OCR Text |
Show Volume X THE Issue X OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 13 September 1, 2004 Septic System Care and Maintenance Reduce Scum and Sludge Buildup. Minimizing the amount of solids entering the septic system will reduce scum and sludge buildup. This will extend the time between pumping and help prolong the life of the system. Do not put fats and oils down the sink. Fats and oils can collect inside plumbing pipes and cause hair or other debris to accumulate, decreasing water flow. Fats, oils and grease are lighter than water and will rapidly increase the scum layer in the septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping. Keep food waste out of your system. Compost kitchen waste or put it in the trash rather than using a garbage disposal. Fruit and vegetable peelings ground up in a disposal tend to remain suspended rather than Huntsville 6 BD, 25 BA Over1 ac. Gorgeous lake & mountain. views! Lease purchase avail.Reduced to $319,900! becoming part of the sludge or scum layers. As aresult, they move out through the system and clog drainfields more easily. If you use a garbage disposal, consider installing a septic tank that is twice as large as otherwise recommended. Some septic tank installers recommend two tanks working in series rather than one larger tank. The extra time the material is in the septic tanks allows more solid material to settle out. Keep Non-degradable Materials Out. Never flush into a septic tank materials that do not break down easily. Such materials include coffee grounds, bones, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, paper napkins, paper towels and cigarette butts. Pharmaceutical packaging such as adhesive bandage wrappers, dental floss, pill capsules, tampon applicators and other packaging materials can quickly accumulate and clog a septic tank and drainfield as well. Put a waste basket in the bathroom and use it. Avoid disposing of hazardous chemicals down the drain. Some components such as organic solvents, acids and degreasers may be left untreated by the bacteria. They can pollute drinking water if they seep from the drainfield area, through the soil, and into the groundwater. Reduce Wastewater Volume. By reducing the volume of water entering the system, you can avoid overloading the septic tank and drainfield. A household of four members will typically use more than 225 gallons of water a day. A washing machine can use as much as 60 gallons of water on each cycle. Flushing a toilet can use 2 to 7 gallons of water. Showers use 2 to 5. gallons per minute. Consider water-saving appliances and fixtures when you must replace them. Fix pluming leaks. Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures to avoid inadvertently overloading the septic system. single faucet that leaks on drop per second wastes more than 3 gallons a day, or 1,000 gallons a year. Keep water softeners adjusted. For households with water softeners, recharging that system uses a significant amount of water. Some water softeners recharge on a timed cycle. However, a system that recycles only after a specified volume of water has been used will save water. A properly adjusted water softener can prevent wasting water. Keep storm water out of the septic system. Make certain that roof drains, basement sump pumps or foundation drains do not empty into the septic system. Keep Bacteria Working. Your septic tank and drainfield are full of living organisms that make the system work. Some com- Heed Early Warning Signs. Septic systems beginning to fail typically have early warning signs that signal you to take action. Warning signs of septic system problems: a When you take a shower, do you end up with water up to your ankles? Water draining too slowly indicates septic system problems or a blocked drain. a Drain pipes gurgle or make noise when air bubbles are forced back through the system — another early warning sign. a Smelling sewage signals a serious probem. a If water backs up in your sink or basement, it may be too late — your system may already be failing. a Watch for an increasing level of water standing in the drainfield vent or observation pipe. Check for soggy soil above the drainfield. Settling of the soil over the septic tank indicates a break in the tank. Remember. Nothing can take the place of careful use, regular inspection, and maintenance. For more information on use, inspection, and maintenance, download and print a copy of the EPA’s “Homeowners Guide to Septic Systems.” The manual can be found at <http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/homeowner_guide_long.pdf> This information is brought to you by River Logic. We design septic systems, help owners correct failing systems, and help owners keep their septic systems functioning properly. For more information, log on to www.river-logic.com or contact Les Vierra at (801) 391-7481. Reduced to $256,500! Huntsville 3 BD 3. BA, on 2.13 ished basement. 94 acres REDUCED TO $147,000! acres. Horse bam, 30’x49’ shop ete PED SBA 2946 3.99 acre Evergreen Estates rec. lot. $32,000 Mtn Green bldg. Approx. 1.8 AC REDUCED TO $149,900! Stride Racing recently hosted the Garden of Eden race. The 5k and 10 mile races were held August 21. In existence for about 22 years, the Garden of Eden race is always held on the third Saturday in August in Ogden Valley. Runners begin at the Eden Park and traverse the communities of Eden and Liberty. This year, about 200 entrants participated. Stride Racing will be hosting a second race, the Huntsville Half Marathon and 5K, on September 11. It has also been in existence for about 22 years. The Huntsville Half Marathon starts and finishes at the Huntsville Park. The 5k stays in the town and the half marathon runs a loop around Pineview Reservoir, then proceeds up towards the monastery and back. Both races are fundraisers for the Weber State University Track and Cross-country teams. America First Credit Union is the title sponsor. Sponsor donations are also received from Javiers Mexican restaurants, The Gray Cliff Lodge Restaurant, Mark Wayment State Farm Insurance, the Salt Lake Running Company, and Striders running store in Layton. For more information about the races, or if you would like to register for the Huntsville Half Marathon, visit www.strideracing.com or call Mark Jolley at 510-5378. 