Flush it and Forget it?

Duravit Happy D Toilet (what a beautiful design)

When there is an opportunity to get lots of Continuing Education credits all in one day I generally jump at that chance.  Last week I attended a conference titled "Managing Cesspools and Septic Systems to Protect Long Island's Waters."  This is not exactly a glamourous topic, or something I dreamt of studying, but I must admit I learned a lot and by the end of the day, felt more passionate about.  There were many different presenters there, all giving evidence of how the nitrates produced by on site septic systems are negatively affecting the waters, and consequently the aquatic wildlife of Long Island.  

Many of the homes I work on are located on or near the Peconic Bay or Long Island Sound.  I feel that as an architect advising my clients on the construction of septic systems I can help minimize the effect on one of our most valuable natural resources.  I learned that it takes only 1 to 2 years for effluent from waterfront septic systems to reach the water body.

Here's a brief overview of how septic systems work:

We learned how leaching pools work best when they are located closer to the ground surface.  There, the soil is better suited for wastewater dispersion and oxygen diffusion.  It's also preferable to have shallow systems that are more spread out rather than those that are concentrated in a small footrprint and deeper.

Prior to the mid 1970's homes did have septic tanks to treat solids.  These old style systems are susceptable to failiure, causing backups, offensive odors, sluggish drains, and pooling water around the system. That's why almost every renovation project I work on needs to have a new septic system installed that must be reviewed and approved by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services before a building permit can be obtained.  

Most of us tend to think that once a septic system is buried in the ground it's a done deal.  Actually, septic systems need to be maintained just like boilers, air conditioning equipment, and automobiles. Tanks should be inspected and pumped out every three to five years.