Common Septic System Test Definations

Here are some common definitions of tests that are performed on waste water treatment units. 

• pH - This is the measure of the water's acidity once it leaves the plant. Ideally, the water's pH would match the pH of the river or lake that receives the plant's output.
• BOD (biological oxygen demand) - BOD is a measure of how much oxygen in the water will be required to finish digesting the organic material left in the effluent. Ideally, the BOD would be zero.
• Dissolved oxygen - This is the amount of oxygen in the water as it leaves the plant. If the water contains no oxygen, it will kill any aquatic life that comes into contact with it. Dissolved oxygen should be as high as possible and needs to cover the BOD.
• Suspended solids - This is the measure of the solids remaining in the water after treatment. Ideally, suspended solids would be zero.
• Total phosphorous and nitrogen - This is the measure of the nutrients remaining in the water.
• Chlorine - The chlorine used to kill harmful bacteria needs to be removed so it does not kill beneficial bacteria in the environment. Ideally, chlorine should not be detectable.
• Coliform bacteria count - This is the measure of fecal bacteria remaining in the water. Ideally, this number would be zero. Note that water in the environment is not totally free of fecal bacteria -- birds and other wildlife do introduce some. 

Septic Sytem Operation Practices

 Here are a few operation practices a owner of a septic system can utilize to keep their unit operating efficiently.  

• Do not dispose of grease, fats, and cooking oils.
• Do not dispose of Pesticides, herbicides, or any other toxin.
• Garbage Disposals are not recommended.  If you must use a garbage disposal use it sparingly.  Food waste, grease, etc. should be disposed of in the solid waste bin.  Scrape plates of left over food into the trash and not down your drain.  Food waste represents additional loading the Aerobic Treatment Unit would have to digest, increasing pump out intervals.
• Do not dispose of paints, household chemicals, automobile fluids, or discard mop water into the system. 
• Do not dispose of non-biodegradable items such as cigarette butts, disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, condoms, hair, coffee grounds, rags, paper towels, bandages, etc.
• Wash loads must be spread out over the week.  Once a week multiple loads and half loads are not recommended. Do not run dishwasher and washing machine at the same time.
• Do not dispose of citrus products (oranges, lemons, grapefruit, etc.).
• Do not use additives for septic systems- they do more harm than good.
• Do not connect other water sources to the system to prevent hydraulic overload.
• Do not dispose of home brewery waste, strong medicines such as antibiotics. Anti-bacteria soaps and products should be avoided.
• Do not use strong disinfectants or bleaches.  Laundry products such as: Lysol, Pine-Sol, Tidy-Bowl, Drano, and discharge from water softeners.  
• Recommended detergents are low-sudsing, low phosphates and biodegradable, with washing soda ingredients.  Fabric Softener dryer sheets are recommended.  
• Recommended cleaning products are non-chlorine, biodegradable, non-toxic and non-corrosive.

Hiblow USA Maintenance Video

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Welcome to the Septic System bog spot!!

We have created this blog so anyone will be able to share there knowledge or gain answers to septic systems.