A septic tank is a buried, water-tight container that holds wastewater. Solid waste settles in the bottom forming sludge, and oil and grease floats to the top as scum. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drain field or absorption area.
If you live in a rural area, chances are your home has a septic system instead of a sewer line. While a septic system is convenient, it comes with its own set of problems that you’ll need to deal with. Visit https://septic-guys.com/ to learn more.
The septic tank gathers wastewater – waste from your toilets, showers and dishwasher – from your home and stores it underground. The solids sink to the bottom and the liquids exit into a buried drain field or leach field, where they’re filtered by soil and natural organisms. As the wastewater soaks into the ground, it fertilizes and helps local plants and wildlife.
Because septic systems aren’t connected to municipal sewer lines, you’ll save money on your water bills. You’ll also avoid the expensive repair and replacement costs that come with a clogged or failing sewer system. A septic system can last up to 30 years, although it will need to be serviced at least once every decade.
Septic service primarily focuses on pumping the tanks and cleaning the drain fields to prevent overflows or malfunctions. The cost of septic tank service can vary, depending on the size of the septic tank and how often it’s used. However, regularly scheduling septic tank pumping and maintaining good habits will cut down on maintenance costs.
In addition to septic system pumping and maintenance, many homeowners can reduce the amount of waste they produce by changing their lifestyles. They can take shorter showers and limit the number of times they use their washing machines. They can also conserve water by fixing leaky faucets and avoiding excessive household water use.
If a septic system isn’t properly maintained, it can cost the owner a fortune. That’s why most people choose to have their septic systems serviced by professionals. A septic service technician will locate the septic tank, which may be buried several feet underground. Once the tank is uncovered, they will connect a hose to a truck that functions like a large vacuum cleaner.
A septic system service will also inspect the absorption field to make sure it’s working properly. The company will check for signs of clogging, including the presence of sludge and excessive household waste. They will also make sure the system is free of roots and other obstructions that can interfere with proper functioning.
Peace of Mind
The septic tank and sewage system are important parts of your home. They keep your waste in the proper place and eliminate the risk of backups into your drains and home. However, these systems need regular cleaning and pumping to prevent clogs and malfunction. This maintenance helps you avoid unpleasant odors and costly sewage leaks that may result in extensive plumbing repairs. Professional septic service is the best way to manage your system and safeguard your home environment and wallet.
If you’re planning to buy a home with a septic system, be sure to request a pre-purchase septic inspection. During the inspection, a professional will check the condition of the septic tank and all connected pipes. If the tank is clogged or damaged, the septic expert can provide advice on how to correct the problem. The inspection will also give you peace of mind that the septic system is functioning properly.
Septic tanks need to be pumped periodically as solids build up. The septic expert will determine how often your tank needs to be pumped and will recommend routine maintenance to ensure the septic system operates efficiently. When a septic tank is too full, the sludge can build up in the home’s drains and plumbing fixtures, causing clogs and backups.
Foul odors in the house, slow draining, and water puddling around sinks are signs that your septic tank is overflowing. These problems are expensive to repair and can be dangerous for your family.
A well-maintained septic tank prevents bacteria and other harmful pathogens from entering groundwater, preserving the quality of your water supply. It also protects the health and safety of your family.
To minimize the amount of solids in your septic tank, it’s important to only flush toilet paper, water, and waste-free diapers. Other products, such as feminine products, cat litter, paper towels, grease and oil, paint thinners, bleach, and other household cleaners can cause clogs. It’s a good idea to pin a list of forbidden-to-flush items to your bathroom wall so you and guests are reminded of what can and cannot go down the drain.
Efficient Operation
A well-maintained septic system operates efficiently, avoiding environmental contamination and property damage. Regular septic tank pumping removes the accumulated sludge and scum from the system to prevent it from overflowing or causing wastewater backups. Regular maintenance also helps reduce the frequency of necessary repairs and extends the lifespan of your septic system. Inspecting the drain pipes and absorption field for leaks or other issues is an important part of routine maintenance.
A septic system is designed on a house-by-house basis to serve as the final destination for all household wastewater. The septic tank stores and treats wastewater from each plumbing connection, while septic system distribution pipes direct the waste to an underground drainage or leach field where it is absorbed into the soil. Wastewater from your toilets, bathtubs, showers, sinks, dishwasher and washing machine flows into the septic system, where it is treated by bacteria and other organisms. Solids from the wastewater are separated into a thick sludge layer and a lighter scum layer. The sludge layer sinks to the bottom of the septic tank, while the scum layer rises to the top.
Unpleasant odors or wet spots around your home indicate that the septic system may require immediate attention. Emergency service may be needed if the septic system overflows, which poses health and safety risks for homeowners and neighbors, or if sewage backs up into your home. The septic system can also be contaminated by hazardous chemicals from leaking household products. Overflowing septic systems discharge untreated waste, which can have negative environmental repercussions, such as pathogen contamination of water supplies and excess nutrient loads depleting aquatic ecosystems.
To prolong the life of your septic system, limit water usage to minimize strain on the system and repair leaky fixtures promptly. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, such as sanitary products, diapers and tissues, as they do not decompose and can clog the system. Divert rainwater to other areas of your property to minimize oversaturation of the septic system.
Choose a professional, licensed septic service company to provide routine maintenance and emergency service for your septic system. Make sure they use up-to-date equipment and adhere to septic tank pumping and maintenance industry standards. Reading customer reviews, seeking recommendations from friends and family, and checking licenses and insurance coverage are additional ways to ensure you hire a qualified team.
Longevity
There are several factors that can impact the longevity of your septic system. These include the construction material, soil acidity, water table, and maintenance schedule. A septic system that is properly installed by a licensed plumber can last up to 40 years or more.
The type of tank you have can also impact its longevity. Steel tanks are more susceptible to rust and corrosion than other materials, which can significantly reduce their lifespan. It is important to have your tank inspected frequently so that a professional can catch any issues before they become too serious.
Smart usage practices can also help your septic system last longer. Limiting your water usage, using the garbage disposal sparingly, and avoiding non-biodegradable materials can prevent clogs and backups that can shorten the lifespan of your septic system. Regular tank pumping and inspections can help as well, as they remove solids that can clog your system and catch potential problems before they lead to costly repairs.
Another factor that can affect the longevity of a septic system is the soil in which it is buried. The presence of acidic soil can speed up the corrosion of pipes in your septic system and tank, which can significantly reduce its lifespan. It is therefore recommended to choose a septic system that is designed and built for your specific soil conditions.
In addition, a septic system that is buried too deep can cause the drain field to fail due to saturated soil. This can result in ponding of wastewater, or untreated wastewater backing up into the home’s plumbing.
A septic service can help you understand the benefits of a septic system and ensure that it is properly installed for your home’s unique environmental conditions. This will not only prolong the lifespan of your septic system but can also save you money and stress in the long run. A well-maintained septic system can also increase the value of your home, especially when compared to a similar property without one. Keep detailed maintenance records and be sure to disclose any septic system concerns to prospective buyers so that they are fully informed.