Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Maryland Lease Package
Maryland Lease Package
)
and leave it alone when running the air conditioning. It
takes more energy to heat or cool an area than it does to
maintain a constant temperature.
In winter, set your thermostat at about 68
. For every
degree you lower your heat, you save up to 5% in heating
costs. At night, turn the heat down to 55
, but never
turn your thermostat below 50
sludge
outlet
effluent filter/
baffle
How septic systems work
The diagram below illustrates how a residential septic system works.
Septic tank
Residential septic systems include the household
plumbing, a septic tank, and a drainfield (in-ground,
at-grade, mound, or seepage pit).
Page 23
As the waste water from your home
flows 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 or filter holds the scum
layer, and prevents it from leaving the
tank and clogging the drainfield system.
The drainfield system may consist of
trenches, a bed (in-ground, at-grade, or
a mound), or a seepage pit. Gas baffles
and effluent filters (plate or screen)
further reduce the carryover of
suspended solids to the drainfield. The
waste water 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,
waste water is forced into the drainfield
faster. Since waste water remains in the
tank less time, bacterial treatment and
settling is less effective. Unless
removed, the sludge and scum layers
will eventually clog the outlet pipes or
the drainfield, and cause your system to
fail.
Schedule regular
maintenance and
pumping
R
egular maintenance and pumping
are good ways to prolong a septic
systems proper functioning. Like
changing the oil in your car, consider
regular maintenance insurance since
the cost is likely to be a fraction of the
cost of replacing a neglected system.
A rule of thumb is to have your septic
system inspected is every other year.
Many counties require an inspection
every 3 years. A liquid waste
pumper/hauler will check sludge and
scum accumulations and remove them
if necessary. Baffles, filters, covers, and
the soil absorption field should also be
checked and cleaned.
Wisconsin Administrative Rules require
a system owner to perform proper
maintenance (inspection and pumping
when needed) and file a report with the
county or state of said maintenance.
Never go into the septic tank yourself.
Sewer gases are extremely hazardous
and can quickly kill.
Reduce sludge and
scum build-up
M
inimizing the amount of solids
entering your septic system will
reduce sludge and scum build-up. This
will extend the time between necessary
pumpings and avoid the crisis of
dealing with a failed system.
Do not put fats and oils down
the drain. 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
becoming part of the sludge or scum
layers. As a result, they move out
through the system and clog drainfields
more easily.
If you use a garbage disposal, your
septic tank should be 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
N
ever 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 material can quickly
accumulate and clog a septic tank and
drainfield. Put a waste basket in the
bathroom and use it.
Avoid dumping hazardous
household 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.
To determine whether you might be
contaminating drinking water, consult
Farm-A-Syst Worksheet #6 Assessing the
Risk of Groundwater Contamination from
Household Wastewater Treatment (G3536-
6W).
Reduce waste water
volume
B
y reducing the volume of water
entering the system, you can avoid
overloading the septic tank and
drainfield.
Use less water. A household with
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.
Page 24
Fix plumbing leaks. Repair leaky
faucets and plumbing fixtures to avoid
inadvertently overloading the septic
system. A single faucet that leaks one
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.
During water softener regeneration, a
salt solution displaces calcium and
magnesium ions that make water
hard. The water softener is flushed
out, and waste water is often disposed
of through a floor drain. Research
indicates that salts from softener
regeneration waters should not harm
the septic system. However, it is
permissible to divert waste water to
surface drainage rather than allowing it
to go into the septic tank.
Keep storm water out of the
septic system. Make certain that
roof drains, basement sump pumps, or
foundation curtain drains do not empty
into the septic system.
Keep bacteria working
Y
our septic tank and drainfield are
full of living organisms that make
the system work. Some common
household products can kill bacteria in
the system. Excessive amounts of
chlorine bleach, disinfectants, strong
acids, lye, medicines, pesticides, oil-
based paint, or petroleum-based paint
thinners can all harm your septic system
and pollute the environment.
Read labels on household cleaning
products carefully.
