How does septic system for a home work

The property uses well water. The neighbors near your property also have septic systems. Checking your yard for lids and manhole covers. Contacting a septic system service provider to help you locate it.

Wastewater is backing up into household drains. You notice pooling water or muddy soil around your septic system or in your basement. If your septic system was properly designed and installed, then it probably needs only occasional pumping to remove the sludge and scum from the tank. Pumping is often recommended yearly; although, it is possible to go two to three years between pumping. It will ultimately depend on the size of the tank and the amount of waste you run through the tank.

We recommend asking an inspector to make a rough recommendation for how often your tank should be pumped. Be careful and avoid these, so you will only have to perform routine maintenance on your septic tank!

Avoid flushing cigarette butts, diapers, and coffee grounds down the drains. Avoid using garbage disposals heavily as they can send too much solid waste into the system.

Do not put too much wastewater down the drain over a short period of time because it flushes out of the tank too rapidly. Be mindful of how much sludge there is in the tank. Avoid compacting soil and gravel as this will block the seepage of effluent and deprive bacteria of oxygen.

Is it possible to pump your septic system yourself, or do you need assistance from a professional? To do it yourself, you can get a device online called The Sludge Judge. While this contractor is out there, you should ask that they install an effluent filter on the outflow pipe on your tank.

This device helps prevent solids from entering the drain field, and it will need to be cleaned out occasionally by a contractor.

Just know that regular inspections and pumping are critical, so whether you or a professional does this task, it needs to get done! DO check with a local regulatory agency or inspector before installing a garbage disposal unit. DO check with your local health department before using additives. Additives can be harmful to the system and do not eliminate the need for periodic pumping. DO be sure to repair any leaky faucet or toilets. DO use high-efficiency fixtures. DO avoid overloading the septic system.

DO plant only grass over and near your septic system as roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the drain field. DO keep records of repairs, pumpings, inspections, permits issued, and other system maintenance activities, so there is a record to help troubleshooting problems and future home sales. DO use commercial bathroom cleaners and laundry detergents in moderation.

You may find that you prefer to clean your toilet, sinks, shower, tubs, etc. DO learn the location of your septic system and keep a sketch of it for service visits and maintenance. This can cause the soil to become compacted or the pipes, tank, or other system components to become damaged.

When septic systems are properly designed, constructed, and maintained, then they will effectively reduce and eliminate most human health or environmental threats posed by the pollutants in household water. We recommend scheduling professional septic tank cleaning. This will help you ensure that your septic tank is operating at its optimal levels and prevent toxins from building up in the system. One of the most common maintenance mistakes is to add chemical and biological additives.

There are plenty of flushable tablets that claim to help your septic system work by speeding up the breakdown process or adding additional bacteria. You will like deal with septic system failure with these chemicals. These can upset the delicate natural balance in your tank. Flushing out septic systems too fast can affect how well the bacteria inside function. It can also disturb scum and solids, making it more likely that they clog up system components.

Septic tanks can only handle organic waste and septic-safe tissue. Things that may overload your septic system include:. Most types of toilet paper are septic safe , but biodegradable is best to not disturb the vital bacteria. Overloading your system could result in foul smells, backed-up toilets, and even sewage forcing its way up through the leach field.

A professional will do this during routine pumping. However, if you notice signs of your septic system failing, you may want to request an inspection sooner rather than later.

New homeowners should always schedule a septic inspection before buying a house with a tank installed. From our offices to your home, we always put you first. Call now for a free inspection with our septic contractors. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

What is a Septic Tank? What is a Septic Tank Used For? How Does a Septic Tank Work? Septic Tank Design There are several types of tank designs. Conventional Septic System: A full underground water treatment system where the septic tank feeds to a soil or gravel drainfield.

Chamber Septic System: A graveless septic tank system that uses connected underground chambers instead of an open drainfield.

Drip Distribution System: A shallow septic system using drip tubing to slowly disperse effluent. Aerobic Treatment Unit ATU : These units function like a miniature sewage treatment plant, using oxygen to drive natural bacterial activity for treatment. Recirculating Sand Filter System: This system sends effluent from a tank to a pump chamber, where it percolates through a sand filter. It can be installed above or below ground. Absence of filter, will allow all the waste particles to flow through easily and clog up your pipes.

Evapotranspiration System: Instead of filtering effluent through the soil, this system traps it in the drainfield using a watertight material so that it can evaporate.

Constructed Wetland System: This eco-friendly system mimics natural water treatment methods, sending effluent to a wetland cell instead of a drainfield for filtering. Community Septic System: Sometimes, home sites close together have septic tanks that feed into a communal drainfield.

Inside a Septic Tank The most common setup includes a septic tank, a distribution box, a drain field, and the network of perforated pipes connecting the two. Edit location. Select a product to get a quote. Register new account Pay your bill. Get your ID cards.

Get the protection you need and the peace of mind you deserve with Allstate insurance. Get a quote Find an agent. Our pages are filled with helpful tips and information about the topics that most of us face in our everyday lives. We focus on safety and maintenance issues with regard to your home, auto, apartment, motorcycle, boat, small business, finances and more.

Please recognize that a particular tip may not be effective in every circumstance and that taking preventive measures cannot guarantee any outcome. We encourage you to use your own good judgment about what's appropriate for you and your property and always consider safety.

Connect With Us. Update Below. ZIP Code. City, State Set Your Location. You have entered an invalid ZIP. Please try again. Location data not available. Please enter zip code. Please Wait Updating Location