Septic tanks remove solids from household wastewater before it enters the soil absorption field. This prevents clogs and prevents the septic system from failing.
Regular pumping avoids sewage backups, saves money, and prevents costly repairs. Click Septic Tank Services Near Me to learn more.
Excessive water usage can overburden the system, inhibiting its ability to treat wastewater. Consider water-saving practices, such as reducing laundry loads, and scheduling system maintenance with a professional.
A septic tank is an on-site wastewater treatment system that helps to avoid pollution from untreated waste entering soil and water supplies. These systems are used in rural areas where it’s not practical to connect a property to the main sewer line. The installation process can be quite involved, but it is essential that the work is done correctly to ensure a safe and efficient septic system for many years. A reputable septic company will be aware of local regulations and procedures to ensure that the job is completed in accordance with state and county laws.
First, the area around the septic tank must be excavated. This can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task, so it’s important to hire a septic contractor with extensive experience in this type of work. Once the excavation is complete, the septic tank can be placed into the site. The piping connecting the tank to the drain field must be carefully laid out and installed per the design of the system. Once the septic system is in place, it’s essential that all of the connections are tightened and that the system is tested to make sure it works properly.
The septic tank is a large underground container that holds all the wastewater from your home, including toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers. The solid waste settles to the bottom of the tank, while the liquid waste (referred to as effluent) rises to the surface and is dispersed into the drain field. The drain field is a series of perforated pipes buried in a gravel trench that filters the effluent into the soil, where it is absorbed naturally.
Septic tanks are a big investment and can add value to your home, but they also require care and maintenance. Educating yourself on what you can and cannot flush, how often you need to have the tank pumped, and remedies for clogs or leaks will help you maintain your septic system so that it continues to function as efficiently as possible.
Pumping
Septic tanks need to be pumped periodically to remove accumulated solid waste. This prevents the material from reaching a critical level, thereby minimizing the risk of clogs and other costly problems. Pumping also reduces the potential for environmental contamination.
The first step of the pumping process involves removing all the waste inside the tank. A large truck with vacuum equipment is used to do this. Once the waste is removed, a professional will inspect the tank walls for cracks or other signs of damage. They will also check the dividing wall and baffles to ensure they are in good condition. Once the inspection is complete, the professional will replace the access lid and cover it up. The technician may recommend installing a riser to lift the lid above ground level for easier future access.
When wastewater enters a septic tank, solid waste settles at the bottom while lighter materials like oils and grease float to the top. Bacteria in the septic system break down these materials to produce clean, reusable water known as effluent. The liquid wastewater is then pushed out through a series of porous pipes to the drain field.
Typically, the drain field is made of gravel and other aggregates that help spread out the water and allow it to soak into the soil. Regular septic tank pumping prevents wastes from clogging the drain lines and keeps a steady flow of fresh, uncontaminated wastewater to the septic tank.
A septic system that has not been pumped in a while may begin to smell like sewage. If you notice a strong odor coming from drains or toilets, call for a service appointment right away. The odor is caused by a buildup of untreated waste that has overflowed into the drain field. It can also be caused by a clogged vent that allows methane and other harmful gasses to escape the tank.
It is also important to avoid doing anything that could contaminate the septic tank or drain field. Do not plant trees near the septic system or park vehicles over the drainfield area. Heavy vehicle traffic or planting trees too close to the septic tank could cause the pipe walls to crack and leak. It is also best to use stones instead of mulch as a landscape material near the tank and the drainfield.
Cleaning
If you’ve ever lived with a septic tank, then you know that it can be easy to neglect the inconspicuous structure. After all, it’s “out of sight, out of mind” until something goes wrong.
Keeping up with routine maintenance is key to maintaining a functioning septic system. Whether it’s pumping or cleaning, these essential services keep your home running smoothly and reduce the risk of costly repairs down the road.
Every septic tank needs to be cleaned at least once in its lifetime. This is because, as wastewater enters the tank, lighter solids will float to the top as scum while heavier materials sink and compile into sludge. This separation keeps waste from clogging pipes and soil absorption areas. However, if too much of this material builds up in the tank, it can cause wastewater to clog the drain field lines. In addition, the sludge can contaminate groundwater and pose a health hazard to families.
When you have a professional clean your septic tank, the process will take several hours. First, the septic technician will locate and open the access lid. In many cases, this involves excavating to expose the underground tank. Once the tank is accessible, the septic tank cleaner will use high-pressure water jets or other tools to break up and remove all accumulated sludge from the tank. The cleaner will also inspect the baffles and other components in the tank to ensure they’re intact and functioning properly.
Finally, the septic tank cleaner will empty the contents of the septic tank into a designated waste disposal area. This is where the tank’s contents, including the scum and sludge, are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Once the septic tank is cleaned, the technician will close the access lid and clean any equipment they’ve used.
Septic tank cleanings should always be done by a licensed and bonded septic system professional. Not only does this ensure that the job is performed correctly, but it also helps to protect the environment by minimizing the amount of bacteria and pollutants that leak into the groundwater supply and ecosystem.
Repair
Your septic tank collects wastewater from your toilets, sinks and other drains and holds the solids until they are pumped out. The liquids then exit into a buried drainage field that absorbs and disposes of the waste. A septic tank repair or replacement may be needed if your system stops working correctly. Signs of a problem may include sewage backups or wet, muddy areas in the yard. You may also experience slow toilet and drain flushing, or the grass in your yard may seem patchy.
Septic tank repairs vary in cost depending on the type of tank and the extent of damage or deterioration. A plastic septic tank is typically less expensive to repair than a concrete one. It is important to consider the remaining lifespan of your septic tank in making this decision.
If you have a septic tank with cracks or holes, these can be filled using a special material that seals the crack or hole to prevent further damage and seepage into your home. Seepage may be caused by tank aging, tree roots or Earth movement around the septic tank. Leaks are another common septic tank issue. They are often caused by worn or broken pipe connections and can lead to contaminated water in your home.
Another septic tank repair that may be needed is a lateral line replacement. This is the pipe that extends from the septic tank to the sewage treatment field or leach field. It is possible for this line to become clogged with too much solid waste, including wipes, feminine hygiene products and diapers, or even from an overfilled septic tank. If you have a clogged lateral line, a professional septic tank repair service can clean out the lateral lines and bury a new drainfield in your yard, preventing future problems with sewage seepage.
Septic tank repairs can be complex, and it is important to have a qualified professional perform them. While some plumbing companies can do basic septic tank repairs, you want to find a company that specializes in septic systems. They can take the time to make sure all the parts are working properly, and they can inspect the septic tank regularly to identify any issues before they get serious.