Avoid unnecessary
additives
R
esearch indicates no apparent value
in adding enzymes or other
miracle products to residential septic
systems. While additives that claim to
clean your 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
T
he septic system drainfield consists
of a network of perforated pipes laid
in gravel-filled trenches or beds or
gravel-less chambers. Waste water
trickles out of the pipes into the soil.
The drainfield is a delicate structure.
I Take care not to plant deep-rooted
trees or bushes near the system.
I Do not drive over the system. The
vehicles weight can compact the
soil, crush pipes, and even break
the septic tank, resulting in system
breakdown and requiring costly
repairs or replacement.
I Install an effluent filter as
permitted by the county or state.
I Divert surface water runoff away
from the septic system drainfield.
Heed early warning
signs
S
eptic systems beginning to fail
typically have early warning signs
that signal you to take action.
Warning signs of problems:
I 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.
I Drain pipes gurgle or make noise
when air bubbles are forced back
through the system another
early warning sign.
I Smelling sewage signals a serious
problem.
I If water backs up in your sink or
basement it may be too late your
system may already be failing.
I Watch for an increasing level of
water standing in the drainfield
vent or observation pipe.
I Check for soggy soil above the
drainfield.
I Settling of the soil over the septic
tank indicates a break in the tank.
RememberNothing can take the
place of careful use, regular inspection,
and maintenance.
Dont hesitate to contact your local
sanitarian with questions.
To test your toilet valve for leaks,
add two or three drops of food
coloring to the toilet tank. Leave for
a few hours or overnight, and then
check the water in the toilet bowl. If
the water is colored, your toilet is
leaking and wasting water.
Page 25
Farm-A-Syst Farmstead Assessment
System Series:
I Assessing the Risk of Groundwater
Contamination from Household
Wastewater Treatment Worksheet #6
(G3536-6W)
I Reducing the Risk of Groundwater
Contamination by Improving
Household Wastewater Treatment
Fact Sheet #6 (G3536-6F)
For these publications, please contact
the Environmental Resource Center at
608-262-0020 or www.uwex.edu/erc/.
Home Water Safety Series:
I Keeping Your Home Water Supply
Safe (G3558-1)
I Evaluating the Condition of Your
Public Water Supply (G3558-2)
I Evaluating the Condition of Your
Private Water Supply (G3558-3)
I Interpreting Drinking Water Test
Results (G3558-4)
I Choosing a Water Treatment Device
(G3558-5)
HomeWise: Help for New Homeowners
(B3618)
HomeWorks News (B3731)Seasonal
educational newsletters for new
homeowners
Websites
Environmental Resources Center:
www.uwex.edu/erc
Farm-A-Syst Program:
www.uwex.edu/farmasyst
Home-A-Syst Program:
www.uwex.edu/homeasyst
You can also obtain more information
from the Small Scale Waste
Management Project located on the
University of Wisconsin-Madison
campus (608-265-6595). Visit their
website at www.wisc.edu/sswmp/
or consult you county Sanitary Code
Administrator in the planning or zoning
department (under couty government
listings in your phone book)
Other publications available from UW-Extension
Copyright 2006 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System doing business as the division of
Cooperative Extension of the University of Wisconsin-Extension. All rights reserved. Send copyright inquiries to:
Cooperative Extension Publishing, 432 N. Lake St., Rm. 103, Madison, WI 53706.
Authors: Ann Ziebarth, retired housing specialist; John Merrill, housing specialist; and James O. Peterson, water resources
specialist, University of Wisconsin-Extension and UW-Madison. Cooperative Extension publications are subject to peer
review.
Reviewers: : Reviewed in 2002 by John Teichtler, Door County Sanitarian, and Jim Converse, professor of biological systems
engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Originally reviewed by Bennette Burks, Wisconsin Department of Commerce,
and Earl Thomas, former liquid waste hauler. Authors gratefully acknowledge others who reviewed this publication: Elaine
Andrews, Environmental Resources Center, UW-Madison; Katy Forsythe, 4-H and youth agent, Dodge County
UW-Extension; Joseph Grebel, Dodge County Department of Natural Resources; Lowell Klessig, professor, College of Natural
Resources, UW-Stevens Point, and lake management specialist, UW-Extension; Kay Stanek, family living agent, Dodge
County UW-Extension; and Dianne Weber, family living agent, Eau Claire County UW-Extension; and Jim Converse,
professor of biological systems engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Produced by Cooperative Extension Publications, UW-Extension: Erica Schock, editor.
