Most of us don’t give a second thought to what happens after we flush the toilet or run the dishwasher. Though your septic tank is working on managing the waste, it can turn into a messy and expensive issue, in case something goes wrong.
This mostly happens when you are not aware of the basics of a septic system, or we can say septic tank 101. Knowing how the system works, what to avoid flushing, and when to schedule maintenance helps you prevent breakdowns and save thousands in repairs.
These small bits of knowledge can help you in the long run. So, this blog will help you understand all about the septic system!
What Is A Septic Tank?
Your septic tank is an important part of the water treatment and recycling system. It is a settling basin where solids accumulate and gradually get broken down by bacteria.
Some of the organic waste (the organic fraction) is liquefied by this “natural bacterial decomposition.” Still, the rest of the waste accumulates at the bottom as a layer of sludge. Also, a small amount of this waste (mostly fats and oils) may float to the top of the tank, which forms a layer of semi-solid scum.
Septic System Facts
- Septic systems rely on anaerobic bacteria to break down organic waste. These microbes are important for decomposing solids into effluent and sludge.
- Excess usage of water can overwhelm the system. Thus, flushing solids into the drain field leads to clogs or, worse - system failure.
- The drain field uses soil filtration to purify wastewater. Saturated or compact soil can lead to backup.
- Solids that accumulate at the tank bottom need to be pumped and cleaned every 3-5 years. This prevents system failure and overflow.
- Pouring household chemicals, such as drain cleaners or bleach, is not recommended. These can kill beneficial bacteria.
- A poorly maintained septic system can leach pathogens into groundwater, causing damage to the ecosystem and public health.
How Does A Septic System Work?
The population living in metropolitan areas simply flush their toilets. But have little to no knowledge of what will happen next. This is mostly because they have never had to maintain a septic system, have never experienced wading in their leach field, or even have had the experience of pumping out their systems. However, most of these people pay a sewer bill, usually between $75 and $150 (quarterly), for this service.
But those living in more rural areas have been forced to learn about the maintenance and working of the sewerage treatment facilities attached to our homes, “the septic systems.”
Usually, a septic tank is connected to a drainage field or seepage pit of some kind. If properly maintained, a well-designed system will last almost indefinitely. However, if it is neglected for too long, it can back up and clog the drainage field. This can result in expensive digging and even a replacement of the drainpipes, which could cost thousands of dollars.
Since solids will continue to build up at the bottom of the tank, the “septic tank must be pumped out periodically.” Remember, the inorganic fraction of the sludge is not biodegradable. If it’s not pumped out, sludge will accumulate until it overflows, where it can cause problems in the absorption field.
The frequency of pumping out will depend primarily on the amount of wastewater and solids that go through the system each day. The frequency also depends on how careful you are about not throwing excess fats, rinds, and other similar garbage down the drains.
The more solid waste thrown into the system, the quicker the tank will fill up. Heavy flows of water also tend to make the tank fill up more quickly. That is why it is best not to use a garbage disposal in the system when you have a septic tank and why water should not be left running indiscriminately in sinks or toilets.
Septic System Maintenance Tips
Septic system maintenance and care is not a science, and it is not expensive as well. Here are 4 major septic tank care and maintenance 101 to keep in mind to ensure your system remains clean and functional -
Inspect And Pump Frequently
It is advisable to inspect the septic system every 3 years by a professional. Also, they need to be pumped every 3-5 years. If you have alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components - ensure to inspect them more often - once a year.
Here are some factors that influence how often a septic system should be pumped -
- Size of the household
- Size of the septic tank
- Total wastewater generated
- The volume of solids in wastewater
During the inspection, the professional will inform you when you must pump and clean your tank next!
Use Water Efficiently
The average water use in a single-family home can be 70 gallons per individual each day. However, if there is a single leak, it can lead to adding as much as 200 gallons of water per day. All the water ends up in the septic system, which means the more water a household conserves, the less water enters the system.
Hence, efficient water use improves the system’s functionality and reduces the risk of malfunction. EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) WaterSense program suggests several ways to save water, using -
- High-efficiency toilets
- Faucets, aerators, and high-efficiency shower heads
Also, it is advisable to choose washing machines with proper load size, which reduces water waste.
Proper Waste Disposal
Anything that you flush down the toilet, grind in the garbage disposal, or pour down the sink - everything goes into the septic system. Hence, it is important to note that everything that goes down the drain impacts the septic system! So, remember - your septic system is not a trash can.
Here are some items that you must never flush down the toilet -
- Diapers
- Dental floss
- Cigarette buts
- Coffee grounds
- Cat litter
- Paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products
- Photographic solutions
- Non-flushable baby wipes
- Pharmaceuticals
- Cooking grease or oil
- Household chemicals, such as gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, paint, or paint thinner.
