How a septic system works

Septic tanks work by allowing waste to separate into three layers: solids, effluent and scum (see illustration above). The solids settle to the bottom, where microorganisms decompose them. … The middle layer of effluent exits the tank and travels through underground perforated pipes into the drainage field.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.

From your house to the tank:

Most, but not all, septic systems operate via gravity to the septic tank. Each time a toilet is flushed, water is turned on or you take a shower, the water and waste flows via gravity through the plumbing system in your house and ends up in the septic tank.

Age of the System

It’s pretty common for a septic system to last 40 years or longer, which means if you buy a new home, you might never need to replace it. However, you might have an older home whose septic system has been in place for nearly half a century.

DON’T flush material that will not easily decompose, such as hair, diapers, cigarette butts, matches, or feminine hygiene products. DO conserve water to avoid overloading the system. … They eliminate the bacteria needed to decompose wastes in the septic tank and drain field. DO use substitutes for household hazardous waste.

Washing frequent, small loads of laundry or taking exceptionally long showers every day is all it takes to overload your septic system with too much water. … The primary treatment tank needs time to break up solids before partly-treated water can enter the drain field.

To flush or not to flush — Aside from wastewater, toilet paper is the only other thing that should be flushed. Using the toilet to dispose of sanitary products, paper towels, disposable diapers, cigarette butts, and even tissues will harm your septic tank and cause you to need pump-outs more often.

Why Hair is a Such a Problem

It’s composed of tough strands of proteins similar to those in your fingernails, and it’s not easily broken down by bacteria. Even if it doesn’t for years in your septic tank, it’ll almost certainly last for longer than the 24-48 hours that it sits in your septic tank.

However, a stubborn wad of toilet paper may resist breaking down. This is because wadded toilet paper can begin to form a gluey mass. In some cases, it may take 1–2 hours for a clog to dissolve on its own. If there is an extremely high amount of toilet paper, sometimes the clog won’t resolve on its own.

What Are the Consequences of Not Pumping Your Tank? If the tank is not pumped, the solids will build up in the tank and the holding capacity of the tank will be diminished. Eventually, the solids will reach the pipe that feeds into the drain field, causing a clog. Waste water backing up into the house.

It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield) leaving it saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system.

One of the best know is commercials for Dawn dish soap. The ability for the cleaner to disperse oil and grease is better for cleaning, as it helps to break it up. The reason these are bad for septic systems is because if you use too much they can leach out into the environment without being properly treated.

Your septic tank can be pumped all year round, and the temperature generally has little bearing on a professional’s ability to perform most septic services. So if you need septic tank pumping, whether it is August or the middle of February, you shouldn’t have to worry about being turned down by our team.

For example, a 1,000 gallon septic tank, which is used by two people, should be pumped every 5.9 years. If there are eight people using a 1,000-gallon septic tank, it should be pumped every year.

The first signs of a failing septic system may include slow draining toilets and sinks, gurgling noises within the plumbing, sewage odors inside, continuing drainage backups, or bacteria in the well water. … The odor of sewage on the property is a clear indication of a problem.

Your system can freeze when the septic line isn’t buried deep enough in the ground to avoid frost, or if compacted soil is covering the septic line. … The leak allows a slow continuous flow of water through pipes, which freeze and lead to a blocked pipe. Infrequent use can also cause a septic system to freeze.

The best times to pump your septic tank are spring and summer. A tank that is near capacity should be pumped during the spring to avoid flooding from heavy spring rain showers. It’s a good idea to pump your tank in the warmer months in preparation for high usage and to make maintenance easier for your technician.

Winterize the pipes

Shut off the water main and open all faucets to let them drain. Flush the toilets a few times until the water no longer fills the tank and bowl. Drain all appliances, including your water heater. Completely empty your septic system’s pressure tank.