Top 10 Questions from the Field: Part 2

Posted on 10/22/2021

Last month we held a live webinar featuring a panel discussion of the top ten questions that are asked of our technical team. This blog post reviewed the first half of the list. Now let’s review the other half of that list.

What is the Application Rate?

Also known as the long term acceptance rate (LTAR), the application rate is the most critical piece of information when it comes to designing a septic system. The application rate tells you how much wastewater the soil where you’ll be installing a septic system can accept. It’s important to check with your state or local regulating authority for their application rate chart as this varies by location.

How do you Select and Size a Septic System?

In order to provide assistance with septic system sizing it’s important to start with the application rate, determine the daily design flow (GPD), and review approved products (some may qualify for system sizing reduction). Many states or local regulating authorities have design tools in the form of a table where you can align your application rate and system size and choose from approved products to see how many chambers or feet of gravel and pipe you would need in the system.

What are Best Practices for Seasonal Use Septic Systems?

Homeowners should be educated on proper care and maintenance of a septic system that’s used on a seasonal basis. Homeowners should also have regular inspections and tank pumping completed by a licensed service provider. This blog post goes more in depth on tips for keeping seasonal septic systems that service vacation homes in proper working order.

Read: Septic System Maintenance Tips for Vacation Homes

There are Odors Coming from My Septic System. What Should I Do?

A septic system should be odor-free but occasionally a homeowner might notice odors coming from the system. What to do in this situation depends on the type and age of the system.

New Septic System Odors: There could be a vent issue with the system; homeowners should work with a licensed plumber to resolve the issue.
Tank Replacement: There’s a chance that the scum layer just has not yet formed inside of the tank.
Tanks In-Series or Treatment Unit: Look at the vent configuration.
Commercial Septic System: The issue should discussed with the licensed operator or O&M provider. The odor culprit could be the grease trap.

System Failure: Who to Call and When…?

Septic systems can fail for a variety of reasons from poor design to improper installation or homeowner abuse of the system. In the event that a septic system has failed it’s important to assemble a full team to be available for inspection of the septic system. This means coordinating the system installer and/or pumper, regulator, designer, and if it’s an advanced treatment system the maintenance provider should be present as well. Ensuring all parties are present prevents blame of the problem on anyone not present at the inspection.

Be sure to check out this blog post in case you missed our review of the first half of our top ten questions from the field. Or, view the entire recording of the webinar where we reviewed these questions in more detail.

Read: Top 10 Questions from the Field: Part 1

Webinar Wednesday’s Top 10 Questions from the Field