SEPTIC 101
Here at Combat Drain Cleaning & Septic, we want to be your trusted source for alll things septic! This page is full of crucial information to help you assess, diagnose, and learn more about your spetic system, as well as where to locate and apply for permits for installation, repair, and modifications.
REGULATIONS TO GOVERN SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS IN TENNESSEE
Setbacks for Septic Tanks & Pump Chambers
Well (Water Supply) - 50 feet
Dwellings - 5 feet
Septic Tank/Chamber - 5 feet
Property Lines - 10 feet
Easements - 10 feet
Water Lines - 10 feet
N/A
Gullies, Ravines & Dry Stream Beds - 15 feet
Natural Drainageways - 15 feet
Natural Sinkholes - 15 feet
Streams and Cut Banks - 15 feet
In Ground Pools - 15 feet
Above Ground Pools - (no setbacks)
Setbacks for Leach Field Lines
Well (Water Supply) - 50 feet
Dwellings - 10 feet
N/A
Property Lines - 10 feet
Easements - 10 feet
Water Lines - 10 feet
House connections - 10 feet
Gullies, Ravines & Dry Stream Beds - 25 feet
Natural Drainageways - 25 feet
Natural Sinkholes - 25 feet
Streams and Cut Banks - 25 feet
In Ground Pools - 25 feet
Above Ground Pools - (no setbacks)
Need a Repair Permit, a Modification or a NEW System Permit?
Contact TDEC at 615-687-7000 or use the link below.
Repair Permit Cost: $100
Modification or New Construction Permit Cost: $500
Need to find your certificate of completion, repair permit, or Septic map?
Use the link below for quick access to find your property information.
3 Easy Steps To Maintain Your Healthy Septic System
Proper septic system care involves regular pumping every 3-5 years and being mindful of what goes down the drain by avoiding flushing chemicals, grease, wipes, and hygiene products. You can protect your Leach Field by avoiding planting trees near the lines, driving over the top of the system or building porches, patios or structures on it.
How Do I Know If I Have A Clog OR Need My Tank Pumped?
- Has it been longer than 24 months since I had my septic tank pumped out?
- Are there weird smells coming out of any of sinks in the house?
- Are my showers, tubs, sinks, and laundry drains running slower than usual?
- Do I hear gurgling sounds from your toilet or sinks?
- Am I having problems with my washing machine or dishwasher draining?
If you answered YES to any of these questions then you probably need to have your septic tank pumped! For proper care and maintenance of your septic system, it is recommended to get your septic tank pumped every 3 – 5 years. Family size, system size, absorption rate and age of the system call all effect how often a system should be pumped out. Please reach out to Combat Drain Cleaning & Septic Services to answer any questions you may have about your system. We encourage you to become familiar with the type of system you have!
A “Healthy” Septic Tank
Effectively separates solids and liquids, allowing bacteria to break down organic matter and effluent to be safely dispersed into the soil.
A “Dead” Septic Tank
Does not have live bacteria. Without bacteria to digest waste, the sludge level rises, reducing the tank's capacity and causing premature filling. May need more frequent pumping.
Simple Guidelines For Proper Care Of Your Leach Field
Flag Field Lines
before beginning landscaping projects OR before installing pools, fencing, carports, garden areas, or outbuildings
Do NOT
drive over or place heavy objects on top of your leach field OR build structures, driveways or home expansions on top of your leach field
Signs Your Septic Tank Needs to be Pumped
Gurgling Sounds - If you hear gurgling noises in your drains when you when you use water in your home, it can indicate that the septic system is struggling to drain properly.
Slow Draining Fixtures - If your sinks, toilets, and showers are draining slower than usual, it could be a sign of a clogged or failing leach field.
Sewage Odors - A sewage smell in your yard or even inside your house is a clear sign of a septic system problem. This odor is often caused by wastewater backing up or gases escaping from a malfunctioning leach field.
Standing Water or Wet Spots - If you have pooling water or unusually wet patches around the leach field area, this could be an indication that the wastewater is not being absorbed into the ground and needs to be inspected by technician.
Backups in your home - In severe cases, a failing leach field can lead to sewage backups into your home's drains, toilets, and showers.
What Is A Septic System?
A septic system is commonly used in rural areas that are not connected to centralized sewer systems. It is an entire underground wastewater treatment structure that works by using nature and technology to treat household wastewater—from bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry—through a two-stage process: a holding tank called a Septic Tank for solid separation and a Leach Field (also called a Drain Field), for soil-based filtration.
A Septic Tank is a watertight, underground container that holds wastewater to allow solids to settle (sludge) and oil/grease to float (scum). These tanks can be concrete, fiberglass, plastic, or in some cases, home-made. In a “Healthy” system, natural bacteria lives in the tank and helps to break down the organic matter. This means the tank effectively separates solids and liquids so that effluent (liquid waste or sewage water) can be safely dispersed into the soil. A “Dead” system does not have bacteria. Without bacteria to digest waste, the sludge level rises, reducing the tank's capacity and causing premature filling.
Do You Know Where Your Leach Field Is?
A Leach Field - or drain field, is a crucial, underground component of a septic system. These winding lines underground filters and disperses liquid waste (effluent) from a septic tank into the surrounding soil. It allows water to slowly percolate and be purified by aerobic bacteria.
A Failed Leach Field - means that the system responsible for filtering wastewater from your septic tank is no longer effectively treating and dispersing the effluent into the ground. This can lead to sewage backing up into your home or pooling on your property, as well as potential groundwater contamination. Several factors can contribute to leach field failure:
- Age – Older leach fields naturally degrade over time, with their ability to filter wastewater diminishing.
- Oversaturation - Excessive water usage from leaky faucets, running toilets, or high-water consumption can overwhelm the system and saturate the soil, preventing proper filtration.
- Clogged pipes - Roots from nearby trees and shrubs can infiltrate the pipes, blocking the flow of wastewater.
- Compaction - Vehicles or heavy structures built over the leach field can compact the soil, hindering drainage and filtration.
- Poor maintenance - Not pumping out the septic tank regularly can lead to solids entering the Leach Lines causing buildup, which can then clog the leach field.
Schedule Your Advanced Septic Inspection Today!
We’re Committed To Providing Exceptional Service
At Combat Drain Cleaning and Septic Services, we strive to provide each and every customer with exceptional service from start to finish. We’ll listen carefully to your concerns and complete the job in a timely, precise manner, as if we were working on our own home.