Septic tanks allow for a safe disposal of wastewater. They are popular in areas that have a poor drainage system or are off the mains sewage network. Septic collects the excreta and wastewater in one big underground tank and is mostly used in rural areas.

A standard septic tank is made of precast concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. or metal. It is designed to hold all of the wastewater at home and provides a storage space that can accumulate solid wastes and processes it out of the system.

The tank has a simple design and is connected with two pipes called “inlet” and “outlet”. The inlet pipe collects the water waste and creates a longer detention time for the sewage to allow for the settling of solids. The outlet pipe, which is also called as “the drain field”, moves the preprocesses wastewater out of the septic tank and spreads it evenly in the soil and streams.

Septic tanks can last for several years as long as it is properly maintained and regularly pumped. In most cases, septic tanks could last 20 to 40 years. It is possible to use a septic tank for a longer time span with proper care and maintenance.

Septic System Maintenance

When a septic tank is not working properly, it can be very risky. It will emit wastes and bacteria that can contaminate the groundwater or surface nearby.

No matter what type or size your septic tank is, regular maintenance is the most important element in ensuring that your septic system works well.

Septic System Do’s

  1. Check faucets and toilets for leaks; make repairs if necessary.
  2. Crawl under your house or look in the basement to search for more leaks.
  3. Use aerators on faucets and flow reducer nozzles on showers to help decrease your water consumption.
  4. Reduce water levels for small loads of laundry or consider buying energy-efficient appliances.
  5. Wait until the dishwasher is full to run it or try a shorter dishwashing cycle that uses less water.
  6. Use a displacer to reduce the amount of water needed to flush the toilet.

Call a Professional!

Calling a professional is the ultimate way to take care of your septic system! You need to have your septic tank inspected and pumped on a regular basis and asking for assistance from a professional is the right thing to do. Never attempt to open a septic tank yourself. It contains dangerous gases and bacteria that could cause serious health issues.

When to do Septic Maintenance?

Regular septic maintenance and repair can extend the life of a septic tank and field lines. Emergency repairs are much more costly than regular maintenance. Here are the signs to help you determine if your septic system needs to be emptied.

Odor

One of the first things that you’re likely to notice when it comes to septic tank failure and overflow, is that it emits an awful smell.  It’s an unmistakable sign and one that you should pay close attention to, to help you identify whether your septic system needs to be pumped out.

Pooling Water

Pooling water around the septic tank could be signs of a leaking tank. Pay particular attention to the lawn around the drain field. When your septic tank is working properly, wastewater should stay underground and out of sight. If it starts rising to the surface, you’ve got a problem. Also, if you notice that the grass around the septic tank area is particularly green or lush, that could be a sign of excessive moisture as well.

Slow Drains

Slow sink drains, bathtub drains, and toilets could be a sign that your septic tank is full. If you’ve tried retail drain unclogging products or plungers and they haven’t helped, you should contact a professional. Another related sign to look out for is, a gurgling noise coming from your drains.

Sewage Backup

It is one of the most worrying signs of septic system failure because it means that wastewater is backing up into your sinks, bathtubs, or basement. When septic system failure causes major sewage backups, don’t try to clean the mess yourself. Wastewater can be harmful to you and your family, it is absolutely essential that you call in a septic specialist as well as your water company, straight away, to remedy the situation.
If you are not sure whether you need septic system repair or replacement, contact our professionals today at Caccia Plumbing. We have nearly 40 years of experience serving our community and we are confident we can help you with any septic problem that you may have. We look forward to working with you!