A septic system manages waste for homes and businesses that are not connected to the municipal sewer system. A properly functioning septic tank will protect the health and safety of those living in your home.
Bacteria in the septic tank break down all of your household wastewater before it enters your drain field for absorption into the soil. To keep the system in good working order, avoid flushing items that can block bacteria. Visit the Septic Tank Services Near Me to proceed.
Tank Pumping
Septic tanks are a great way to dispose of waste in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. But just like any other waste management system, they require routine maintenance to keep working properly. Tank pumping is a critical component of this maintenance. In addition to helping keep your septic system in good shape, regular tank pumping can help prevent costly repairs in the future.
A septic tank pumping service involves a professional plumber coming to your home with a truck and a giant suction hose that can be inserted into your septic tank. This hose will then suck up the liquid and any solid waste that has floated to the top of the septic tank, similar to a vacuum cleaner. They will then empty the contents of your septic tank into their truck, which they will transport to a local sewage treatment facility for disposal.
When you hire a plumbing company to pump your septic tank, make sure that they also include a comprehensive inspection of your septic system. This will allow them to detect any problems that might be in the works, such as a clog in your drain line or leaky vents. Then they can take steps to prevent these problems from worsening or getting out of hand.
The number of times that you need your septic tank pumped will depend on the size of your household and how much waste is generated each day. But it’s generally recommended that you have your septic tank pumped every 1-3 years. This will ensure that you don’t get too much sludge build-up, which can cause major issues later on.
One of the most common signs that it’s time to have your septic tank pumped is when you notice strong odors in your home or yard. Those odors are a sign that your septic tank is full of wastewater, which can be dangerous to your health and the environment.
To determine how full your septic tank is, you can measure the height of the sludge layer with a tape measure. You can also use a septic system “measuring stick,” which is a long stick with a velcro strip on it. Simply lower the stick into your septic tank until you feel it hit the bottom, and then check the velcro strip to see how many inches of sludge are present.
Inspections
When you flush, do laundry and wash dishes, that wastewater and sludge disappear into your home’s septic system. That’s why it is so important to maintain this invisible but essential component, especially if you plan on selling your house. A septic inspection may be necessary before you list your property. And if you already own your home, you need regular septic tank services to keep it in good working condition.
Licensed site evaluators can help you determine the best type of septic system for your lot and design a plan for installation. This step also requires a permit from your local environmental agency.
Once your septic system is installed, the company will perform several tests to make sure it works as intended. These tests include the hydraulic load test and a visual inspection of the absorption field. The hydraulic load test determines whether the septic system is able to handle your home’s anticipated daily wastewater flow. The septic system also must be free of obstructions such as trees, shrubs, driveway pavers and other items that may cause clogs or blockages.
A visual inspection of the septic tank includes looking for rusting, chipping and rotting, cracking or leaking tanks. It also checks the drain field for cesspools and green or black standing water (which indicate mold). The inspector will locate and inspect the clean-out plugs, locating any that are missing or not properly attached.
After checking the septic tank, the inspector will remove its lid for an internal inspection. This is a messy job because the liquids are in the top of the tank and the sludge is at the bottom, making it difficult to see the level. The inspector will check the baffles to ensure they are intact and not leaking. The baffles restrain and redirect incoming and outgoing wastewater to prevent scum from entering the inlet and outlet pipes, a common source of septic tank clogs.
The inspector will then check the distribution box, or D-box, for leaks and structural integrity. This component is responsible for evenly distributing wastewater to the drain field. It also looks for buried leaching chambers to absorb the effluent.
Repairs
Septic tanks aren’t cheap, but with proper maintenance and service, they can last for decades. Regular cleanings help spot small issues early, preventing them from getting worse and resulting in expensive repair costs.
Even the best-maintained septic system will eventually need repairs. A septic tank can become overfull, which usually means the liquid wastewater level is up to or above the outlet pipe that leads to the drain field where it’s absorbed. If this happens, you’ll see slow draining and foul odors inside your home.
The septic system also needs to be inspected for cracks or other structural problems. If there’s a crack in the tank, it needs to be repaired as soon as possible. Cracks can lead to leaks, and the water in the septic system will seep into your soil. This can contaminate groundwater and cause health problems for family members.
Sometimes the drainage pipe that runs from your house to the septic tank gets clogged with debris, like food scraps, toilet paper and other materials that shouldn’t be flushed. If this happens, you’ll notice a backup of wastewater or sewage, and your sinks and tubs will drain very slowly. A septic tank service can unclog the line and prevent it from happening again by installing a new inlet baffle or outlet baffle.
Your septic tank service can also replace the inlet or outlet drain screens that protect the pump and lines from clogging. These cost between $300 to $900 to replace and are a good investment in preventing costly repairs.
Other common septic system repair jobs include repairing or replacing the absorption area, which is the soil that receives the wastewater from the septic tank and the household drains. A well-maintained absorption field can provide decades of reliable service, but it’s important to keep in mind that this type of work isn’t DIY friendly.
If you have a septic tank, make sure to keep it properly maintained by arranging for periodic pumping and inspection services. Don’t park or drive vehicles or equipment over the septic system or its components, and never build structures like pools or patios on the soil where the septic tank is located.
Installation
Septic tank installation services allow homeowners to upgrade their drainage systems and reduce the risk of clogs and other problems. Professional installers have the experience and equipment needed to complete the job correctly and efficiently. They can also help homeowners decide what type of septic system is best for their property, taking into consideration the size of the home, soil composition, and proximity to water sources.
During the installation process, professionals will carefully assess the location and layout of the septic system components to ensure they are adequately positioned to function properly. They will also ensure that the septic system complies with local regulations and environmental laws. For instance, some systems require a permit for installation, while others are only allowed in specific locations due to their sensitivity to groundwater and other natural resources.
Once the septic tank is installed, homeowners can prevent future problems by ensuring that it is regularly inspected and pumped out. They should also avoid constructing buildings or structures, such as decks and pools, that could cover the tank or absorption field. Additionally, they should keep pets and children away from the area to protect them from leaking waste or odors.
If you notice a sewage smell or other signs of a problem, contact your septic service for an inspection. The septic tank may be full or have a faulty baffle that is restricting the flow of wastewater. A faulty baffle can also cause wall corrosion, which requires a replacement of the entire septic tank.
When scheduling your septic tank pumping, ask the technician if they can also inspect the baffles. These are crucial to preventing scum from entering the inlet and outlet pipes, which can lead to a septic tank backup.
If you have a septic tank with a high level of contamination, a septic tank services company can offer cleaning and disinfection options that will help you safely dispose of the contaminated waste. These options can be more expensive than traditional septic tank cleaning, but they will provide you with peace of mind knowing that your home and the environment are protected.