Septic System Manual3
Septic System Manual3
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Foreword
The Urban Infrastructure Service Division (UISD), Department of Engineering Services (DES) under the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement is currently working in partnership with the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV Bhutan), to develop a Sustainable Sanitation and Hygiene for All (SSH4A) in Small Towns programme (STP) in Bhutan under a two year framework agreement (2011-July 2013). The aim of the programme is to enhance access to improved sanitation and hygiene practices and services in three small pilot towns under Chukka District-namely, Tsimasham, Tsimalakha and Gedu. I am pleased to inform that the partnership programme has developed a much needed handbook titled, Septic System Manual. As most of us are aware septic system is the most common on-site disposal system in Bhutan. The system is cost effective and appropriate for low-density urban and rural areas of Bhutan. The handbook is particularly intended to be used by municipal engineers, building inspectors and technicians as a quick reference to understand the basic principles of how a septic system functions and its operation and maintenance. Further, leaflets within the handbook are targeted towards building owners for their technical know-how on operation and maintenance of septic tanks. Taking respective responsibilities within their abilities will ultimately help in improving sanitation and protecting our health and environment. I am also confident that this handbook will be very useful in implementation of sanitation related programmes, particularly in construction of septic tanks both within urban and rural Bhutan. The Ministry of Works and Human Settlement is very grateful to the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) and highly acknowledge their support in bringing out this publication.
Tashi Delek
Table of Contents
Introduction 1 Septic System 1 Components of a Septic System 1 Septic Tank 2 Functions of a Septic Tank 2 Different layers of sewage in the septic tank 2 Minimum Retention Time 3 Tank Configuration 4 Tank Size 5 Key components of a Septic Tank 6 Base 6 Side Walls 6 Manhole 6 Inlet and Outlet 6 Baffle Wall 7 Ventilation 7 Commissioning of a Septic Tank 8 Soak Pit / Seepage Pit 8 Operation and Maintenance of a Septic System 9 Locating of a Septic Tank 9 Maintenance of a Septic Tank 9 Maintenance of Pipes and Fittings 9 Maintenance of Soak Pit 9 Potential System Problems 9 Signs of a failing system 9 Preventing System Problems 10 DOS 10 DONTS 10 Septic Tank Emptying 11 How to check your septic tank 12 When and how to empty your septic tank 13 Septic tank supervision check list 14 References 15
Introduction
The households in Bhutan depend on septic systems as an affordable and safe option for the treatment and disposal of sewage. It is cost effective and appropriate for low-density urban and rural areas. The septic system consists of a septic tank and soak pit. Adequate care must be taken to design, construct, operate and maintain the septic system so that it can provide years of reliable service. A poorly designed or maintained septic system can be a source of pollution, which causes disease outbreaks and other environmental problems. Therefore, it is important to understand the consequences of a poorly designed and maintained septic system and to take necessary precautions. This manual provides an introduction to the septic system, the basic information of its functions, components, and maintenance requirements. Municipal engineers, building inspectors and even homeowners can use the manual as a quick guide to improving urban sanitation which will help in protecting our health and the environment as well.
Septic System
Components of a Septic System
A septic system consists of four main components: 1) 2) 3) 4) 1) Connecting Pipe Inspection Chamber Septic Tank Soak Pit Connecting Pipe: The wastewater from the toilet flows to the septic tank through the connecting pipe. The minimum diameter of the pipe should be 4 inches. The pipe should be made of material that is corrosion free such as PVC, uPVC, HDPE or cast iron. Inspection Chamber: The chamber lies in the connecting point of sewer lines coming from different toilets and where there is a change in the direction of the flow of wastewater and diameter of the pipes. The inspection chamber provides easy access for cleaning or clearing of any blockages. The inspection chamber must be covered securely. Septic Tank: The septic tank collects 1
2)
3)
4)
and stores sewage from the households. The septic tank contains anaerobic bacteria that decomposes or disintegrates the sewage. The material used in the construction of septic tank range from stone or brick masonry to concrete for a bigger community septic tank. It is usually buried underground. Soak Pit: The effluent (clarified wastewater) from the septic tank flows into the soak pit. The soak pit is a covered walled chamber that is porous and allows wastewater to slowly soak into the ground after a secondary treatment.
