Plenty of people may not pay attention to their septic tanks until there is a problem. This is a bad idea. Septic system repairs can be costly. They are often more expensive than pumping the septic tank regularly.
Parts Of A Septic System
Homeowners with septic systems need to understand how they work. Over 21 million homes in the United States use septic systems instead of public sewers.
A septic system treats wastewater before the water goes back into the ground. Wastewater is all of the water that leaves the house through the sinks, tubs, toilets, and appliances. Without proper treatment, wastewater can spread diseases and pollution.
A simple septic system has a septic tank and a drain field. The septic tank collects everything leaving the house. The solid matter sinks to the bottom of the tank. This is called sludge.
Oil and grease float at the top of the tank; this is referred to as scum. The liquid wastewater is also called effluent. Effluent leaves the septic tank and moves into the drain field.
The drain field is a collection of underground pipes. The pipes slowly let the wastewater drain into the surrounding soil. After wastewater leaves the drain field, the soil does the rest of the work.
It is important to remember that the drain field is not deep underground. It can be easily damaged by putting structures over the pipes or driving over them. Drain fields can be repaired, but it is better to be careful.
When Should A Septic Tank Be Inspected?
A septic tank should be inspected before buying or selling the home. Septic systems should also be inspected before putting an addition onto the home or remodeling.
Septic tanks are designed to hold a specific amount of water based on the size of the home and how many people live there. That means when additional bathrooms are added to a home; the homeowners might need to install a bigger septic tank.
Septic systems should be inspected immediately if there is a possible problem. If it is not working correctly, it can negatively affect the local water supply.
Signs of a septic system problem include:
- Weak or slow flushing toilets
- Wet spots over the drain field
- Lush plant growth over the drain field
- Weird odors around drains
- Slow draining sinks
Steps Of A Septic Tank Inspection
A septic system inspection should always be done by a professional. The first step is to locate and remove the lid.
If the septic tank is on risers, the lid will be above ground. This makes it easy to inspect, pump, and make any needed repairs. If the septic tank is not on risers, someone will have to dig to find the lid.
Next, the inspector will check the water and sludge levels inside the septic tank. Liquid levels that are too low or too high can indicate a problem in the system.
The next step is to pump everything out of the septic tank, so all the parts of the tank can be seen. After this, all parts of the tank will be checked for cracks, breaks, or any other kind of damage.
The filter that keeps solids from entering the drain field is also checked. The last step of the inspection is to close the lid and replace any dirt that was moved.
When Is Septic Tank Pumping Needed?
The septic tank should be pumped when the level of solids occupies one-third to one-half of the space inside the tank. For most households, having their septic tank pumped is every three to five years is recommended and comes with many benefits. If the amount of water used daily increases, it may be necessary to pump more often.
Any time there might be a problem like the signs listed above, the septic tank should be pumped and inspected.
Quick Tips For In-between Septic Tank Pumping
To keep your septic system in top condition, follow these suggestions:
- Only flush toilet paper! Cleaning wipes, baby wipes, and even the wipes labeled flushable do not break down and can clog the system.
- Do not drive over the drain field; it can break the pipes.
- Do not build patios, storage sheds, or decks over the drain field.
- Do not dump household chemicals down the drains
- Be careful with landscaping. Grass is the best thing to plant over the septic tank and drain field.
Make Septic Tank Pumping Part Of Your Regular Household Maintenance Schedule
A septic tank that is properly cared for can last 40 years. Having your septic tank pumped and inspected every 3 to 5 years will keep your system running smoothly.
Contact us today to have your septic tank pumped and inspected. You can also check us out on Facebook.