In order to comply with regulations and prevent groundwater contamination, certain distances must be observed when planning the location of the septic system. These distances include being at least 75 feet from the annual flood line of surface water bodies, 15 feet from drainage ditches or stormwater retention areas, and 10 feet from stormwater pipes. Additionally, the septic system should be located at least 200 feet away from public potable wells and at least 11 feet away from water storage tanks in contact with potable or groundwater. Other requirements include being at least 15 feet from groundwater interceptor drains, 75 feet from bays, lakes, and multiple-family wells, and at least 50 feet from non-potable wells. By adhering to these guidelines, landscaping adjustments can be made to ensure the proper installation and functioning of a new septic system while protecting the surrounding environment.
Septic Tank: An underground tank that is normally made of concrete or plastic and typically contains one or two chambers.
Field Lines: A system that can be made of different types of piping that diffuses treated waste into the ground. Every septic tank has to have a field line. Also called a leach field/ drain field. The length of field line is based on the number of bedrooms in a home.
Baffles: Tanks normally have two baffles (an outlet and inlet) that are positioned at junctions where a pipe enters or leaves a septic tank.
Clean Out: A clean out is normally located between the house and the tank. This is typically a smaller white PVC pipe that comes out of the ground, and it serves to channel waste up onto the ground instead of backing up into your home in the event of a septic back up.
One can determine when it is time to install a new septic system by observing various indicators. These signs include slow draining sinks and toilets, frequent plumbing backups, the presence of sewage odors inside the property or in the yard, the appearance of mushy or swampy areas, standing gray water, and grass in specific areas of the yard growing faster and darker in color than the rest. When these issues persist, it is often an indication that the current septic system may need to be replaced.
Chris Mote’s Pumping Service is dedicated to serving various counties, including White, Hall, Lumpkin, Banks, Stephens, Habersham county Georgia.
General Tips and Tricks:
- Do NOT put dead animals in your tank (you’d be surprised what we hear about!)
- Do not dispose of cat litter via your septic system, that should go in the trash!
- Unless you have a garbage disposal, do NOT dispose of food waste via your septic system. In all circumstances avoid putting fats, oils, and grease (FOG’s) down the drain because they can disrupt the natural balance and functioning of the septic tank. They can hinder the ability of naturally occurring microbes to decompose solids effectively, leading to potential issues and imbalances within the system.
- Paper towels and wet wipes are highlighted as common culprits behind septic tank clogs and premature tank cleanouts. These items do not break down as easily as toilet paper and can contribute to blockages and maintenance issues within the septic system.
- Do not flush chemicals, paints, fuels, and/or motor oils; disposable diapers, sanitary products, and personal hygiene products; as well as coffee grounds and egg and nut shells down the toilet as these chemicals can disrupt the septic tanks environment
Additives:
When to Be Concerned:
Whether pumping your tank or repairing your drain lines, we work to ensure that your septic problems are fixed the first time. Now serving Dahlonega, Cleveland, Demorest, Cornelia, and surrounding areas!
What should and should not be flushed down the toilet in relation to septic systems?
Paper towels and wet wipes are highlighted as common culprits behind septic tank clogs and premature tank cleanouts. These items do not break down as easily as toilet paper and can contribute to blockages and maintenance issues within the septic system.
Toilet paper is mentioned as an item that generally breaks down and dissolves more quickly than other common paper products. Therefore, it is considered suitable for flushing in a septic system.
Why should fat, oil, grease (FOG), chemicals, paints, fuels, motor oils, disposable diapers, sanitary products, personal hygiene products, coffee grounds, and egg and nut shells be avoided in septic systems?
These items should be avoided in septic systems because they can disrupt the natural balance and functioning of the septic tank. They can hinder the ability of naturally occurring microbes to decompose solids effectively, leading to potential issues and imbalances within the system.
What common household items should never enter a septic system?
Common household items that should never enter a septic system include fat, oil, and grease (FOG); chemicals, paints, fuels, and/or motor oils; disposable diapers, sanitary products, and personal hygiene products; as well as coffee grounds and egg and nut shells.
What are the requirements, fees, and permits needed for septic tank installations?
For anyone looking to install a septic tank in Georgia, several requirements, fees, and permits must be obtained. The Georgia Department of Health’s Environmental Health Service in your county is responsible for issuing all the necessary applications and permits. To start the process, the home or business owner must submit a completed application along with a site plan, building floor plan, and the required application fees. A site evaluation will also be conducted to assess the property conditions, such as soil type. The total fees for the permit are determined based on the type of septic system required and the services provided by the county health department.
In terms of tank size, Georgia Department of Public Health mandates the minimum size septic tank for a single-family home is 1,000 gallons. However, this requirement may vary depending on factors like the size of the property’s occupancy and whether the system is intended for residential or commercial use. Technicians, such as those from Chris Mote’s Pumping Service, can assist in determining the appropriately sized tank that complies with state regulations.
Furthermore, installing a septic system may necessitate landscaping changes due to the system being located underground. Existing landscaping might need to be removed and relocated, or the new system might be recommended for installation in a different location to prevent interference from plant and tree roots. The Georgia Department of Public Health requires specific distances to be observed to prevent groundwater contamination from septic systems. These guidelines include maintaining distances from various water sources like surface water bodies, drainages, wells, and other potential sources of contamination. It is crucial to adhere to these requirements to ensure the safe and effective installation of the septic system and mitigate any environmental risks.