1.69 acre 3 BD, 2 BA, w/full basement ready to finish. Reduced to $209,900! Eden Mini-Ranch Comfy 3BD, 7 i] Huntsville Hosts Race for Weber State’s Track Teams Country Living! Huntsville- an ae age — Treen This is only a representation of the highlights or action items from the Town Council Meeting. It is not a detailed copy. Other items were discussed but not included in this summary. To get a complete copy of the approved minutes, please contact the Town Clerk @ 745-3420. Approved on August 5th, 2004. Minutes are also posted on the Huntsville Town web site at <huntsvilletown.com> Beautiful home on 4.89 ac. Over 6500 sq.ft. Mother-in-law apartment $535,000 SN Pd 0 Detective Wes Goldsberry who is the assigned investigator for the upper valley updated the Council on crime activity in the valley. He stated that most of the crimes are in the turn outs, recreation areas, parking lots, and upper valley campgrounds. You should lock your valuables in your trunk, out of sight. There have been some residential burglaries in Eden and in the summer homes on Monte Cristo. The phone number to report crimes to the Central Dispatch Center is 629-8221 anytime, or the Sheriff’s Office number is 778-6600 during business hours. a The parking areas around the new Children’s Playground have been prepared and are ready for paving. A sign will be made that will recognize people who have donated $500.00 or more to the playground. 0 Recycling bins were discussed along with the different problems that are associated with recycling. If a company would be willing to provide the bins, then the town could advertise and support the effort. More research will be done on this issue. a The Council received a letter of resignation from Jim May. Rock Harper was approved for a position on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Paul Newey was also approved for a position on the Planning and Zoning Commission as well. Incredible setting. Pine tree forest. 6 bedrooms, 2 baths, barn,1.9 acres. Must see! $250,000! 2.5 BA, office, FR,on .92 acre. horse property. Now $224,200! Reduced to $265,000! 4, <o79.an0! Summary of Minutes of Huntsville Council Meeting Held July 15, 2004 = Exquisite 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, in Fairway Oaks Liberty 2 BD, 2BA plus full unfin- x mon household products can kill bacteria in the system. Excessive amounts of chlorine bleach, disinfectants, strong acids, lye, medicines, pesticides, oil-based paint thinners can all harm your septic system and pollute the environment. Read labels on household cleaning products carefully. Avoid Unnecessary Additives. Research indicates no apparent value in adding enzymes or other “miracle” products to residential septic systems. While additives that claim to clean you tank, improve its efficiency or “restart” the system will probably not harm your system, with regular maintenance they are an unnecessary bother and expense. Protect the Septic System Drainfield. The septic system drainfield consists of a network of perforated pipes laid in gravelfilled trenches or beds or gravel-less chambers. Wastewater trickles out of the pipes into the soil. The drainfield is a delicate structure. a Take care not to plant deep-rooted trees or bushes near the system. a Do not drive over the system. The vehicle’s weight can compact the soil, crush pipes and even break the septic tank, resulting in system breakdown and requiring costly repairs and replacement. a Divert surface water runoff away from the septic system drainfield. a Install an effluent filter. oo This article is a follow up to two previous articles written to educate valley residents about septic systems. In summary to previous articles, a septic system consists of a septic tank and drainfield. As wastewater flows from your home into the septic tank, most of the dense, heavy solids settle to the bottom. Bacterial action then partially decomposes these solids into digested sludge and gases. Materials lighter than water, such as fats and grease, rise to the top and form a scum layer. The outlet baffle prevents it from leaving the tank and clogging the drainfield system which may consist of trenches or a bed (in-ground, at-grade, or a mound). The wastewater then goes out through the drainfield, seeps through the soil filtering out bacteria and returns to the groundwater. Bacterial action needs time to break down sewage. As sludge builds up in your tank and the scum layer thickens, wastewater is forced into the drainfield faster. Since wastewater remains in the tank for less time, bacterial treatment and settling is less effective. Unless removed, the sludge and scum layers will eventually clog the outlet pipes or the drainfeld, and cause your system to fail. Here are a few simple steps to prolong the life of your septic system. Pump Your Septic Tank. As a rule of thumb, it is a good idea to have your tank pumped once every three years. The following chart lists recommended pumping frequencies in years for properly functioning septic tanks based on tank size and the size of the household: (eS S ae Radford Hills executvehomew Sc ale eta Huntsville Cove at River Run incredible views! 2 BD, 2BA, office, 3-car 3 BD, Unfinished basement Gorgeous garage on 1 acre $325,000! = home. 2 acres. $359,900! ghve - properly, afigation, culinary | $99,900 each! — 2 Building Lots JUST LISTED on Aspen Dr. Lots back to Spectacular 2.93 acre estate| | Wolf Creek Golf (NG 2. lot ot below below oldold Nordic SEND! wees. Nordic Vall falley Strearr pES” | | Golf Course. Trees, views, Easy Fit Within Your Budget! 5 Bp, | owe 5 aa PI, SePtic in, water available. $179,900! oSP™.. 1 ac each. Incredible location. $129,900 each! 3 Bedrooms, family room. 2 Baths, extra 1.12 acres $250,000 Spacious 5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, home on 1.75 acres $249,900! Nordic Valley area building lot 2.95 acres. Stream and lots specs $89 ,900! Sale Pending ; SE WILLIAMS. a Dyan Gill 801-644-5853 |