Do you own a septic tank or want to install one? Understanding the facts about septic tanks will help you maintain their lifespan. A septic system helps get rid of your home’s sewage. However, it can be temperamental if you’re not careful with the system. Septic systems are self-sufficient since they contain all the necessary bacteria required to break down waste. In a septic system, the fluids, solids, sludge, and scum all separate into different layers based on weight. Many potential home buyers are scared when a septic system is listed in a listing for a property they are interested in. They might think the system is costly to repair, challenging to maintain, or antiquated. With a reasonable inspection and dependable maintenance, a septic system may easily last for years. There are some proven facts about septic systems you need to know, and we’ve come up with a list of the top seven facts about septic systems.
1. Drain Area Flooding
As a homeowner, you might understand your drain field’s importance, but have you heard many homeowners are responsible for flooding their drain areas? If flooding occurs, your drain area cannot treat wastewater, which leads to polluted water in your backyard. This is harmful to your localized biosphere. Your drain area can get flooded through various issues. Excess rain could flood your drain area, mostly if the service company conducting the excavation process didn’t do it professionally. However, if you are keen on water preservation practices during such times, it will be a non-issue. If you fail to redirect your conduits and your rain spout channels away from the drain area, this can cause extreme flooding. Additionally, overburdening your system using excess water can lead to the drain area flooding, especially when your septic tank is full. With careful measures, you can avoid cases of flooding in your drain area.
2. Know What Should Not Enter the System
Most fellows have a habit of flushing anything they think of down their washroom system. Flushing items you aren’t sure of can damage your septic system. Your waste disposal system can’t handle or break down any other materials apart from human waste or toilet paper. You will need to ensure that feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, and napkins are never flushed down the toilet, as these are culprits of blockage in a septic system unit. These products alter the bacteria balance in your system. This tampers with its power to handle the waste. Additionally, washing chemicals and grease down the sink can also clog your system and contaminate nearby soil and groundwater, which should be avoided. Always be watchful when flushing, as this keeps your septic tank healthy.
3. Pumping
Pumping helps remove any unwanted solids built up and keeps your septic system working correctly; Pumping should be done every two to five years. Although this is the general rule, various issues may alter your ideal pumping program. Your system’s age, your tank’s size, your home’s usage, and the weather might affect your pumping schedule. Because of this, people who own septic systems have different pumping schedules. However, if you work with a reputable service company, they can arrange a pumping schedule so that your program is timely. If you frequently use your septic system, the more you’ll repeatedly need to have it pumped.
4. Which Septic System are You Using?
We have standard septic systems that consist of a primary septic tank that empties into a leach field. Because of this, several variations on the standard setup can make a significant difference in how your septic system operates—additionally, the type of maintenance required for your system matters. In most cases, the only difference between septic systems is the soil in your home yard and the drain field’s size. If you’re unsure about the kind of septic system, you have to set up an appointment with a professional septic maintenance company to find out.
5. Avoid Chemical Cleaners
When your pipe or drain blocks, you should avoid using chemicals to clean your drain. Such chemical cleaners may leave your system with complicated issues. Avoid falling for the trap of chemicals labeled as safe cleaners, as you’ll soon realize most of them are a hoax. These chemicals hamper the balance of bacteria in your septic tank. They will leave your septic system incapable of breaking waste and solids. When these solids aren’t broken, they will drain into your backyard or through backup pipes leading to your house. This leaves you with a smelly yard and a damaged tank.
6. It’s More Than a Tank
You might think of your waste disposal system as just the septic tank itself. Your overall system includes other critical parts. Your system is made up of the conduits linked to your drains, which play the role of conveying waste solids into the tank. After the lines, follow the septic tank. The drain area, which is found in the backyard, is a portion of the larger septic system ensemble. These parts interrelate jointly harmoniously to carry, throw out, and handle the refuse in your household. Try researching from the internet a figurative description of your system. This will help you to easily detect issues with your system in case of system failure.
7. Eco-Friendly Septic Systems
In recent years, environmental conservation has gained widespread popularity. Globally, many people are making subtle efforts in a bid to preserve our environment. If you’re an ecological conservatist, you can implement a few measures so that your system is eco-friendlier. Routine checkups are vital if you want to keep away from damages that might be detrimental to the environment. Additionally, you should avoid overburdening your waste disposal system. If you take good care of your system, it will help to conserve your local ecosystem. Always look out for leakages as contaminated groundwater may harm your ecosystem.
Owning a septic system is akin to owning a motor vehicle; you don’t need to be an expert, but you need to understand the warning signs. Knowing how your system works is the best way of ensuring it remains healthy. If you’re hiring a professional for maintenance, ensure you seek the best company with a good reputation. You can consult your neighbors, or you can conduct an online search.