Most or almost all homes today are plumbed to supply water to sinks, bathroom stools, clothes washers, tubs, showers, dishwashers, etc. All those use points also need drains, which take the used water away. Where does that used water go? Some homes are connected to the city sanitary sewer system, while some homes outside the town or city limits are connected to their own septic system.
Either way, the homeowner still needs to think about keeping drains clear and free-flowing. The drain system is quite complex and sensitive. Drain traps are needed under most fixtures to support a pocket or trap of water that blocks possible gas odors from coming back into the home. Traps help but can also be a catch point for big problems. Grease, hair, solid particles and a host of other items like paint — which can be heavier than water — can build up in a drain trap.
Garbage disposals are an invitation to grind up many things that can clog a drain trap or even a long horizontal drain pipe. As solids build up in a horizontal plastic drain pipe, it can become heavy. Drain pipe hangers can become fatigued or even rusted to the point of breaking, which can allow the drain pipe to sage creating a second unwanted trap, blocking drainage altogether. Proper slope with a drain pipe is so important to the movement of both solids and drain water.
Drain systems also require venting. Vents provide a supply of air into the drain pipes which prevents the outgoing water from creating a vacuum effect on the traps. If you had no vents, the water in the traps would be pulled or sucked out with the drain water. That would leave your trap open, allowing unwanted sewer gas to back up into your home.
Vent piping usually penetrates the home’s highest roof peak. Sewer gases can then exhaust the drain system above the home outside.
I inspected a home once where the plumbing vent pipes penetrated a lower roof just below a second story window. It was easy to spot as the windows were open at the time!
Vent pipes that penetrate the roof should be at least three inches in diameter and at least six inches but no more than eight inches tall. Possible freeze-ups and or snow drifts are behind these requirements. In some areas, air admittance valves can be used in the attic and or under island sinks for plumbing vents. It is a good idea to know if you have these devices because they can fail, causing possible sewer gas odors inside the home.
If you own a home that has a septic system, it’s important to think about maintenance of the system. The most important part of keeping your septic system working is thinking about what goes down the drain. Single-ply toilet paper is suggested. Yes, you might think you would use twice as much when needed, but even if you use twice as much, single-ply paper will break down easier than two-ply.
What type of cleaners do you use? Are they safe to use on a septic system? I would rather not see a garbage disposal in a home on a septic system. They are just too inviting for grease, chicken bones, etc. If you have a dishwasher, please know it’s not a garbage disposal. Rinse the dishes before you load them into the dishwasher. If you rinse them in the sink, the drain basket will catch most of what we don’t want going down the drain and into your septic system.
Septic systems have tanks, sometimes pumps and always field or finger systems, all of which can become clogged with solids. The tank is supposed to break down solids per a bacteria bed in the bottom. Many things we can put down the drain can destroy that bacteria bed, especially soaps and cleaners. Facial tissue, paper towels, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, and personal wipes should not be put down the drain. Septic tanks can be pumped and inspected from time to time. The inspection would include checking for “baffles,” which prevent floating solids from entering the in-coming and out-going pipes.
Knowing the location of your tank and field or finger system is also important. You do not want to grow trees over the fingers. You don’t want to drive heavy trucks over the fingers during future construction projects. Care for your septic system, and it will take care of your needs for a long time. If you have recently purchased an older home, and you are not sure where the septic system is located, contact your county board of health. They may have records per a permit, that will give you information about your tank size, tank location, number and location of the fingers, when it was installed and who did the work.
Dave Huff is a longtime home inspector, and owner of Home Inspections Plus in Fortville. Send comments to [email protected].