University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture
and Wisconsin counties, publishes this information to further the purpose of the May 8 and June 30, 1914 Acts of Congress.
An EEO/AA employer, the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension provides equal opportunities in
employment and programming, including Title IX and Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements. If you need this
information in an alternative format, contact Cooperative Extension Publishing or Equal Opportunity and Diversity
Programs, University of Wisconsin-Extension, 501 Extension Building, 432 N. Lake Street, Madison, WI 53706,
diversity@uwex.edu, phone: (608) 262-0277, fax: (608) 262-8404, TTY: 711 Wisconsin Relay.
This publication is available in English from your Wisconsin county Extension office (www.uwex.edu/ces/cty) or from
Cooperative Extension Publishing. To order, call toll-free: 1-877-947-7827 (WIS-PUBS) or visit our website:
cecommerce.uwex.edu.
B3583 Care & Maintenance of Residential Septic Systems (2006) SR-11-06
Page 26
Print two copies of lease, one for each party`s records.
Collect both the security deposit and frst month`s rent before giving
transferring keys/possession of the property to the tenants (in compliance
with state laws). Remember to keep copies of all keys.
Place the security deposit funds in an account consistent with state laws.
Walk through the property with the tenant and ask the tenant to note in
writing any pre-existing defects in the property, and keep your own
photos of the property`s move-in condition.
Save the rental application, in case debt collection is needed. All
sensitive data (such as credit reports or documents containing Social
Security Numbers) must be locked in a secure, private location, and
upon disposal must be destroyed by shredding, burning, or pulverizing,
per Federal FACTA law.
Keep an updated rent ledger or other method of tracking rent payments.
Keep the contact information for a landlord-tenant attorney on fle in the
event an eviction is necessary.
Coordinate the transfer of all utilities with the Tenant.
Make sure all state-mandated inspections and disclosures (e.g. lead paint
inspection/certifcations) have been administered.
Confrm that all pages of lease package have been signed/initialed by all
Tenants and Co-SignHrs.
Notes:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
LEASE SIGNING TIPS
ezLandlordForms
Page 27
This Is Fire!
A Factsheet on the Nature of Fire
Homeland
Security
March 2006
very day Americans experience the horror of fre. But most people dont understand fre.
Only when we know the true nature of fre can we prepare ourselves and our families.
Each year more than 4,000 Americans die and 20,000 are injured in fres, many of which
could be prevented.
The U. S. Fire Administration (USFA), a part of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security,
believes that fre deaths can be reduced by teaching people the basic facts about fre. Below are
some simple facts that explain the particular characteristics of fre.
Fire is FAST!
THERE IS LITTLE TIME!
In less than 30 seconds a small fame
can get completely out of control and
turn into a major fre. It only takes
minutes for thick black smoke to fll
a house. In minutes, a house can be
engulfed in fames. Most fres occur in
the home when people are asleep. If
you wake up to a fre, you wont have
time to grab valuables because fre
spreads too quickly and the smoke is
too thick. There is only time to escape.
Fire is HOT!
HEAT IS MORE THREATENING
THAN FLAMES.
A fres heat alone can kill. Room
temperatures in a fre can be 100
degrees at foor level and rise to 600
degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super
hot air will scorch your lungs. This
heat can melt clothes to your skin. In
fve minutes a room can get so hot
that everything in it ignites at once:
this is called fashover.
Fire is DARK!
FIRE ISNT BRIGHT, ITS PITCH
BLACK.
Fire starts bright, but quickly produces
black smoke and complete darkness.
If you wake up to a fre you may
be blinded, disoriented and unable
to fnd your way around the home
youve lived in for years.
Fire is DEADLY!
SMOKE AND TOXIC GASES KILL
MORE PEOPLE THAN FLAMES DO.
