A septic tank can be made of steel or concrete. Either material is quite durable and rarely needs replacing unless the tank is abused.
Regular inspections and pumping are critical to a well-functioning septic system.Click the Septic Tank Services Near Me to learn more.
A septic tank is designed to separate solid materials from wastewater flushed into the drain field. Heavy solids settle at the bottom of the tank, where bacterial action breaks them down into sludge. Lighter solids, such as fats and oils, float to the surface of the tank and partially decompose.
Pumping
Pumping is a key component of on-lot wastewater management. When done regularly, it can prevent clogs and system failure. It also extends the life of a septic tank, drain field, and pipes. Whether you need to have your septic tank pumped or cleaned depends on the number of people living in the home, water usage and the types of wastes that are discharged.
A septic tank is designed to remove solids prior to effluent proceeding to the soil absorption area and provide storage for the remaining portion of solid waste. A septic tank with a filter can be more effective, but that will require more frequent filter cleaning.
If a septic system is overloaded, the solids may flow into the soil absorption field. This creates a biomat that can block the soil pores, restricting the flow of wastewater. Eventually, the septic system will fail, and sewage will back up into the house.
A regular septic tank maintenance schedule, coupled with a properly installed and maintained filter, will minimize the frequency of pumping services needed. A professional service can help you develop a scheduling plan that fits your family’s needs. For those who want to reduce the amount of time between septic tank pumping, reducing household water use is a good start. This can be accomplished by doing full loads of laundry at different times throughout the week and not flushing sanitary products such as feminine hygiene products and wipes.
Inspection
When it comes to septic systems, inspection is a key part of preventative maintenance. If you’re considering buying a home with a septic tank, having an inspection before closing can be invaluable in determining how well the system was maintained and if it needs repairs.
During an inspection, a septic tank professional will use a camera to visually examine the septic tank and leaching field. They will probe the drain fields for signs of ponding or effluent saturation and use dye when necessary to identify areas where septic tank seepage could occur. They will also inspect the septic tank for cracks or a detached dividing wall that could trap solid material. They will then check the level of sludge and scum, which indicates how full the tank is.
A septic tank that is too full may cause problems with the septic system’s ability to properly separate and treat wastewater in the home or business. A cracked septic tank can leak hydrogen sulfide gas into the environment, which is highly toxic. Inspectors will look for signs of cracked septic tanks and assess the condition of the tank’s separating walls, drain field and alarms.
Before an inspector can conduct a septic inspection, the tank must have unobstructed access through either a 4’’ inspection pipe or a 24’’ manhole cover that protrudes above ground level. If the septic tank is buried below ground, it must be dug up for inspection.
Repair
When a septic system breaks down, it must be repaired to avoid waste backups and potential environmental harm. The most common repair is replacing a septic tank lid or pipe, which can be done by the homeowner or a professional. More extensive repairs may include repairing the drainage field or installing a new septic system.
The septic system drain field is designed to absorb wastewater from the home, but solids that have accumulated inside the septic tank can also pass into the drain field and clog the household plumbing. Routine septic tank cleaning prevents this from happening by removing the solid materials that build up inside the tank over time.
A septic system can also become damaged by landscaping that covers or closes in the tank and absorption field. This includes driveways, swimming pools, and outdoor structures. It is recommended that a professional examine the septic tank and drainage field when landscaping a property with a septic system.
A septic tank can also be damaged by tree roots that penetrate the drainage pipes and cause leakage or failure. A septic tank inspection can reveal signs of a root problem and determine the best course of action for repair. Septic tank inspections can be performed at the same time as a septic tank pumping service. A septic tank technician can also inspect the baffles, which restrain and redirect incoming and outgoing wastewater in the septic tank.
Installation
A septic tank serves as the primary treatment component of wastewater (sewage) in homes and small businesses that are not connected to the public sewer system. It works through a combination of settling and natural bacterial digestion to break down solid materials in the wastewater that enters it from household plumbing.
After solids settle or float, the septic tank’s distribution box allows a portion of these materials to flow through pipes to a drain field for absorption into soil and water. A septic tank should be pumped when the sludge layer is within six inches of the outlet or the scum layer is more than 25% of the liquid depth.
During the installation process, a septic professional will first survey and test your property’s soil to determine how well it can absorb wastewater. A septic tank is then sized for the property and household’s needs. For example, households with children ages 2 to teens will use more water than empty nesters and produce more solids that need to be removed from the septic tank.
Once the septic tank is in place, it must be tested for leaks and backfilled around it. It is important that the site has plenty of space for the tank and the distribution box, as well as room for the piping between the septic tank and the home. It is also a good idea to map out the septic tank and other system components or mark them with permanent stakes. This will prevent landscaping, vehicles or construction equipment from damaging them and make it easier to access and inspect your septic tank.