You must also take care of what you pour into the kitchen sink. Pouring down toxic cleaners can harm or kill the good bacteria living in the septic system that help break down the substance.
Maintain Your Drainfield
The drain field is one of the most important components of the septic system. It removes the contaminants that are released from the system. Here’s how you can maintain it -
- Avoid parking or driving on your drain field.
- Plant trees at a distance from the drain field to prevent the roots from growing into it.
- Keep the roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage systems away from the drain field. This is because excess water can slow down or stop the wastewater treatment process.
Why Is It Important To Get Septic System Cleaned?
It is important to get the septic tank cleaned before the sludge level gets high enough so that any of the solid material at the bottom, or the semi-solid scum at the top, can flow out into the drainage field. This will quickly clog the drainage pipes and the soil into which they drain. If this happens, the only solution is to dig up and replace the entire drainage field.
Another option would be to treat the drain field with the bacteria found only in PRO-PUMP™. These special microbes have been proven effective for over 20 years in remediating percolation problems in soil with organic build-up (if the soil is plugged up with inorganic solids, biological additives will not work).
Remember that PRO-PUMP is a natural product and needs some time to work. Unlike chemicals, which are harmful to the environment, the natural and safe bacteria in PRO-PUMP multiply over time.
Make certain there are live bacteria in your system at all times. The bacteria’s job is to digest all organic waste matter in the system. If there are no bacteria in your system, it will simply act as a holding tank for your waste. If it becomes full, natural digestion will not occur. That is when the system backs up.
The Natural Ecosystem Of Your Septic Tank Can Become Unbalanced By The Following:
- Excessive quantities of detergents, laundry waste, bleach, household chemicals, and caustic drain openers.
- Garbage disposal grinds substantially increase the accumulation of solids. Even though they are mostly organic, they break down slowly and can cause problems before they completely break down.
- Disposal of items not biodegradable in the system (plastics etc.)
- Disposal of excessive amounts of grease and fats, which are biodegradable but need particular types of bacteria to digest them efficiently. Oil and grease-degrading bacteria can help with this.
- Disposal of cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products, condoms, baby and facial wipes are NOT biodegradable.
- Too many people are using a smaller/inadequate or failing system.
If you have no bacteria in your system and you add enzymes to the system, it simply will not help, and your system will still not work. Enzymes are simply catalysts produced by bacteria. If there are active bacteria in your system, why use enzymes?
From time to time, you should add “100% naturally occurring LIVE BACTERIA” to your system. Do not add just any kind of bacteria. Get in touch with a septic tank maintenance service in your area, as they can add bacteria that contain aerobic, facultative, and anaerobic bacteria to address all conditions in your septic tank and absorption field.
Types Of Septic Systems
There are several types of septic systems, and some of them are listed below -
Standard Septic Systems
Standard septic systems consist of a leach field and a septic tank. When the wastewater leaves the building, it enters the first component of the septic tank. The heavy solids accumulate at the bottom of the tank. In contrast, liquid material forms a layer of scum near the top—the clear material in between flows into the second compartment of the septic tank.
Then, the wastewater flows to the distribution box at the beginning of the leach field, which includes a network of perforated pipes laid in gravel-lined trenches.
Low-Pressure Dose System
It consists of three parts - a septic tank, a pump tank, and a leach field. The wastewater goes into the septic tank as before, and the solid part gets settled at the bottom while the liquid part floats. The clear water then leaves the septic tank and enters the pump tank, where it is then pumped into the leach field.
The Leach field consists of small-diameter pipes that receive wastewater under low pressure. In certain areas, low-pressure dosed systems could be used as a substitute to offset the drawback of slower permeability and lower-quality soils.
Supplemental Treatment Systems
Supplemental treatment systems consist of -
- Septic tank
- NSF-40 supplemental treatment unit or system
- Pump tank
- Leach field, drip field, or leaching bed
Supplemental treatment systems are similar to low-pressure dosed systems except for one major difference. A treatment unit is linked to the system to treat the wastewater further before it is dispersed in the leach field, drip field, or leaching bed.
For certain areas, additional treatment methods may be necessary to offer the drawbacks of shallow effective soil depths and/or soils with high permeability.
Takeaway
Now that you know about the septic system 101, it’d be easier for you to make smarter decisions to inspect and maintain your system. Having the basic knowledge of septic systems helps you protect your property and the environment, too! Plus, you’ll be more confident when talking to a professional about your issues!
Need Help With Septic System Cleaning And Maintenance? Call Advanced Septic Service, LLC For Assistance!
Advanced Septic Service, LLC, your septic professional, helps you ensure that your system is maintained and cleaned and is functioning optimally. We serve Sacramento, Placer, Nevada, El Dorado, and Yolo Counties.
Call us at (916) 726-5150 to get your septic system cleaned!
We are here to help you anytime
For more question, please call us at: (916) 726-5150 or (530) 888-8960