A septic system consists of a septic tank and drain field, and in some cases a pump tank for those who cannot gravity feed to the drain field like here in many parts of Pasco County. Septic systems can last for decades, if given the proper maintenance along with some helpful tips and knowledge that all homeowners should know.
Contact Info: Name: Billy Fowler Email: [email protected] Organization: ASAP Advanced Septic & Drainage, Inc. Address: 5011 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33617 Phone: (813) 986-6070
5 Tips to Keep Your Septic System Running Clean
Septic systems fulfill a crucial function for many homes and businesses, especially in rural areas, though many people are clueless as to how they work. While septic tanks are usually low-maintenance systems, they can become extremely tricky and expensive if something goes wrong. A basic knowledge is important to anyone wishing to avoid future problems with their septic tanks.
What is a septic system?
Septic systems are small-scale sewage treatment systems that are used in areas not connected to a sewage system operated by the government or a private company. They are often used by homes and farms in rural areas where it is too costly to connect to faraway sewage mains. Septic systems work by pumping wastewater from bathrooms, kitchens and laundry facilities into effluent tanks, which process the waste and then disperse it onto a septic drain field.
What is a septic tank?
What happens to waste that doesn't decompose?
Some of the contents of the effluent tank will not decompose; therefore it is important to empty the tank occasionally. If tanks are not pumped the septic tank can fill with undecomposed substances that will be pumped into the drainage field. This can result in environmental problems as well as expensive repairs. How often the tank needs to be pumped clean varies depending on its size, the number of people using it and the outside temperature. Because there are so many variables, there is no rule of thumb for how often the tanks should be pumped: some need it every few years while other can go between 10 and 20 years without pumping. Have a professional inspect your tank to let you know when it needs to be pumped.
Typically, a 3 bedroom home with 2250 sq ft of living or less has a 900 gallon septic tank and can be used here in Pasco County . The septic tank receives all the waste water from a home. This includes showers, toilets, washing machine, dishwasher and sinks. According to the American water works association, the average person uses about 70 gallons per day on average. The family of 4 would add up to 280 gallons a day. So, just imagine how fast your septic tank will fill up, and how much water must flow through the tank to make it out to the drain field.
Washing Machine Lint Traps
While having a septic system at home is great, it is also a big responsibility. You need to get your pump cleaned every two or three years depending on various factors. This should be done so that the whole system works smoothly and you won't have to keep repairing or even replacing the tank.Important Factors to ConsiderLifestyle: The two major lifestyle factors that affect the septic system are the age of people living in the house and the amount of water that is used at home. Age is an important factor because houses with young children and growing families often use a lot more water and they don't really watch what is being put down the drains. On the other hand, older people, especially couples living on their own, often do not use as much water. So when there is less water being used at home, less solid mater is put down the drain along with the water.When you get your tank pumped, it is advisable to get it inspected as well. Most companies who offer septic services also have certified inspectors who will let you know if there is any damage to the septic system and if any repairs need to be conducted. If you can put in this little effort and ensure that the whole system is cleaned out and inspected occasionally, your septic tank won't only last you for years but it will also work smoothly and manage wastewater effectively.
Through consistent septic tank pumping, and by following these important tips can help avoid costly backup and also increase the life of your system.
How To Properly Clean Your Septic Tank
Maintaining a septic system is not a difficult job. As a matter of fact, it won't cost you a lot to maintain one. If you need some tips to care for your septic system, we suggest that you follow the tips given below.Perform Inspections FrequentlyIdeally, you should inspect your installation once every three years. For this, we suggest that you hire a good professional. Typically, household tanks are pumped once every 3 to 5 years. Moreover, alternative systems that have float switches, mechanical parts or pumps should be checked more frequently. Below are factors that can help you determine how often you should check the system.· The size of your septic tank· Amount of solid in the wastewater· Wastewater generated· Photographic solution· Flushable wipes· Condoms· Diapers· Coffee grounds· Cigarette butts· Paper towelsMaintain The Drain fieldYour drain field is part of your septic system. It removes a large amount of contaminants that get out of your septic tank. Given below are a few things that you can do for its upkeep.· You should never drive or park in the drain field· If you plant trees, plant them away from the drain field.· Keep your sump pumps, roof drains and other drainage systems a bit away from the drain field place.So, if you have been looking for a guide for taking care of your septic system, we suggest that you use the tips given in this article. Hope this helps.
Septic tanks are a great solution for remote or urban property owners who either cannot or do not want to be part of a municipal sewage system. A septic system is connected directly to the pipes of the residence or business and serves as an immediate filter and containment unit for water-bound domestic waste. There are certain risks related to the installation and maintenance of a septic tank; such risks have resulted in rules that need to be followed to protect the environment and property especially with the regular removal of the contents of the tank by a vacuum truck.