Fire uses up the oxygen you need and
produces smoke and poisonous gases
that kill. Breathing even small amounts
of smoke and toxic gases can make
you drowsy, disoriented and short of
breath. The odorless, colorless fumes
can lull you into a deep sleep before
the fames reach your door. You may
not wake up in time to escape.
Fire Safety Tips
IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE,
REMEMBER TIME IS THE BIGGEST
ENEMY AND EVERY SECOND
COUNTS!
Escape frst, then call for help. Develop
a home fre escape plan and designate
a meeting place outside. Make sure
everyone in the family knows two
ways to escape from every room.
Practice feeling your way out with
your eyes closed. Never stand up in a
fre, always crawl low under the smoke
and try to keep your mouth covered.
Never return to a burning building for
any reason; it may cost you your life.
Finally, having a working smoke alarm
dramatically increases your chances
of surviving a fre. And remember to
practice a home escape plan frequently
with your family.
For more information contact:
The U. S. Fire Administration
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
or
Visit the USFA Web site:
www.usfa.fema.gov
Page 28
Homeland
Security
March 2006
ach year in America, unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning claims more than
500 lives and sends another 15,200 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.
1
The U. S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Association of Home Builders
(NAHB) would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from
deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
UNDERSTANDING THE RISK
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless,
colorless and toxic gas. Because it is
impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic
fumes, CO can kill you before you are
aware it is in your home. At lower levels
of exposure, CO causes mild effects that
are often mistaken for the fu. These
symptoms include headaches, dizziness,
disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The
effects of CO exposure can vary greatly
from person to person depending on
age, overall health and the concentration
and length of exposure.
WHERE DOES CARBON
MONOXIDE COME FROM?
CO gas can come from several sources:
gas-fred appliances, charcoal grills,
wood-burning furnaces or freplaces and
motor vehicles.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning.
Medical experts believe that unborn
babies, infants, children, senior citizens
and people with heart or lung problems
are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.
WHAT ACTIONS DO I TAKE
IF MY CARBON MONOXIDE
ALARM GOES OFF?
What you need to do if your carbon
monoxide alarm goes off depends on
whether anyone is feeling ill or not.
IF NO ONE IS FEELING ILL:
1. Silence the alarm.
2. Turn off all appliances and sources
of combustion (i.e. furnace and
freplace).
3. Ventilate the house with fresh air by
opening doors and windows.
4. Call a qualifed professional to
investigate the source of the possible
CO buildup.
IF ILLNESS IS A FACTOR:
1. Evacuate all occupants immediately.
2. Determine how many occupants are
ill and determine their symptoms.
3. Call your local emergency number
and when relaying information to
the dispatcher, include the number of
people feeling ill.
4. Do not re-enter the home without
the approval of a fre department
representative.
5. Call a qualifed professional to repair
the source of the CO.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND
YOUR FAMILY FROM CO
POISONING
Install at least one UL (Underwriters
Laboratories) listed carbon monoxide
alarm with an audible warning
signal near the sleeping areas and
outside individual bedrooms. Carbon
monoxide alarms measure levels of CO
over time and are designed to sound
an alarm before an average, healthy
adult would experience symptoms. It
is very possible that you may not be
experiencing symptoms when you
hear the alarm. This does not mean that
CO is not present.
Have a qualifed professional check
all fuel burning appliances, furnaces,
venting and chimney systems at least
once a year.
Never use your range or oven to
help heat your home and never use a
charcoal grill or hibachi in your home
or garage.
Never keep a car running in a garage.
Even if the garage doors are open,
normal circulation will not provide
enough fresh air to reliably prevent a
dangerous buildup of CO.
When purchasing an existing home,
have a qualifed technician evaluate the
integrity of the heating and cooking
systems, as well as the sealed spaces
between the garage and house. The
presence of a carbon monoxide alarm
in your home can save your life in the
event of CO buildup.
1
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
For more information contact:
The U. S. Fire Administration
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
or
Visit the USFA Web site:
www.usfa.fema.gov
Exposing an Invisible Killer
A Factsheet on the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
E
Page 29