What You Need to Know About How Septic Systems Work
Whether you’re purchasing a property or building a new home from the ground up in Cleveland, TX, the function and benefits of a septic tank system can be confusing if you’re not sure how a septic tank works. Septic tank service is key to removing wastewater from properties, especially those in rural locations. Here’s what you need to know about the basics of septic tank service.
What do septic systems do?
The primary purpose of a septic system is to remove wastewater from a property that isn’t connected to a sewer line. Wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers and appliances leaves a home through the pipes and enters a septic tank. Tanks are typically made of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene—they hold the wastewater and all accompanying solid matter and let natural processes work their magic to decompose the solids.
The solid matter in the tank, also known as “sludge,” settles at the bottom and builds up over time, creating anaerobic bacteria that breaks down the solids. The resulting byproducts include grease, oil and fats, or “scum.” The scum rises to the top of the tank and is kept separate by a set of baffles, while the remaining wastewater, or “effluent,” flows through pipes into the drain field, where the water is slowly and safely filtered by the soil. All harmful bacteria, viruses and nutrients are removed naturally by the soil.
The main thing to remember about how a septic tank works is that the combination of natural processes and the passage of time work together to safely remove waste from your Cleveland, TX property.
What kind of maintenance is required?
Luckily, after installation, there isn’t too much routine maintenance that needs to be done to your system. You should get your tank pumped out every two to three years by a professional septic tank service. During this process, the technician will perform a visual inspection of all components of the system to make sure it’s in excellent condition. Your technician will recommend any necessary repairs to ensure your system functions for years to come.
Can septic systems malfunction?
With proper maintenance, your system should work properly for up to 40 years. There are signs to look out for in case of system failure, though. The first sign of a problem with your system is slow-moving interior drains and gurgling sounds from exterior drains. Pay attention to any bad odors around the tank, drain field or drains in your home, as well as increased vegetation growth around the drain field. If you notice any of these issues, contact your service professional immediately. It’s likely a minor problem that a professional can fix quickly and efficiently.
Septic tank service is a crucial part of your home’s infrastructure in Cleveland, TX. Always have your tank and components installed and maintained by a reputable septic company to extend the life of your system and keep it functioning efficiently. Contact Cleveland Septic today to learn more about the care and maintenance of your septic system.
Categorised in: Septic System Maintenance