Septic Tank System Design for Utah

A septic system is a sewage treatment system that relies on the natural decomposition of organic matter. It consists of three main parts: a tank, pipes, and a drainage field. These systems are designed to keep untreated waste material from entering groundwater or nearby surface water supplies by using an aerobic or anaerobic process to break down solids into sludge and liquid effluent.

A properly functioning system contains natural organisms to digest and treat waste. We recommend you only flush wastewater and toilet paper. Do not put:

• grease or oil down the toilet,
• disposable diapers down the toilet,
• chemicals down the toilet (except those intended explicitly for toilets),
• tampons or sanitary napkins down the toilet.

These items can cause blockages in your septic system and lead to costly repairs.

Check the tank regularly for any waste accumulation. If you find that it has been backed up due to a clog, properly clean the drain field and remove all blockages as needed. Pump out the septic tank as needed depending on how much your household generates. Have a professional service the tank every three to five years or more as needed.

One of the main indications that your septic system isn’t working properly is when you notice a sewage backup or a decrease in flushing ability. Many places from the drain to the drain field can become clogged, affecting the system’s performance.

Septic systems and tanks are a huge benefit because they allow you to be independent of the municipal sewer system. They also allow for house construction in rural areas that would otherwise not be possible.

Also, here is a video that explains the process of how septic tank systems work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DWg-Ul4sTE

Yes, installing a septic tank is regulated by any local ordinance, so they are not legal to install without a permit. Septic tanks are a great way to manage wastewater and sewage in the home. They can be a cost-effective system for homeowners, especially if they live in rural areas. But there are some things you should know about installing septic tanks before you get started. One of them is that it’s regulated by local ordinances, so make sure you have everything covered with your permit before installation starts.

Yes, but you’ll need to check your region’s regulations.

As long as your septic tank is in a safe location and does not endanger the natural resources of the area it’s installed, it can be installed in an alpine environment. You must find a suitable location for the septic system before installation begins to avoid or minimize damage.

A septic system can be expected to last 15-20 years before it needs to be replaced.

There are many different options for the life expectancy of a septic system. The specific age depends on what type of components you choose and if you’re living in an area that is environmentally stable or not. One thing is sure, though, regardless of when the backup occurs, the sewage will eventually flow out, giving homeowners some time. That being said, it’s best to have periodic inspections and maintenance checks done because this will help prevent costly repairs down the line, which are often required due to a clog or concrete lining failure over time. A loss here means you may need at least $5k+ in labor hours spent removing and replacing the septic tank, which can be very costly.

A concrete septic system uses a thin layer of cement (concrete) to line the inside of the tank for two purposes: 1- To strengthen the walls so that they don’t crack or collapse, and 2- To keep contaminants from entering the groundwater.

The necessary components of a septic tank system include a pipeline from the building for the effluent flows, a septic tank, and a leach field for further treatment. In conventional septic systems, the septic tank must have an inlet and outlet to allow the effluent to enter the tank, and then the wastewater exits the tank through the outlet pipe into the drain field. The sewage flows through the drain field that contains a bed of gravel, sand, or crushed rock. This allows water to infiltrate the soil and safely release the waste matter into the environment without contaminating groundwater. If high groundwater is apparent, a conventional wastewater treatment system of a septic tank may not be an option, and an alternative system may be required.

It depends on the age of the septic tank and what type you have – it ranges from 2-5 years.

The frequency for inspections and service varies by age, several toilets, amount of water used per day, size of the septic system, and other contributing factors. A good rule is to have your tank inspected once every two to five years until servicing.

Regular maintenance is required for septic tanks for many reasons. Maintenance inspections often reveal any weaknesses in the tank or deterioration that needs to be addressed before it can result in system failure. This includes an annual inspection, at least one substantive inspection every five years, and additional inspections when problems are detected during an excavation process on a leach field. The inspection may find cracks below the ground surface which might only need maintenance hole access covers installed to prevent groundwater contamination or leaks from sewage pipes contaminating soil near the leach fields if discovered early enough.

Bleach will be broken down by bacteria in the septic tank and result in two very harmful concerns: The liquid bleach may wash into drainfield, resulting in bacteria growth throughout the system, which is not desirable; The bleach that does stay within the tank will react with any residual sludge leftover from previous tanks. This can result in hydrogen sulfide gas which is toxic even if only moderately exposed.

No. Unless you meet the certification requirements for the Utah Department of Environmental Quality – Water Quality. To design a septic system, you need to be at a minimum a Level 2 Onsite Professional.