.jpg)
Most homeowners don't give much thought to their septic systems until something goes wrong. A septic system has many moving parts; if you care for it properly, you can avoid serious problems. In this blog post, we'll discuss the ins and outs of septic systems and how to properly maintain them, hopefully preventing smelly issues.
How Septic Systems Work
Septic systems consist of two parts:
- Septic tank
- Drain field
Septic Tank
A septic tank is the centerpiece of a drain field system and is an underground container that collects wastewater from your home or business and stores it until it can be safely discarded. Wastewater enters the tank through an inlet pipe and settles into three layers: scum on top, effluent or liquid in the middle, and sludge at the bottom. Bacteria inside the tank break down solid waste materials before they reach the drain field.
Main Components of the Septic Tank
In general, septic tanks have three main components:
- Distribution box
- Inlet pipe
- Outlet pipe
The inlet pipe receives sewage from the home, while the outlet pipe releases the water after it has been processed by the tank. Inside each septic tank are layers of gravel and sand that act as a filtration system, which helps to clear out any solid residue that came in through the inlet before moving on to the drainfield.
Not only does this process result in wastewater that is less harmful to local ecosystems, but it also saves homeowners money on expensive sewer bills.
Drain Field
The second part of a septic system is the drain field, which consists of several trenches filled with gravel or perforated pipes. This is where wastewater from the septic tank trickles out slowly into the ground below. As wastewater passes through these trenches, more bacteria break down organic materials and filter out harmful contaminants before they can enter groundwater supplies or nearby streams.
Maintaining Your Septic System
Maintaining your septic system well is essential to prevent any potential health hazards or environmental contamination caused by overflowing or leaking sewage. The average septic system should be inspected and pumped every 3-5 years, depending on usage levels.
This can vary greatly depending on your situation, so consult a professional if needed.
Items That Can Harm Your Septic System
In addition to regular inspections and treatments, proper maintenance means keeping harmful products out of your septic tank. Harmful items include the following:
- Grease
- Coffee grounds
- Paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers
- Disposable wipes
- Hair
- Flushable and non-flushable wipes
- And more
These items should never be flushed down your toilet as they can cause clogs or backups, which could result in costly repairs or replacements for your plumbing system and septic tank.
The Consequences of Neglecting Your Septic System
If your septic system is not maintained correctly, it can lead to significant problems, such as:
- Overflowing sewage
- Contaminated drinking water sources due to leakage from untreated wastewater.
- Increased risk of diseases due to hazardous bacteria present in sewage.
In addition, neglected septic systems can cause structural damage to homes or businesses due to leaking tanks or pipes, which could result in costly repairs or replacements if left unchecked for too long.
Caring For Your Septic Tank
Caring for your septic system is essential for keeping your home safe from potential health issues and environmental contamination caused by overflowing or leaking sewage. Regular inspections and pumping sessions must be done according to usage levels specified by professionals, so they can identify potential issues early before they become too big.
Additionally, certain items should never be flushed down toilets because they could cause clogs or backups, resulting in costly repairs or replacements if not taken care of right away. These steps will ensure that your septic system is working at its best!
Call the Professionals!
If your septic system requires some TLC, contact the professionals at Scott Harrison Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. With our knowledge and experience, we can identify and fix the issue in the best way possible. Contact us online or give us a call! (714) 695-5566