Frequency
Depending on the size of the unit and the household, a tank must be emptied every three to five years. This is necessary not only because of space limitations but also because the tank needs to be inspected with some regularity to check for cracks, leaks and blockages. Other reasons are as follows:
Emergencies – Pumping can also become necessary in cases of emergency. Sewage backup and drain clogging may occur due to blockages which need to be cleared immediately to keep the problem from escalating. Flooding can cause similar problems.
Precautionary Measure – Emptying the primary container can also be a precautionary measure when there are many household members; parties with many guests; or other circumstances where many people would be using the toilets.
Odors – Sometimes tanks are suctioned due to permeating sewer odors escaping from the system as that could be a symptom of leaking gas needing to be repaired separately. Evidence of septic failure must be attended to immediately by a professional repair company.
Selling Property – It is also customary to pump out the septic system before selling property.
Septic tanks serve a very useful purpose for many households. As long as properly maintained by regular pumping, cleaning and inspections, they should correctly function under all conditions and for a long service life. Hopefully this information will be helpful in knowing how a septic tank is cleaned!
Follow these safety tips given below when inspecting your septic system:
1. Septic tank lid
Make sure that the access port of your tank is covered with a solid lid. Make sure that the lid is strong enough. Kids should not be able to open it. If you have no idea as to how to install the system, you can call a professional for help. The company will be more than happy to help with the inspection.
2. The tank opening
You should never lean over the septic tank opening. The reason is that the gasses that come out of the tank may knock you out. You may also fall in the tank, which may prove fatal.
3. Driving Over The septic system
Driving heavy machine on the ground where the tank system is buried is not a good idea. Actually, you may have to bear heavy costs in order to get the broken pipes repaired. So, make sure you don’t drive heavy equipment or machinery on the ground where you buried the tank system.
Contact Info: Name: Billy Fowler Email: [email protected] Organization: ASAP Advanced Septic & Drainage, Inc. Address: 5011 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33617 Phone: (813) 986-6070
How Is a Septic Tank Cleaned?
Septic tanks usually handle waste liquid and scum daily. If a tank is filled to capacity, scum and effluent have no place to go but to back up to into toilets, sinks, and drains. To prevent this embarrassing and disgusting scenario from happening, septic tanks must be cleaned out at regularly scheduled intervals. This process is not something that can be done alone but needs a specialized device to safely remove the sludge, scum and effluent from the tank and carried to a disposal site. An additional thought is that it is a wise idea to clean a septic tank prior to a big gathering or party to avoid the overloading of sewage water into the septic system that can occur during periods of large usage.
Reasons
It is an unfortunate occurrence for a system to back up during large gatherings such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, weddings, summer barbecues or other such parties. The reason this occurs is that the tank is having trouble due to over usage, a problem that does not usually happen during normal use. The increased waste water entering the tank can't freely flow into the drain field. This can cause a blockage in the sewer line which in turn can result in the effluent backing up into the house. Oftentimes, it is not the large amount of waste water but something foreign that has been flushed down the drain that causes the obstruction. Although this could possible be handled by using a plunger to remove the clog, frequently the main problem is in the septic system itself.
Using vacuum trucks, elimination of septic waste is very simple, although this should always be accomplished by a professional that is equipped to handle the job. Vacuum trucks are used to remove the effluent, scum and sludge at scheduled intervals as well as prior to big parties. It is indeed a good idea to pump the tank before a party to avoid clogging the sewer line caused by over usage; however, the best practice is to establish and maintain a regular pumping schedule to extend the life of the system. So have that party and have no sewage system problems to ruin the event!
What Are Septic Tanks and How Do They Work?
Where your waste goes after it gets flushed down the toilet isn't something that many of us think about very often, nor should it be. Thanks to technological advances in the last century, plumbing and public sanitation has become much more convenient, hygienic and precise. The vast majority of those of us who live in metropolitan areas have our home sewer lines tapped into the city sewer mains, which means that our waste travels to a public treatment plant to be processed. For homes and businesses that cannot tap into public sewer lines, however, using a septic tank is an option that provides similar results in a different manner.
They are large holding tanks for sewage, almost always located below ground. They are usually constructed of plastic, and are often able to contain many weeks worth of waste. A septic tank can generally allow for the permanent disposal of waste in one of three ways: by being pumped out on a regular basis, by having bacteria or chemicals applied that eats away the waste naturally, or be allowing the waste to be dispersed naturally into the ground through a leech field. In all of these cases, septic tanks usually require less maintenance than you would think after the initial installation is complete.
If you think that you might need to have a tank system installed at a home, business or constructions site, make sure that you research local contractors to see who offers the best prices and service. Thanks to modern technology, you shouldn't notice any discernible difference between being attached to a public sewer system and using a septic tank.
Septic Tank Maintenance
Septic tanks may not be the most pleasurable thing to care for, but it's important that you keep your septic tank clean. If you don't, chances are it will become backed up. This can cause over flow in not only your toilet, but sometimes bathtub. There are special tools and products that can help keep your septic system clean. There are also chemicals that can help the bacteria grow within the tank so your waste dissolves faster.
