Learning About Septic Services
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Learning About Septic Services

Welcome to my site. My name is Jorge. The septic company sent a notice to my home recently about pumping out the tank. After living in my home for a few years, it was time to service the septic tank to keep it in good condition for years afterward. I watched in awe as the septic truck cleared the tank and restored the function of the system. I will use this site to discuss the process of servicing the septic tank. I will also talk about repairs commonly performed on the septic components. I hope you will visit often to learn more.

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Learning About Septic Services

Everything You Need To Know About Septic Tanks

Rose Austin

When a toilet is flushed, the wastewater either goes to a large municipal wastewater treatment center or an individual septic tank in a homeowner's yard. If you have never lived in a home with a septic tank, this may seem unusual. You may even be completely unaware of what a septic tank is. Here are the answers to all your burning questions about septic tanks and home septic systems. 

What Is a Septic Tank?

A septic tank is an underground storage chamber made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. It stores wastewater generated from household drains, toilets, showers, dishwashers, and washing machines.

How Does a Septic Tank Work?

As wastewater enters the tank, it settles into three layers: solids on the bottom, water in the middle, and 'scum' on top. Naturally-occurring bacteria in the tank then break down solids in the bottom layer into sludge while oil and grease float to the top, forming the scum layer. The water in the middle slowly flows out of the tank and into a connecting drain field, where it is slowly filtered by gravel, sand, and soil before entering groundwater sources.

Why Does a Septic Tank Need To Be Pumped?

Septic tanks must be pumped regularly because they fill up with the remaining solids and debris. If not pumped regularly, the system can clog or back up, which is never a pretty sight. Pumping removes all of this buildup so your system can continue functioning properly without any major issues or costly repairs.

If you are a new homeowner and have no information on when your tank was last pumped, it is a good idea to have it pumped sooner rather than later.

What Items Damage a Septic Tank?

Certain items should never be flushed down toilets or put into sinks because they can damage both drain fields and septic tanks over time if done often enough, including:

  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Paper towels
  • Dental floss
  • Non-biodegradable cleaning wipes
  • Cooking oils and grease/
  • Pharmaceuticals, like antibiotics or painkillers

In fact, experts have found pharmaceuticals in rivers and lakes because they cannot be broken down by natural means. All unused prescription medication should be taken to a pharmacy for proper disposal.

Septic tanks are an important component of any home with a septic system. If you pump yours out regularly and pay careful attention to what you put in it, your septic tank can run smoothly for years to come.

Reach out to a septic tank services company to learn more.


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