Your septic system is an important component of your home. Without proper care, it can cause major problems that could threaten your health and safety.
Heavier solid waste sinks to the bottom of your septic tank where it undergoes bacterial digestion. Lighter materials float to the top as scum and sludge. The wastewater then leaves the septic tank into a drain field or absorption field. Visit Website to learn more.
The septic tank is the heart of your home’s wastewater management system, especially in areas without central sewer systems. Regularly emptying your septic tank is a simple but important maintenance task that can prevent major plumbing problems in the future. To ensure that your septic system is working properly, it’s essential to follow a schedule for pumping and watch for the warning signs of a full tank.
When wastewater enters your septic tank, it separates into three general layers — solids or “sludge,” floatable waste (the “scum layer”) and a zone of relatively clear water. Anaerobic bacteria in the septic tank perform the first stage of treatment, converting the solids to a liquid form and deactivating disease-causing germs. The wastewater then moves through a pipe to the drain field or other type of septic system.
Solids that can’t dissolve in the wastewater move to the bottom of the septic tank and are absorbed into the sludge layer. The microorganisms in this layer continue to break down the remaining solids into a smaller, mud-like mass that is the final product of sewage.
The clear water layer on the top of the septic tank is used to flush the toilets in your home, so this layer is generally less dense than the sludge layer below it. If solids make their way to the top of your septic tank, they can cause your toilets to clog and overflow with raw sewage.
Whenever you’re performing maintenance on your septic tank, be sure to wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves and safety goggles. The fumes released by the septic tank can be harmful, and it’s a good idea to work in a well-ventilated area.
To empty your septic tank, you’ll need a septic tank pump truck equipped with hoses to suction out the waste. You’ll also need a shovel to uncover the access lids, which are often buried underground. When you’re finished, it’s a good idea to clean the tank and replace the access lids to keep out wildlife and unwanted intruders. It’s also a good idea to keep children and pets away from the septic tank maintenance area.
Cleaning Your Septic Tank
In order to keep your septic tank functioning properly, it needs to be cleaned regularly. A septic service company uses a pumping truck equipped with a special hose that can be inserted into the septic tank to suck up the waste and transport it safely away. This process takes between 20 and 60 minutes. The service company will also check the working condition of other septic system components.
A clean septic tank relies on a complex ecosystem of helpful bacteria to break down waste. However, there are certain things that can overwhelm these bacteria and clog your home’s drains and the septic tank itself. Here are some of the most common signs that you need to schedule a cleaning service:
One of the biggest indicators that your septic tank is overflowing is an overpowering, foul smell. This is caused by the buildup of gasses like hydrogen sulfide. The smell can also be noticed by visitors and neighbors. If you notice this smell, call a septic service right away to come clean your septic tank.
Another sign that you need to have your septic tank cleaned is if the water level in your septic tank rises too high. This can cause the septic tank to overflow and flood your yard and the drain field. When this happens, it is important to have the septic tank pumped immediately.
If you don’t want to pay for a septic tank cleaning service, there are some things you can do at home to reduce the need for frequent services. For example, you can use less water in your home by fixing leaks, installing low-flow toilets, and spreading out laundry loads throughout the week. You should also avoid flushing items that are not designed to be flushed, such as non-flushable wipes, coffee grounds, and feminine products.
You can also use homemade natural cleaners that are safe for your septic tank to help break down solid waste and prevent the need for pumping. You can mix together a solution of equal parts baking soda and vinegar, or purchase enzyme additives that are designed to work with your septic tank.
Repairing Your Septic Tank
A properly installed septic system is designed to last for many years, but repairs may be necessary. A septic tank repair company can help you determine whether a repair or replacement is the best option for your home. The choice of repair versus replacement will depend on a variety of factors, such as the age of the tank, the extent of damage, and future household needs.
Generally, if your septic tank has no cracks or breaks, and the baffle walls are intact, you can choose to repair the septic system rather than replacing it entirely. However, if you see signs of cracks or broken pipes, it is important to call a professional right away. Attempting to fix a damaged septic system on your own can lead to further complications and expensive repairs.
If you are noticing sewage backups or other issues with your septic system, you may need to consider replacing it. This can be expensive and requires excavation of your property. However, regular maintenance and inspections can help extend the life of your septic system and reduce the need for costly replacement.
Foul odors in your home or around the drain field can indicate that there are problems with your septic system, including clogged lines or leaking tanks. Other warning signs include soggy patches of grass or wet soil near the septic tank or drain field.
It is important to plant trees and large shrubs far away from your septic system to avoid root intrusion. These roots can infiltrate the septic tank and septic system pipes, causing serious damage. Invading roots can also clog and overload septic system components, such as pumps and lift stations.
Septic system systems rely on baffle walls to separate scum and sludge, allowing solid waste to go into the leach field and liquid waste to exit into the drain field. Damage to baffle walls can interfere with this process, leading to septic system failure.
All new septic tanks must have risers and lids, which raise access points to ground level for pumping, maintenance, and inspection. These components also help prevent surface water from entering the septic tank and overwhelming the system.
Emergency Septic Service
The septic system is a crucial component of your plumbing system. It manages the waste from your home or business and prevents wastewater from contaminating groundwater and nearby water bodies. However, it doesn’t last forever and requires occasional maintenance and repairs to function effectively. It is important to understand the warning signs of septic tank problems and respond quickly to emergencies to avoid costly repair and potential environmental damage.
Foul odors in your toilets or drains are one of the most common signs that you need emergency septic services. This may occur due to a severe clog in your pipes, a full septic tank, or septic tank failure. The foul odors can cause unsanitary conditions and health risks for you and your family. If the odor is strong and continues to linger, call your local septic service immediately for emergency assistance.
Septic system malfunctions can also lead to sewage backups in your sinks, tubs, and showers. This is a serious issue that can cause widespread property damage and create sanitary conditions that are hazardous to your health. Sewage backups can also be a fire hazard, so it is essential to call for emergency septic service as soon as possible.
If you have a newer septic system, it might be equipped with alarms that signal any issues with your septic tank or septic system. If the alarms sound frequently, it is a sign that you need emergency septic services right away. These issues could be caused by a power outage, septic tank overflow, or pump failure.
When you notice a septic system problem, the best thing to do is stop using your plumbing immediately. This will reduce the strain on your septic system and allow the professionals to address the issue before it becomes worse.
To help you protect your septic system and minimize emergencies, the team at Crews Environmental offers a variety of septic services, including routine tank pumping and annual inspections. We can also install inspection ports and risers to provide you with additional monitoring of your septic system. In addition, we recommend planting grass or another low-maintenance groundcover around the septic tank and drain field to help keep roots from growing into the pipes.
