When properly maintained, septic systems can last forty years or more without any issues. However, improper maintenance can lead to dangerous sewage backups that require costly system repair and replacement.
A septic tank is a large buried container that holds wastewater long enough for solids to settle or float. Heavy solids sink to the bottom forming sludge, while lighter solids like fats and oils float to the top forming scum. Reach out Septic Tank Services Near Me for comprehensive assistance.
Over time, solid waste accumulates in the septic tank, reducing the available space for new wastewater to enter. Regular pumping prevents this accumulation from reaching a critical level, minimizing the risk of clogs, system failure, and environmental contamination.
A septic tank is a buried, water-tight container constructed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It contains bacteria that digest and separate household waste into three distinct layers: solids settle to the bottom forming sludge, liquids stay in the middle, and fats, oils, and grease float to the top forming scum. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent the sludge and scum from exiting the tank and traveling into the drainfield. Once the liquid wastewater (known as effluent) leaves the tank, it flows into a series of perforated pipes buried in a drainage field or chambers. Alternative systems use pumps or gravity to help the septic tank effluent trickle through a bed of sand, organic material such as peat and sawdust, or constructed wetlands to remove and filter contaminants.
To ensure the septic system works properly, a professional should first conduct an inspection. This is an opportunity to locate the tank, inspect the inlet and outlet pipes, and check the condition of the tank and baffles. The technician will also note if any repairs or replacements are required.
The frequency of pumping a septic tank depends on the size of the tank, the number of household occupants, and the amount of water used. It is recommended to have the septic tank pumped once every three years or sooner, as well as have the absorption field tested at least every five years.
Other steps can be taken to minimize the need for septic tank pumping and cleaning services, including using low-water appliances, planting grass and other shallow-rooted plants over the drainage field, limiting toilet flushing to normal amounts, and refraining from flushing non-biodegradable waste materials such as cigarette butts, cotton balls/swabs, condoms, and feminine hygiene products. Keeping up with maintenance schedules and making sure the tank and drain field are protected from damage will also prolong their lifespan and reduce the need for repair.
Inspection
Regular inspections of a septic system prevent expensive repairs and keep the system working well. It also helps identify problems before they affect your home and health.
A septic tank inspector will check the sludge level and inspect the baffles to make sure they are intact. The inspector will also look for cracks in the tank. A cracked septic tank will eventually allow wastewater to escape into the ground. This can damage the absorptive soil in the drain field, which can increase maintenance costs and reduce the life of the septic system as a whole.
The septic inspector will also verify that the inlet, outlet, and sanitary tee are clean. They will check for scum and sludge levels and note the date of the last pumping. If the septic tank is overdue for pumping, the inspector will recommend a schedule.
In addition, the septic tank inspector will examine the distribution box to ensure it is not clogged or tilted. A clogged or tilted distribution box will disproportionately allocate wastewater to each drain line. This could cause the drainfield to become overloaded, which leads to septic tank overflow.
Finally, the septic tank inspector will examine each drain line to make sure they are free of obstructions and that they are properly connected. They will also inspect the drain field for septic waste water that has leached into the surrounding ground, which can cause a number of unpleasant environmental issues.
During the inspection, the septic inspector will also check that the septic tank and drain field are far enough away from any wells, streams or water bodies. They will also ensure that the system is not near any trees or shrubs, as these can damage or choke the drain field.
A septic tank system is an integral part of any property. Its condition and maintenance are important factors in determining the value of a home or business. Keeping the septic tank in good condition is an easy way to enhance the value of your home and prevent odor-causing issues. Having the tank pumped regularly prevents sludge and scum buildup, which can lead to costly repairs and poor performance.
Repair
Septic systems have complicated moving parts that need regular inspection and routine maintenance to run properly. When these components break down, sewage can back up into homes and surrounding property, contaminating groundwater and surface water supplies with harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, degradable organic compounds, synthetic detergents, and chlorides. Proper septic tank repair and maintenance can minimize these issues and prevent costly repairs.
A thorough septic system inspection can reveal problems that could affect the overall functioning and integrity of the waste disposal system, including leaks, cracks, or malfunctioning components. These issues need to be addressed promptly to prevent additional damage, contamination of the environment, and avoid more expensive and disruptive repairs.
Our experienced septic tank technicians can perform a number of critical services to ensure that your septic system continues to work as intended. These include:
Pumping and cleaning
A septic tank needs to be pumped out periodically to remove accumulated solid waste and sludge from the tank. This will allow for better functioning of the septic system, preventing clogged drain pipes and sewage backups that can cause health hazards.
Septic tank cleaning also helps to prevent odors by removing septic solids that can build up and cause foul smells. In addition, regular septic tank cleaning can help to extend the life of the septic system and prevent costly repairs in the future.
Replacing the septic system distribution box (D Box) is important for efficient wastewater flow and to ensure proper waste separation. A malfunctioning D Box can lead to effluent overflow and field failure, resulting in expensive repairs and environmental contamination. Our expert technicians can replace your D box to protect your home’s septic system.
Excessive rainfall or rapid snow melt can saturate the septic tank or absorption field, interfering with proper septic system operation. The system can also become overloaded and fail, resulting in expensive repair and contamination of the soil and groundwater. Keeping the area around the septic system free of obstructions and avoiding construction projects such as swimming pools or decks that can cover the absorption field will allow it to operate as designed.
Installation
Septic systems are used to dispose, filter and treat household waste for homeowners who are not connected to a municipal sewer system. Wastewater is transported from household plumbing to the septic tank, where it separates into three distinct layers: a layer of scum, which consists of fats and grease less dense than water; an effluent water layer; and a bottom sludge layer. The septic tank also contains naturally-present bacteria that digest the heavier solids. The tank is typically buried underground and surrounded by a concrete or a stone leach field.
If a homeowner is planning to have a new septic system installed, they should consult with septic tank installation professionals. These specialists can help the homeowner determine what type of septic system will meet their home’s needs, as well as provide guidance for proper operation and maintenance. They can assist the homeowner in obtaining all necessary permits and conduct site surveys to determine if the area is suitable for a septic system, including testing the soil to establish its composition and absorption rate. They can also identify any obstructions that must be removed or accommodated in order to install a septic tank, such as trees, structures, wells, and driveways.
After the septic tank is installed, the septic tank service provider can inspect the tank and plumbing to ensure it is functioning properly. They can also help the homeowner maintain the septic tank by performing regular pumping and inspections. If the septic tank is not maintained properly, it may fail and cause wastewater to back up into the house or create foul odors.
The septic tank is typically buried below ground level, so it can be difficult to locate. It is recommended that homeowners make a map of their septic system or mark its location with permanent stakes for ease of access and to prevent damaging system components during yard work or home repairs. They should also avoid parking or driving heavy vehicles or equipment over the septic system or any of its components.
Regular septic tank pumping removes the accumulated solids from the septic tank, which prevents clogs, system overload, and extends the lifespan of the septic system. Homeowners should schedule this service every 3-5 years, depending on household size and water usage.