A septic tank collects wastewater from toilets, kitchens, and laundry appliances. Solid waste settles in the sludge layer, while fats drift to the top in the form of scum. The liquid waste, called effluent, enters the soil absorption field for further treatment.
Proper septic system maintenance is essential to protecting the system and property. Recording inspections, pumping, and repairs can help real estate agents market homes with healthy septic systems. Click the Septic Tank Services Near Me to learn more.
Septic tanks need to be inspected and pumped regularly. This is an important step to ensure your septic system works properly, preventing costly repairs and environmental damage. A septic inspector will evaluate the tank, drain field, and any other septic system components. They will also check the septic tank’s water level and look for cracks, leaks, and other structural issues.
First, a septic inspector will locate the tank using an “as-built” drawing or sketch left over from construction permits. They will then open the lid and visually inspect the tank. This includes checking the tank’s operating level of sewage and the condition of the baffle walls and sanitary tees. They may use a fiber optic camera to see any hard-to-reach areas of the tank.
Next, they will measure the depth of the scum and sludge layers. These layers must be several inches below the surface for your septic system to function correctly. They will also measure the sewage level in the septic tank, which should be several inches below the baffle top. If the sewage level exceeds this, it could indicate a leak or blockage in the system.
The septic inspector will also look for signs of problems with the drain field, including ponding or backing up. This can be caused by clogged pipes, poor grading, or excess wastewater. A septic tank should be designed with enough space for the absorption field to adequately absorb and dispose of all wastewater. The drain field should be free of roots and other debris, and not overly saturated.
Once the septic tank and drain field have been evaluated, the inspector will perform a flow test. This will help them determine if the septic tank is producing effluent and if the septic system’s leach field is accepting it. The inspector will also verify the septic tank’s piping and ensure the inlet and outlet baffles are functioning properly.
It is recommended that homeowners plant grass and shallow-rooted plants over their septic tank and drain field. These plants will prevent septic system clogs and root intrusion. Also, homeowners should be mindful of what they flush and put down the drains; avoiding non-biodegradable materials like grease and hazardous chemicals will preserve septic systems’ efficiency and longevity.
Pumping
A septic tank needs to be pumped out periodically in order to remove the accumulated sludge and scum. This protects the absorption field from being clogged and helps prevent system failure. Those who don’t have a regular pumping schedule run the risk of experiencing unpleasant odors in their drains and toilets, as well as sewage backups that can seep into the home, contaminating the water supply. Getting your tank pumped on a regular basis also lowers the risk of costly damage to the property and the environment, and it keeps the warranty on your septic system valid.
While septic tank professionals are onsite pumping the tank, they’ll also take the time to inspect it for any potential problems. This could include looking for cracks or other signs of damage to the tank itself, as well as examining inlet and outlet baffles or tees. This can help catch issues that would otherwise cause a leak or drainfield failure, saving you the cost of having to replace the entire septic system.
Besides looking for any signs of damage, your septic tank service professional will also check the level of waste in the tank. This lets them know if it’s approaching full, which is a sign that you need to have the tank pumped again soon. The frequency of pumping will vary by how much you use your household plumbing, as well as the size of the tank.
There are some things you can do to try and cut down on the frequency of septic tank pumping, including limiting the amount of water that is used throughout the household and avoiding flushing non-waste items like feminine products and wipes. Additionally, it’s best to get your tank pumped in the spring when there’s less demand for these services, as the fall and winter are typically busier times for septic tank services.
Keep in mind, septic system pumping is required by law in many communities, and failure to do so can result in expensive fines. Make sure to stay on top of septic tank pumping by using a trusted, licensed provider and following the recommended schedule.
Repairs
Septic systems are complex waste management structures, so there are many things that can go wrong with them. Often, a septic service company will be needed to deal with a clogged drain line or a septic tank itself. Unless you have experience working on such issues, it’s best to call in a professional.
When a septic system isn’t functioning as it should, there are some telltale signs. One of the most obvious is sewage backing up into drains or toilets. This is a sign that the septic tank is full and needs to be pumped immediately.
Another common issue is odors coming from the drains or around where the septic tank is buried. This is caused by the buildup of gases and other byproducts of septic system decomposition. Finally, if you notice that water is pooling in the yard without an explanation, this may indicate that the septic tank has overfilled and is pushing liquids out onto the ground.
Keeping good records of septic tank maintenance and inspections can make your home more appealing to potential buyers should you ever decide to sell it. Having detailed records of your septic system and the condition of the tanks, pipes and drainfield can help you negotiate a fair price for the property.
The most important repair that septic tank services can perform is to replace or clean the sludge and scum that collects in the septic tank. During septic tank pumping, your technician can also check the baffles that restrain and redirect the flow of wastewater inside the tank. If they are missing, broken or deteriorating, they will not work properly and can lead to septic tank clogs and backups.
Other types of repairs can include replacing internal components, such as the septic tank aerator or the motor that moves water within an aerobic septic system. These items can break down or wear down over time, especially if they are used heavily.
Other septic tank repairs can involve fixing leaks or making other changes to the septic system or its drainfield. This is particularly important if the septic tank is located close to trees or other plants that could root into it and cause damage.
Installation
When your septic tank is due for replacement, the first step is to get a site survey and soil test. This will establish the type of soil and how well it absorbs liquids, and ensure that your tank and absorption field will fit the conditions on your property. It’s also a good time to have your plumbing system examined, as well.
Once the site is surveyed, permits are secured and excavation begins. A hole with the correct size and depth for your tank will be dug, with special attention to elevation. Your septic tank is then lowered into place, and pipes are run to connect the tank to your house and drain field. Once the installation is complete, the area will be backfilled and carefully inspected to ensure that everything is watertight.
The main function of a septic tank is to remove solids from household wastewater. This allows the remaining liquid, known as effluent, to flow more easily through the soil absorption field. This helps prevent the absorption field from getting clogged, which can lead to failure of the septic system.
Your septic tank will need to be pumped periodically, depending on the amount of waste your household produces. It’s important to schedule pumping services, as a septic tank that is too full will allow sludge and scum to overflow into the absorption field. Your septic professional will measure the height of the sludge and scum layers to determine when your tank needs to be pumped.
Taking care of your septic tank and ensuring that it is properly maintained can help you avoid costly repairs in the future. The most common signs that your septic tank is beginning to fail are slow draining and unpleasant odors. When you notice these symptoms, call your septic service provider right away to schedule an inspection and pumping appointment.
