Septic Tank Maintenance and Repair

A septic tank is a buried, water-tight container that holds wastewater until bacteria decompose it. Heavy solids sink to the bottom and form sludge, while oils and grease float to the top and create scum.

Liquid waste exits the tank through a pipe into the drain field, where soil and gravel filter and purify it further. This process is called percolation. Contact Septic Tank Armadale now!

A septic tank is an underground, water-tight container that treats wastewater from your home’s toilets, sinks, and drains. It uses natural processes and proven technology to break down solid waste, allowing liquid to pass through. A septic tank can be used when city sewer systems are unavailable, or for smaller homes that don’t require the capacity of a larger system.

When wastewater reaches your septic tank, it undergoes a settling process. Heavy solids and sediment sink to the bottom, forming a layer known as sludge. Bacteria in the septic tank decomposes this sludge, releasing a layer of lighter material called scum that floats on top of the wastewater. A baffle wall separates the scum and sludge from the clear liquid wastewater (effluent) that exits the septic tank. The effluent then seeps into the ground through a perforated pipe in the absorption field. Here, gravel and soil act as biological filters to further purify the wastewater.

Your septic tank should be inspected regularly to make sure that it works properly. In some cases, it may be necessary to have the septic tank pumped. If a septic tank is not pumped when it needs to be, the sludge layer can clog the outlet pipe and cause wastewater to backup into drains in the house.

You can help keep your septic system functioning correctly by being careful about what you put down your drains. Items such as paper towels, baby wipes, and paint rags can clog the pipes that go out to your septic tank. It is also important not to flush medications down the toilet, as they can kill the bacteria in your septic system.

Once the septic tank is working properly, it should only need to be pumped every 3 to 5 years. When it’s time to have the septic tank pumped, it is important that you call a licensed septic tank service. The pumping process removes the sludge and scum layer that is building up and slowing down bacterial action inside the tank. Your inspector will recommend how often you should have your septic tank pumped based on the size of your household and how much wastewater it handles.

Maintenance

Many homeowners choose to live outside the city limits for privacy, a larger yard and more room to spread out. But that choice comes with the responsibility to manage a septic system for household waste treatment and disposal. Keeping these systems in good working order requires more than just routine pumping and inspections. The little things you do in your everyday life can have a big impact on how well your septic tank and system work.

Most septic tanks are made of concrete or a durable plastic. They have one end that connects to an inlet wastewater pipe, and the other to a drain field. The septic tank holds the pre-treated wastewater before it enters the drain field, where it’s absorbed into the ground.

Septic tanks require regular maintenance to keep the bacteria inside them alive and active. The bacteria break down the solids in the wastewater and make it safe to return to the environment. The gases produced by these processes must be vented to avoid a build-up that could block the flow of wastewater or kill the bacteria. These gases are released through a vent in the septic tank lid that typically has a mushroom shape and can be fitted with a charcoal filter to reduce odors.

Adding chemical or biological additives to the septic system can upset this delicate balance, so avoid them if you can. There are many products available that claim to accelerate the breakdown of septic system waste by introducing extra bacteria. But these can disrupt the natural bacteria and can cause clogged pipes and other problems.

The septic tank and drain field are usually located in a flat, open area of the yard that’s separated from other landscaping features and shrubbery. Keeping these areas clear of obstructions will prevent soil compaction that can interfere with the leaching process. It’s also a good idea to not park cars or plant trees or shrubs over the septic system. The weight of the vehicles can damage tank and pipe seals, and digging over the septic system may disrupt the bacteria that breaks down the sewage and returns it to the earth.

Repairs

When a septic tank begins to leak, or the system has other problems, there is a need for repairs. These can range from a simple septic tank cover replacement to a complete leach field replacement. A septic tank repair company can help determine what the problem is and make any necessary repairs. Repair costs vary based on the type of tank and the work required. For example, a plastic septic tank tends to have lower repair prices than a concrete one. The septic tank lateral lines (also called percolation pipes) are another costly component that can require attention. These pipes are what directs the effluent into the soil, and a faulty lateral line can mean that the entire system is a failure.

A septic tank alarm is often used to alert the homeowner when the system needs to be pumped. This is usually because the septic tank is full of scum and sludge. The plumber will use a special device, called a sludge judge, to figure out the volume of the scum and sludge in the tank. The tank will also be inspected for cracks, leaking walls and other structural issues that could need to be repaired or replaced.

Wet areas and foul odors in and around the home are signs that something is wrong with the septic tank or drainfield. If the septic tank has been in place for many years, the system might have reached the end of its lifespan and no longer be able to accept waste.

A new family moving into the home might cause a system problem as well. This happens because the household’s water usage can change the amount of bacteria in the septic tank, and these beneficial organisms may die out. This can be avoided if the household reduces its water consumption while the tank population recovers.

If you are a septic tank owner, make sure you keep good maintenance records and have the system regularly inspected by a professional. This can prevent a system failure and allow you to sell your home with confidence that the septic tank is working properly.

Replacement

When it’s time to replace a septic tank, there are several important considerations. First, homeowners should obtain multiple quotes from companies specializing in septic system installation. Then, they should ask about financing options that may be available from their contractor. Finally, they should seek out local and state grants or incentives that may be available to assist with the cost of a new system.

A septic tank is an underground watertight container, usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It collects all the wastewater from household plumbing, including toilets, showers, washing machines and dishwashers. Solid waste settles to the bottom of the tank, forming sludge. Fats and oils float to the top, where an exit baffle prevents them from leaving the tank with the liquid waste. The septic tank then discharges the waste into the drain field area, where it undergoes further microbial treatment.

The septic tank links to the drain field, also known as a leach field, through a pipe that is buried underground. The microbial process that begins in the septic tank continues in the drain field as the effluent percolates through the soil.

Over time, the septic tank can become full, which requires it to be emptied. Typically, tanks need to be emptied every three to five years. If the tank is not emptied regularly, sludge can build up and clog the outlet pipe, which causes wastewater to back up into home drains.

A leaking septic tank needs to be replaced immediately to avoid sewage contamination of the groundwater and/or your well. This is because the contaminant, hydrogen sulfide, can seep into your water supply and cause illness or even death. Depending on the severity of the leak, a replacement septic tank can be quite costly.

If you suspect your septic tank is nearing the end of its life, or you have issues with a septic tank backup, contact Wind River Environmental today for an inspection. We have the expertise and equipment necessary to quickly, efficiently and affordably repair or replace your septic system. We can also provide a land survey and other services, such as percolation testing, that will help to keep your costs down.