Every home owner or renter has heard horror stories about septic tank disasters. You can avoid living your own horror story if you provide basic maintenance for your septic system. Here are the answers to the top questions about caring for your septic or sewer :
Septic Information
Septic Information
What is a Septic System and what does it do?
A septic system is generally made up of two parts: a septic tank and a leaching field. Your septic system stores and treats sewage and grey water from your home before it is released back into nature (and your local water table).
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Do I have a septic system?
Nearly 1 in 4 homes in the United States has a septic system or cesspool. If you live in a large city or your home is served by "town sewer" then you probably aren't actively using a septic system. However, if you live in a rural area or small town, the odds that you use a septic system increase. Many US states require that homeowners certify that their septic systems are functioning properly before they can sell their house. Your local town hall may be able to look up the answer to this question if you don't know.
If it's time to have your septic tank cleaned, this is a critical issue. It can get tricky because the opening is typically buried several feet under the ground. I can tell you from personal experience that it's no fun digging multiple holes in the yard hoping to find the septic tank. If you have a septic system but don't know where the opening is, go through the documents you received when you purchased your home. The previous owner may have included a map. If not, you can call the County Health Department and they may have a drawing on file.
Where is the opening to my Septic Tank?
This depends on a few factors, like how many people live in your household and how large your septic tank is. The general answer is 1-3 years. Most home owners usually have their septic tank cleaned every other year. Consistent maintenance will help keep you trouble free.
How Often does my Septic Tank need to be cleaned?
Why should I bother cleaning my Septic Tank?
Think of all of the waste water that is used in your home. You have waste water from the toilet, water that goes down the drain from when you cook and clean or even when you run the garbage disposal. It is full of food and grease and bugs and all of those things you will never (and hope never) to see again. Some of this matter accumulates at the bottom of the tank or gets stuck floating near the top, lessening the capacity of your septic tank. The septic tank is cleaned by pumping all of the sludgy matter out of the tank to be hauled away and disposed of elsewhere.
Why is my sink/bathtub/toilet draining slow, gurgling or not draining at all?
This condition is common in areas where trees are growing on top of shallow sewer lines. Roots will serve as a source to collect other debris and can cause additional blockages in the line preventing the normal flow of wastewater in the pipe. This can be seen in the top picture on the right.
A cutter on a cable can be ran through the sewer line that will chop up the roots and remove them from the line. The lower photo shows the same line after the roots have been cut.
Having your sewer lines cleaned every one to two years prevents back ups and keeps lines flowing properly. Contact us today to schedule regular maintenance!
