MIL-HDBK-1138
System--A Guide for Homeowners, National Small Flows
Clearinghouse, 1995
When cleaning the tank, remove all contents, including
scum, liquid, and solids. Use only the access ports on the tank
for cleaning; do not pump out the tank through the distribution
box. Do not use toxic or hazardous chemicals for cleaning the
tank and do not use organic chemical solvents or petroleum
products for degreasing or declogging the system. These
chemicals and products are potentially harmful to the system and
to the groundwater in the vicinity of the system.
Monitoring Waste Discharged to System. Because the
3.2.3
septic tank treatment system is a biological process, it is
particularly important that toxic or hazardous chemicals are not
discharged into it. These chemicals would kill the bacteria used
for treatment of the wastewater. Discharge of industrial
wastewater to septic tanks violates the underground injection
provisions of the SDWA. In addition, grease and non-biodegradable
products should not be discharged into the system. The system is
not designed to treat these products and they can cause clogging
in the system components. Household cleaners such as bleach,
disinfectants, and drain and toilet bowl cleaners should be used
in moderation and only in accordance with product labels. Overuse
of these products can harm the septic tank system.
Water Conservation. Water conservation is
3.2.4
critical for proper operation of the drain field. Continual
saturation of the soil in the drain field can significantly
reduce the ability of the soil to naturally remove toxins,
bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants from the wastewater. In
addition to conserving water discharged to the septic tank and
drain field, try to restrict water from roof drains, sump pumps,
and other sources from draining into the area of the drain field.
Vegetation Over System Components. Do not plant
3.2.5
trees or shrubbery over any of the system components. If a tree
or bush has a strong root system, the roots can choke the drain
field and/or get into the septic tank. Roots in the septic tank
can reduce its capacity and block the inlet or outlet.
3.3
Leachate System O&M. The only remedy for a
leachate system that is not functioning is replacement. There
are no conclusive data to support the premise that enzymes and
chemical treatment can revitalize a drain field. To construct a
new drain field on top of an existing field, dig trenches
parallel to the existing drain field pipes or widen the existing
trenches.
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