Septic Tank
Functions of a Septic Tank
The septic tank provides a number of important functions in terms of physical and biological changes. The essential functions of a septic tank are: To collect wastewater from the house. To act as a sedimentation tank. As the sewage enters the tank, the rate of flow is reduced so that the larger solids in the sewage sink to the bottom of the tank. For primary treatment of wastewater in the tank, as the solids and the liquids are partially decomposed by anaerobic bacteria and other natural processes. To provide a storage space for the separated solids (sludge and scum). To pass the effluent into the soak pit for final treatment and disposal.
a)
Sludge Layer: All solids that are heavier than water settle at the bottom of the tank to make up the sludge layer. The anaerobic bacteria breakdown and digest the biodegradable solids in the sludge. During the process, the solids become lighter and migrate upwards to the middle of the tank or the clear zone. Figure 2. Different layers of septic tank 2
Outlet tee
b)
Clear Zone: The clear zone in the septic tank holds grayish or brown coloured murky water that contains fine and microscopic biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials suspended in the liquid. It is in this liquid environment that the bacteria further break down most of the remaining biodegradable solids. The clarified liquid then flows into the soak pit. Scum Layer: The scum layer at the top of the septic tank contains grease, oils, soap films and other materials that are lighter than water. Both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are found in the scum layer. The anaerobic bacteria are the dominant kind in this layer. As the bacteria digest the scum at the top layer of the tank, the digested wastes from the bacteria become heavier than water and sink to the bottom of the septic tank to settle on the sludge layer.
c)
The baffle wall and outlet TEE prevent any of the scum on the top layer from exiting the septic tank before being treated. The inlet, outlet and the baffle wall are designed and constructed to allow only the liquid from clear zone to exit into the soak pit (shown in Figure 2).
The septic tank is generally designed with a minimum retention time of 24 hours. The minimum retention time in the design takes into consideration the worse conditions when sludge and scum occupy half to two thirds of the septic tank volume. Under normal conditions that include routine maintenance and emptying, a tank should be able to provide up to two or three days of retention time. As sludge and scum accumulates and occupy more volume in the tank, the effective volume is gradually reduced, thereby affecting the retention time. If the sewage is not retained in the 3
clear zone of the septic tank for the minimum retention time period, then the effluent does not get treated to the desired level. Therefore, the solids in the waste do not separate and can go untreated. The solids may also flow out of the tank along with the effluent into the soak pit. This will result in clogged pipes and the soak pit filled with untreated sewage. This is one of the most common causes of septic system failure. Therefore, it is very important to check the depth of the sludge and de-sludge regularly or after every 2 years.
Tank Configuration
The commonly used septic tank has two compartments. The plan and section of the septic tank are illustrated as below:
Figure 3. Plan
Clear liquid
Figure 5. Section AA
Tank Size
Table 1: Minimum Size for Users with Desludging Every 2 Years No.of user 5 10 15 25 50 75 100 Length(m) 1.5 2.00 2.00 2.60 4.00 5.00 5.70 Width(m) 0.75 0.90 0.90 1.30 1.40 1.50 2.10 Height(m) 1.30 1.30 2.00 1.80 2.00 2.00 1.70
Source: Specifications for Building and Road Works, 2009. Erstwhile Standards and Quality Control Authority, Ministry of Works and Human Settlement.
The height mentioned in the table above is the total height of the tank (i.e. from tank base to the bottom of the cover slab). It is very important to consider the liquid depth for the effective functioning of the septic tank. The total height minus free board is the effective depth of the septic tank. The standard free board measurement is taken from 30 to 50 centimetres range.
Outlet
Note: The dimensions given in the illustration above is of the minimum requirements. For communal septic tanks, the size of the pipe should be as per the drawings and designs. The TEE must reach to the clear zone.