There are many items you should not put down your drain. Water, waste and some bio-degradable items are acceptable. Things such as feminine products, soil, grease and insecticides are just a few of what shouldn't go down the drain. Should any of these items go down into your drain, you risk backing up you septic system.
The health department may recommend that your tank be cleaned manually, especially if there are many residents in the household. Cleaning inside the tank allows for the sides and bottom to be scrubbed and washed. A contractor can be hired to do this type of dirty work. However, an individual can do it alone if they wished. Using a high pressured hose, the insides of the tank can be cleaned. This is the best time to check for any cracks or leaks.
Caring for a septic tank is not hard, but necessary. There are large fines involved should you not care for your tank properly. Health departments see a damaged septic system as a major health hazard not only to you, but to those in your neighborhood.
Is Vinegar Safe for Septic Tanks?
Understanding septic systems capabilities and limits is needed to ensure water quality. A septic system is a type of On-Site Sewage Facility and is a self-contained, underground waste-water treatment system. By using natural processes to treat the waste-water on-site, septic systems do not require the installation of miles of sewer lines, making them less disruptive to the environment. A septic system consists of a septic tank, a distribution system and a soil absorption system, also called a drain field. The septic tank is a watertight box, sometimes made out of concrete or fiberglass, with an inlet and outlet pipe. The septic tank treats the waste-water naturally by holding it in the tank long enough for solids and liquids to separate. The waste-water forms three layers inside the tank. Solids lighter than water float to the top forming a layer of scum.Solids heavier than water settle at the bottom of the tank forming a layer of sludge. This leaves a middle layer of partially clarified waste-water. The layers of sludge and scum remain in the septic tank where bacteria found naturally in the waste-water work to break the solids down. The sludge and scum that cannot be broken down are retained in the tank until the tank is pumped. The layer of liquid flows from the septic tank to the drain field. A drain a series of trenches lined with gravel or sand and below the ground. The drain field treats the waste-water by allowing it to slowly trickle from the pipes out into the gravel and down through the soil. The remaining impurities are trapped and disposed of in the soil. The excess water is eliminated through percolation into the soil, and eventually returning to the ground water, through evaporation, and by uptake through plants and transpiration.The Center for Watershed Protection notes that septic systems can be effective methods of water treatment, however failures are common in many areas. Even properly functioning septic systems can leak and are not designed to effectively deal with most of the phosphorus and nitrogen load found in the water it treats. Pathogenic fecal bacteria are also a concern. The primary concern for a municipality is proper maintenance of septic systems, and in some cases the total load of partially treated pollutants that can impact local drinking water and wildlife. A solid understanding of septic systems capabilities and limits, and a good government plan is needed to ensure water quality.
So, these are a few precautions that you may want to take if you are going to work on a septic tank system. This is important should you want to keep you and your family safe around the system. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to call a local septic service in Pasco County. Hopefully, these tips will help.
Understanding septic systems capabilities and limits is needed to ensure water quality. A septic system is a type of On-Site Sewage Facility and is a self-contained, underground waste-water treatment system. By using natural processes to treat the waste-water on-site, septic systems do not require the installation of miles of sewer lines, making them less disruptive to the environment. A septic system consists of a septic tank, a distribution system and a soil absorption system, also called a drain field. The septic tank is a watertight box, sometimes made out of concrete or fiberglass, with an inlet and outlet pipe. The septic tank treats the waste-water naturally by holding it in the tank long enough for solids and liquids to separate. The waste-water forms three layers inside the tank. Solids lighter than water float to the top forming a layer of scum.Solids heavier than water settle at the bottom of the tank forming a layer of sludge. This leaves a middle layer of partially clarified waste-water. The layers of sludge and scum remain in the septic tank where bacteria found naturally in the waste-water work to break the solids down. The sludge and scum that cannot be broken down are retained in the tank until the tank is pumped. The layer of liquid flows from the septic tank to the drain field. A drain a series of trenches lined with gravel or sand and below the ground. The drain field treats the waste-water by allowing it to slowly trickle from the pipes out into the gravel and down through the soil. The remaining impurities are trapped and disposed of in the soil. The excess water is eliminated through percolation into the soil, and eventually returning to the ground water, through evaporation, and by uptake through plants and transpiration.The Center for Watershed Protection notes that septic systems can be effective methods of water treatment, however failures are common in many areas. Even properly functioning septic systems can leak and are not designed to effectively deal with most of the phosphorus and nitrogen load found in the water it treats. Pathogenic fecal bacteria are also a concern. The primary concern for a municipality is proper maintenance of septic systems, and in some cases the total load of partially treated pollutants that can impact local drinking water and wildlife. A solid understanding of septic systems capabilities and limits, and a good government plan is needed to ensure water quality.
