| What
is a septic system & how does it function?
A septic system is
an underground holding tank that holds the amount of wastewater that
flows from a home within a 24-hour period. It has an inlet and an outlet
pipe. Wastewater flows from the home to the septic tank through the
sewer pipe. The septic tank then treats the wastewater by keeping it in
the tank long enough for solids and liquids to separate. Bacteria found
naturally in the wastewater work to break the solids down. The sludge
that cannot be broken down is retained in the tank until the tank is
pumped out.
Material
that goes through a septic tank is divided into three general
categories:
-
Crust: (lighter in weight than water) that floats near the top
of the tank
-
Liquid:
Center of the tank
-
Sludge: Sinks to
the bottom of the tank
There
are 2 parts to a basic septic system:
-
Septic
Tank: Raw sewage flows from a home into the tank with the intent
of separating the liquid from solid materials.
-
Field Lines: Receives the liquid effluent and distributes it into the
ground for absorption.
Normally, a septic
tank remains filled to the bottom of the outlet pipe in order to function
properly. If the septic system is overloaded by running toilets, leaky
faucets or more people live in a home than originally anticipated, then
two problems are created; the tank receives new waste faster than it can separate and digest
and the field lines become saturated or overloaded.
Why
should you take care of your septic system?
Neglect or
improper care of your septic tank could damage your system and cost
you more in the long-run than doing proper regular maintenance care.
A few dollars
spent on proper cleaning of your septic tank every three to five years
is less expensive than spending an unexpected $2,000 - $10,000 on a
repair bill.
Some
of the warning signals of septic system problems are:
- Sluggishness
when flushing toilet.
- Any plumbing
backups.
- Gurgling sounds
in the plumbing.
- Obnoxious odors
inside or outside.
- Ground mushy
underfoot.
- Low spots
beginning to appear in your yard.
Maintenance
Tips:
-
Have
your septic tank cleaned regularly by a licensed professional to
remove all solids.
-
Never
go into the septic tank yourself due to lack of oxygen and dangerous
gases.
-
Repair
any leaky faucets or running toilets immediately.
-
Do
not empty roof drains and sump pump water into the septic system.
-
Do
not plant trees on or close to the septic system area.
-
Do
not pour grease, paint or fruit and vegetable peels down a faucet or
disposal.
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