Septic Systems 101: What You Need To Know
About 25% of Americans use septic systems in their homes instead of a municipal sewer line. Septic systems are rampant in rural areas, whereas in urban areas, public sewer lines connect several homes and direct waste from these homes to a central treatment plant. But a septic system is an underground wastewater treatment structure and doesn't have a centralized sewer line.
This blog post will discuss how a septic tank works and signs that it's time for septic pumping.
How Does a Septic System Work?
The process starts with waste flowing into the septic system, and the effluent (watery waste) fills the tank. Here, anaerobic bacteria digest the effluent and separate water and sludge (inorganic solids and bacterial digestion by-products). A scum layer composed of oils, grease, and fats floats to the top while heavier solids occupy the bottom.
A septic tank has a filter that hinders solids from penetrating the outlet pipe. The watery waste enters the drain field. The latter offers ample space for healthy bacteria to grow while treated water penetrates the ground. The drain septic field pipe is perforated to allow wastewater to trickle into the surrounding gravel.
The gravel around pipes forces water to enter into the soil, and oxygen is directed to the bacteria. The soil and aerobic bacteria help complete waste decomposition. Clean water trickles into the groundwater while the sludge is pumped out during routine septic cleaning.
Why Your Septic Tank System Needs Pumping?
A septic system requires occasional cleaning and maintenance. Below are signs that you need to call professional septic pumping services.
Frequently Clogged or Slow Drains
Your septic tank connects to all your home drains, including showers, toilets, and sinks. So, if your system is entirely blocked, your gutters will be slow, or the wastewater may not flow. This is not only frustrating, but it can also take a toll on your health. If you notice this problem, contact professional septic system pumping services immediately.
A Strong Odor
An entirely blocked septic system releases an awful smell, and you track the scent from your drains. The unpleasant smell can affect your health negatively and make your indoor life impossible. You should take immediate septic pumping services when you experience the smell.
An Overly Healthy Yard
The grass or plants over your septic system bed should be similar to the grass on the other parts of your yard. But, if it's overly healthy, it means your septic tank is leaking liquids and should be emptied or inspected to see if it has leaks.
Finally, a septic system integrates technology and nature to treat solid and liquid waste from homes. They play an essential role by keeping wastewater away from home. If your home has a septic tank, hire professional septic pumping services every three to five years. Pumping frequency should be done depending on your home and system size.
Contact a residential septic tank service for more information.
