Your septic tank does more for you than you realize. Without it, and without a public sewer connection, you wouldn't really be able to have a toilet or running water in your home. So, what does your septic system ask from you in return? It asks that you are careful not to put too many harsh chemicals down your drains. It asks that you only flush septic-friendly toilet paper. And it asks to be pumped out every now and then. That's about it! Read more about septic services here, and you'll know all that you need to know to be a good septic system owner.
Keeping Your Residential Septic System Working Effectively
Septic systems play a crucial role in wastewater management in remote and rural areas. Unlike public sewage treatment plants, residential septic systems treat and dispose of wastewater on-site, eliminating the need for costly and extensive sewer infrastructure. Proper maintenance and regular residential septic system services are essential to ensure their function and prevent costly repairs.
Septic System Operation
Residential septic systems consist of a tank and a drain field. The tank is a watertight container that collects and retains the wastewater from the house and is typically made from concrete. The solids in the wastewater settle at the bottom of the tank while the scum floats on top.
The liquid wastewater, known as effluent, exits the tank and is distributed into the soil through a drain field, which is made up of a network of perforated pipes buried in the ground. Regular septic system services involve pumping out the solids and scum from the tank and inspecting the tank and drain field for signs of damage or blockages.
Septic System Service
The frequency of septic system services depends on several factors, such as the size of the tank, the number of people in the household, the amount of wastewater generated, and the age of the system. Generally, residential septic systems should be inspected and pumped out every few years, but this interval may vary depending on the specific circumstances.
The septic system services you use can help you determine when you need to pump the tank and have a full inspection of the system. If the tank starts to exhibit problems like blockages, backups, or leaks, you may need to have the system serviced sooner than planned to determine what is causing the issues.
Septic System Inspections
During a residential septic system inspection, the service technician will check the tank for leaks, cracks, and corrosion, and ensure that the sludge and scum levels are within acceptable limits. The technician will also assess the drain field for clogs, root intrusions, and soil saturation, which can affect its effectiveness.
In homes with small tanks, using less water and carefully managing how you use your septic system can reduce how often you need septic system services or repairs. Upgrading the septic tank and drain field is also sometimes the best option if you are having problems with the old tank that is currently in use.
Discuss the options with your septic system contractor, and they can help you decide the best course of action for your residential septic system.
For more information about septic system services, contact a local company.