If you have just bought a home with a septic system, you will need to educate yourself on how these complex systems work in order to maintain it properly. While city sewer systems are maintained by the local municipality, with a septic system this responsibility falls on shoulders of the homeowner. Septic systems can be costly to repair or replace; it’s in your financial interest to learn everything you need to know about your septic system before you start using it.
Septic System Basics
As a septic system owner, there are certain things you need to know so you can properly maintain your system. If the previous owner did not provide you with this information, here are a few things you will need to investigate.
- What type of septic systems do you have? Most conventional systems have a septic tank and a drainfield, with different variations on these types. There are also other types of systems, such as aerobic treatment systems and low pressure pipe systems.
- How old is the system? Septic systems can last for decades if they are properly maintained. However, you should know when it was installed and when the last pumping was completed.
- Where is your drain or leach field? The waste water must be expelled into a drain or leach field, which must be protected. You need to know where this is so you can avoid disturbing or potentially damaging the system.
- When was the last time the system was serviced? If you were not given service records on the septic system, you will want to hire a local septic service company to inspect septic system. A septic tank inspection is often done as part of the home selling process, if it was not, you should have it done now.
Once you are aware of what system you own, you can talk to your local septic company about what maintenance is needed. Since new septic systems can cost thousands of dollars, it is worth taking the time to learn what you need to know to maintain the one you have.
Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro
