A septic tank ushers away wastewater and ensures it does not cause contamination to the groundwater supply. When a homeowner is not close enough to a municipal sewer hookup, they end up needing a septic tank. It is important homeowners are fully aware of how their septic tank system works and the type of maintenance it needs to ensure proper function. Without proper maintenance, a septic tank will end up developing repair issues.
How Does a Septic Tank Work?
A septic tank can be made from different materials, including concrete, fiberglass, and plastic. These containers are placed down into the ground and they collect wastewater from a home or business. There are both single and double chamber septic tanks.
A pipe runs from the septic tank to the home’s plumbing system. This pipe is responsible for ushering wastewater from all the sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets in the home. The wastewater separates into solids and liquids. The solids will eventually build up and require a septic tank pumping south valley nm. For the average home, pumping needs to be carried out every three to five years, depending on the size of the tank and the amount of wastewater each day.
Pumping Is Vital
It is vital homeowners are aware of the importance of having their septic tank properly maintained. The most important aspect of maintaining a septic tank is regular cleanings. When the tank becomes overly full, the excess solids and liquids will run out into the drain field and can end up contaminating the groundwater supply and negatively affecting the environment.
When a septic tank is cleaned out, the sludge must be pumped out and then the inner walls sometimes need to be manually cleaned. With proper maintenance, a septic tank can end up lasting forty years or longer before needing to be replaced. Homeowners can do their part to avoid lessening the life of their septic tank by avoiding flushing foreign objects down toilets and sending fats and other non-water liquids down the drains.
Signs a Septic Tank Needs Cleaning
There are a few different signs that may occur when a septic tank needs to be cleaned. Common signs include slow drains, toilets that do not flush correctly, and sewer smells. A homeowner may also notice the grass over their drain field suddenly begins flourishing and growing thick and green. When this occurs, it means the septic tank has become overly full and is now releasing wastewater from the drain field. This is a sign that should never be ignored.
Homeowners who have noticed the above signs need to call the professionals for cleaning services. Septic tank cleaning is an essential part of ownership. When it is neglected, major problems can result, including an influx of wastewater into all of the drains and toilets of the home. This is not a mess homeowner want to deal with because of the smell. With regular pumping services, a septic tank will provide reliable service for many years to come.