Baffle Wall The baffle wall prevents the scum from flowing out of the septic tank without treatment. It also facilitates in the smooth settling of the sludge. The baffle wall has slots or openings that allow the sewage to flow from one compartment to another as shown in Figure 7. The openings should be designed to minimise the turbulance by ensuring an average maximum velocity of 0.1m/s. The opening must be in the middle of the clear zone and not in the sludge or scum layers. A clear gap of 6 inches should be maintained between the slab and the top of the baffle wall as ventilation space.
Liquid level
Figure 7. Section BB
Ventilation The decomposition of the organic wastes produce gases and the safe exit of the gases must be provided in the septic tank. The simplest option is to install a vent pipe with a screen on the roof slab of the septic tank. The gases coming out of septic tank has a strong stench and so the height of the vent pipe should be higher than the normal height of a person.
Commissioning of a Septic Tank Before the tank is commissioned for use it must be tested for water tightness by filling it with water and allowing it to stand for 24 hours. The drop in the water level should not be more than 15 millimetres. It is not necessary to empty the tank as the water filled in the tank will enhance the separtion process of the sewage and as the tank must remain filled with water when in use. Soak Pit / Seepage Pit A soak pit or seepage pit is a vertical leach line consisting of either a deep hole with porous walls or a hole filled with gravel or brickbats. Septic tanks should always be connected to a suitable soak pit or a sewer line. The soak pit can be constructed of pre-cast concrete-rings (with holes) or a dry cylindrical wall made of brick, block or stone as shown in Figure 8. The minimum diameter of the pit is 1.5 metres with a minimum depth of 3 metres. It must be located at least 10 metres away from any waterways in saturated soil conditions.
DOS
Check the sludge depth in your septic tank every year and empty when it is two thirds full. Promptly repair leaky water faucets and toilets. Prevent surface water runoff from entering into your septic tank. Prepare and keep the as-built drawing for any future reference. Keep the records of emptying, inspections, and other maintenance works done. Ensure that tenants understand how to safely operate and maintain the septic system. Avoid driving or parking over any part of your septic system. The area over the system should be left undisturbed with just a mowed grass cover. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may damage your system. Dont put any large quantity of cooking oil or grease into the septic system. Dont throw non-biodegradable materials such as disposable diapers, sanitary products or plastic into the septic system. Dont pour petrol, diesel, oil, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, antifreeze or other chemicals into the system. Dont wait for the signs of system failure. Use this manual to help you check the state of your septic tank. Dont use the septic tank as a garbage disposal.
DONTS
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Properly wrap a 4m long metal or plastic stick with a white cloth or a towel.
Remove inspection cover & insert the stick in your tank until it touches the bottom.
Outlet tee
Sludge
If the dark layer mark on the stick is more than 2/3 of the depth then call your municipal office to empty your tank
Inlet
Outlet tee
Before the arrival of the truck it is advisable to stir your septic tank for proper emptying
Inlet
Outlet tee
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References:
Specifications for Building and Road Works, 2009. Erstwhile Standards and Quality Control Authority, Ministry of Works and Human Settlement. Eljen Corporation, Septic System Owners Manual: How Your Septic Works and How to Keep it Working for You and the Environment. Unit 5: Septic Tank and Aqua Privies. Low Cost Sanitation. WEDC Loughborough University UK, Edition 4.0 Peter Warshall Revised Edition, Septic Tank Practices. A Guide to the Conservation and Reuse of Household Wastewater. Toby Tahja-Syrett, Septic System Users Manual. Care and Feeding of Your On-Site Sewage System, Mason Country Public Health, Shelton, WA 98584. www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au Operation and Maintenance Manual for Septic Tank and Absorption Trench System. P.N. Khanna, Indian Practical Civil Engineers Handbook. The Standard Every-Day Reference Book for all Engineers and Architects. A Homeowners Guide to Septic System, EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency.
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Ministry of Works & Human Settlement Department of Engineering Services Urban Infrastructure Service Division Po Box 129, Opposite to UNDP Building, Thimphu : Bhutan Tel: +975-2-324339/321828 ( Direct ) Pabx: +975-2-327998/328173/322182 Fax: +975-2-324338/323105
April 2013