Your home’s septic tank holds the wastewater from your sinks, toilets and bathtub. It separates solid waste through settling and flotation. Oil and other lightweight materials float to the top, while heavier waste sinks to the bottom.
Keep your septic system healthy by having it pumped and inspected regularly. Also, know the location of your tank and drain field and keep records of inspections, pumpings and repairs. Contact The Septic Guys for professional help.
The wastewater from your toilets, tubs and drains flows to the septic tank. The septic system’s absorption field then biologically treats the waste that flows through it. Eventually the wastewater is carried into the soil where it will be absorbed into groundwater. During this process, the septic system must be properly maintained and cleaned on a regular basis. Using septic services to pump out and clean your tank can help reduce the risk of problems.
When a homeowner decides to have a septic tank pumped, a licensed septic services technician will visit the home and perform an assessment. They will also make sure the tank is in good condition, pump it and clean baffles and the aerator shaft. Then they will back-flush the septic tank to thoroughly clean it. This helps to reduce the amount of solid waste that is left behind in the septic system.
A septic system can fill up and require pumping when large amounts of solid materials are used in the household. These materials settle to the bottom of the septic tank forming a thick layer known as sludge. Grease and other lighter materials float to the top of the septic tank as scum. Some household products that can cause major septic system problems include paint thinner, polyurethane, drain cleaners, detergents, pesticides, some dyes and disinfectants. These chemicals kill the bacteria that digests the sewage and pollutes groundwater.
Most homeowners should have their septic tanks pumped every two to three years. Having the tank pumped regularly can reduce the cost of septic service and prevent clogs. When a septic tank is full of sludge, it can block the exit baffles and allow sewage to flow into a home.
The best way to keep a septic system operating properly is to practice efficient water use. Keeping water usage low, especially during hot weather, can minimize the amount of wastewater that enters the septic system and reduce the need to have it pumped.
Inspection
As septic systems work underground, they are often out of sight until they start to malfunction. When sewage backs up into drain lines and toilets, it is often an indicator that the septic system needs to be inspected.
A routine septic tank inspection should include a visual check of the septic tank and its components, a review of the age and maintenance history, and a discussion of how the family uses the home to determine if the septic system can meet the expected future load. If there are signs of a problem, such as ponding water or effluent seepage, the technician can evaluate the situation and offer recommendations for corrective action.
For a full septic inspection, the tank will be pumped and back-flushed to remove solids and liquids that have collected at the bottom of the tank. This process takes less than an hour and allows the technician to inspect the septic tank baffles, sump pump, and aerator shaft. The tank lid will also be inspected for cracks and structural issues. Many older tanks have oversized concrete lids, known in the industry as coffin lids, that are difficult to open and require special tools to tease open.
The septic system is comprised of the septic tank and the drain field, which are both buried under the ground. The tank is a watertight container that holds wastewater long enough for solids to sink to the bottom and oils and grease to float to the top. Bacteria break down the waste in the tank, but a residue remains that requires regular cleaning. The drain field is a network of perforated pipes that are buried in shallow gravel-filled trenches. The septic technician will evaluate the absorption field, checking for surface signs of problems such as ponding water or effluent smells, and probe for areas of saturation.
Homeowners can help protect their septic system by reducing water usage, avoiding flushing hazardous chemicals down the drains, and keeping grass and other shallow-rooted plants away from the septic tank and absorption field. Regular septic service, including pumping and inspections, can help homeowners avoid costly repairs and extend the life of their septic system.
Repair
A septic tank is a concrete or fiberglass water-tight container that’s buried underground near the home. Wastewater flows into the tank from washers, sinks and toilets. The wastewater is divided into three parts; heavy solids that settle at the bottom of the tank, grease and fat (called floatables) that rise to the surface and liquid waste that’s in the middle. When the septic tank is full, it needs to be pumped.
When a homeowner is experiencing plumbing problems or septic system issues, it’s important to have the issue checked out by professional septic services. A professional can visit the property and inspect the tank, make an assessment and pump the septic tank. They can also back-flush the tank to clean it. This can be beneficial for those who live in areas with poor water quality, as it helps to remove nitrates from the septic tank.
Other septic repair services include replacing baffles and repairing the drainfield. A faulty baffle can cause improper separation of the waste stream, leading to a clogged drain field and groundwater contamination. Replacing baffles can prevent this and other costly repairs in the future.
The drainfield is responsible for absorbing and filtering wastewater as it moves from the septic tank. It’s essential to keep the drainfield clean, so it can function properly and protect the environment. Typical septic drainfield maintenance includes trimming and maintaining vegetation, which is important for proper absorption and preventing groundwater contamination.
It’s also important to maintain proper access to the septic system components. This includes ensuring that the septic tank and distribution box are not covered by landscaping, swimming pools or structures. It’s best to map out or mark the location of these components with stakes so homeowners can avoid damaging them when performing maintenance or yard work.
A septic system is an important investment for any property, so it’s vital to have it inspected and pumped regularly. It’s also a good idea to take steps to reduce the load on the septic system, such as fixing leaks and using water efficiently. Using water-saving fixtures, avoiding non-biodegradable products and chemicals, and having the septic system professionally cleaned and inspected can help to keep the system running smoothly for years to come.
Installation
Septic systems take wastewater and solids that don’t make it to the sewer system and process them in a way that makes them safe for release into the environment. They are typically located partially underground and consist of a tank and drainfield. The tank and drainfield are designed to work together to treat and dispose of waste and to protect water quality in the surrounding community.
Septic service companies can help homeowners with new septic system installations. They can assist in obtaining building permits, septic system design and layout, and installation of a plastic or concrete tank. They can also install septic tank baffles, lids, and other components. They can even help with land surveys, which are required before a septic tank is installed to ensure that the location is within property lines.
In addition to these basic septic services, many providers offer other maintenance and repair options for a homeowner’s home or business. These can include hydro jetting, which is a low-pressure procedure that clears pipes without damaging the line itself. They can also use video cameras to identify issues with septic tanks and other parts of the plumbing system.
Another popular service offered by septic service companies is tank and drainfield repairs. These are important to maintain because they reduce the amount of sewage that leaks into the soil, which can have serious health consequences for the local community and the ecosystem as a whole.
It is important for septic service professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in septic technology. Some septic service companies have educational programs that allow their technicians to continue to develop their knowledge and expertise in the field. These courses are often held at dedicated training centers and provide opportunities for professional development and advancement.
Septic service professionals should also keep up-to-date on septic regulations, especially those mandated by Appendix 75-A, which governs septic system standards and safeguards public health. They should also regularly attend meetings and other events sponsored by their local government and health departments to learn about the latest requirements and trends in the industry.
