If this is your first time living in a home that has a septic system, then you need to learn about the way they work. If you aren't aware of how to care for a septic system and the different facts about them, then you can end up finding yourself in a bad way with regards to your system. Here are some things you need to know.
What is a septic tank?
The tank is a very large container that gets put under the ground near your home. The tank will be where the waste water gets deposited once it leaves the home via the pipes. The tank serves a very important purpose. The solid waste from your home's plumbing will settle on the bottom of the tank, while the lighter materials will remain on the top. There are bacteria in the tank that have the important job of breaking down the waste so it will become liquid. Once it is liquid, it will then be deposited into the leach field.
What is a leach field?
The leach field for your septic system is made up of perforated pipes that are installed under the ground, and these pipes remove the contaminants from the liquid as it comes out of the tank. The water from the leach field will eventually just end up in the soil. This can cause the grass that is on top of the leach field to be very healthy. However, you do want to make sure you call someone out to check on your system if you notice that the ground above the leach system is always wet. This excessive wetness can indicate a serious problem that needs to be addressed. The issue can cause dangerous bacteria to be in the ground that can be harmful to people and pets, so you can't ignore the situation.
What things are okay to go into the septic system?
You do have to have a bit more thought about what goes down the drains when you are on septic. You need to keep in mind that you don't want to do anything to offset the important bacteria that break down the waste. So things like harsh chemicals and strong medications should be kept out of the drains.
How do you know when to have the septic pumped?
In most cases, you want to go by a schedule, and a plumber will be a good person to ask with regards to when your next pumping should be. However, you may need an emergency pumping if you've accidentally let things go too long and you start to notice plumbing issues like slow flowing drains or backups.
To learn more, contact a resource that offers septic tank services.
Share6 July 2020
When you get a clogged drain or a toilet that just won't flush, do you reach for the phone and call for a plumber? When you have these seemingly simple plumbing problems around your house, you have to make a decision quickly. Do you pay for someone to come out and make the repairs, or do you attempt the repair on your own? This blog is all about DIY plumbing repairs. You will learn the basics and find tips for when to cut your losses and call in for professional assistance so you don't make a small fix one that needs serious repairs.
