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OMNI System Owners
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Contracts
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Other
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System Maintenance
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It is essential your RSF be inspected and maintained on a regular basis. This will help catch most problems before they harm the system. The state and local officials require periodic system maintenance be performed by qualified personnel.
Preventative Maintenance
Standard Maintenance Procedures are performed each time your service provider conducts a Maintenance Visit. There is nothing for the System Owner to do except to follow the recommendations of your service provider for system pumping and use.
Septic Tank Pumping
Wastewater from all plumbing fixtures drain into the Septic Tank. Heavy solids settle to the bottom where bacterial action produces digested sludge and gases. Lighter solids that float, such as grease, fats and oils, rise to the top and form a scum layer. Sludge and solids that are not decomposed remain in the Septic Tank. These solids must be removed periodically by pumping the tank. Septic tank pumping is only one aspect of RSF maintenance, but it is the first line of defense for your RSF and should not be neglected.
The average pumping service interval recommended is 1-3 years. However, this interval depends on the Septic Tank size and the amount of solids, oil and grease that are put down the drain. A more frequent pumping schedule may be necessary depending on your garbage disposal use and cooking and cleaning (especially dishwashing) habits.
Inspecting the sludge and scum accumulation is the only sure way to determine whether a tank needs to be pumped. As sludge and scum gradually accumulate, less and less room is available for the sewage coming into the tank. This results in the sewage passing through the tank more and more quickly, allowing less time for scum and solids to separate from the sewage before it leaves the tank, as “effluent”. Therefore, the tank becomes decreasingly effective in protecting the sand filter from contaminants. The tank should be pumped before either the scum mat or sludge layer is twelve inches thick. Once your characteristic sludge accumulation rate is known, pumping frequency can be adjusted accordingly. RSF maintainers will recommend any necessary pumping.
Current code requires newly installed tanks to have access lids located at fishish grade. The lids of your tanks should be at grade level and visible. After the tank accesses are opened the pumper will note the odor and appearance of the wastewater inside. If the tank is working properly there should be a layer of scum on top and the wastewater should smell musty, like compost, not sour or nauseating. Required pumping frequency can change as household conditions, such as the number of residents change. Upon completion of pumping, the pumper is to provide you with a report detailing the service.
At a minimum, this report is to include the following:
- Name, address and phone number of the pumping firm;
- Name, address and phone number of the owner/occupant of the property serviced;
- Date service performed;
- Depth, in inches, of floating scum mat and sludge layer for both the septic tank and pump tank;
- Type of tanks and number of compartments pumped;
- Number of gallons pumped;
- General tank condition observed;
- Condition of baffles, noting whether the filter baffle was cleaned;
- Description of any other service performed; and
- Signature and certificate of competency number for person performing the work.
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