Dry Well with Septic Tank

How does this system work?

The septic tank and Drywell system operates in a very simplistic manner. The septic water leaves the house and enters into the septic tank. In the septic tank the solids descend to the bottom of the tank, where bacteria starts to work, leaving the septic water in the center and forming a layer of surface scum on top. As the septic tank receives additional septic material, the effluent water is passed over to the Drywell through a connecting pipe. The effluent water then flows to the bottom of the Drywell and passes through a layer of rock where it is then discharged into the surrounding soil.

Causes for a failure of system

Even though there are several explanations as to why this type of system experiences failure, the most common and most avoidable reason is not having the septic tank pumped regularly allowing solids to enter into the Drywell, All septic tanks should be pumped every two to five years depending upon the amount of usage. By not pumping the septic tank, solids build up in the tank and are passed into the Drywell. These solids fall to the bottom of the Drywell where they act as a barrier, keeping the effluent from passing through the rock layer to be absorbed into the soil. Pumping the Drywell may help to correct the problem, depending upon the amount of solids that have been passed into the Drywell, and how thorough the pumping process is done. When pumping the Drywell all the effluent along with as much solids as possible should be removed from the well.

In most cases, by the time the problem is noticed and becomes bothersome extensive damage to the well has occurred. Once the Drywell has become packed with solids the only solution is to "Clam Out" the well. In this process the Drywell is pumped out completely and a clam type bucket is lowered into the well by crane equipment. Several buckets of rock, dirt and solids are removed from the bottom of the Drywell until clean rock or sand is reached. At this point, in most cases, new rock is added to the bottom of the well.

Other hazards to your Drywell are the use of chemicals. In the past the use of acids, which are now illegal, and other chemicals were thought to be a solution. However, this has been found by the experts to cause additional damage and yield very little, and in most cases no relief. Chemicals introduced into the system through the house line and into the septic tank will stunt or kill the growth of the necessary bacteria needed to breakdown the solids in the septic tank. Acids cast directly into the Drywell will only activate on contract with the Drywell surface and will be deactivated before they can penetrate the surface layer. As the chemicals come in contact with the Drywell surface, such as the concrete and mortar lining, deterioration starts to occur. This weakens the walls of the Drywell which can cause the well to collapse. It is highly recommended that all acids of other chemicals be avoided in solving the septic problem.

Other Topics:
Alternative Household Cleaning Solutions | Caring For Your Septic System - Do's & Don'ts | Common Onsite Regulations | Corrective Action For A Failing Septic System | Engineering and Design for Difficult Sites | Health Departments - Friends or Foe? | Improve Your System Practice Water Conservation | Potential Home Owners Reference | Potential Property Owners Reference | Septic Systems - How do they work? | Septic Tank Additives Danger in Disguise | Ten Most Asked Questions About Septic Systems | Why Systems Fail | Sewage Protection Program

Barrow Company specializes in the engineering and design of all types of systems. If you would like additional information on these or any other system, please use the Contact Us section on this website, e-mail us at info@barrowcompany.com or contact us by telephone or fax. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday