At A&B Septic Services, Inc., we know that septic systems aren’t something the average person wants to think about, much less get intimately familiar with. However, if you have a septic system on your property, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics of the system, so you know how to care for it and when to contact septic professionals like our team. Below, we’ll provide a brief overview of a standard septic system and some of the more important services you need to be mindful of scheduling to take care of it.
- Septic systems have three major components: the tank, the drain field, and the soil.
- The tank is a sealed, watertight container where waste material goes after it’s been sent down through your plumbing. Inside the tank, solid waste separates out from the liquid waste, and the bacteria inside the tank begin the process of breaking down the waste. Our team can provide pumping services to empty the solid waste from the tank and prevent it from overflowing.
- The drain field is where the partially treated liquid waste, called effluent, flow out of the tank and through a series of perforated pipes, which are buried underground. If you moved into a house with a septic system and don’t know where your drain field is, our team can help you find it and make sure it’s in good condition.
- The soil is the final stage of the treatment. After the wastewater percolates through the pipes and into the soil, nature finishes the treatment process by filtering the wastewater before it reaches the groundwater.
- There are three major things to remember about septic system maintenance.
- Pumping the tank is essential to keep it from overflowing. Our team can help you determine the best schedule for pumping your tank based on factors like its size, age, and how many people are in your household.
- Avoiding excessive water use can also help keep your septic system in good condition. It’s best to space out water-heavy activities like running the dishwasher or washing machine, and showering or bathing so you don’t overload the tank with a large amount of wastewater all at once.
- Proper waste disposal is also essential to maintaining your septic system. Avoid pouring non-biodegradable things like grease, chemicals, paints, and cleaners down the drain, or flushing anything other than toilet paper and waste down the toilet. If you experience drainage issues like clogs, gurgling pipes, or foul odors coming from the drains, our team can help identify and fix the cause.
We want to make sure you have all the information you need to keep your septic system in excellent condition, so we encourage you to reach out to our team if you have questions or concerns or need to schedule a septic system service.