Most American homes that do not have municipal sewer service use a septic system to treat and dispose of household waste water. The waste water is routed to a septic tank where it is held for about 48 hours to allow the solid material to separate from the liquid and settle to the bottom of the tank.
The liquid effluent flows to the drain field and leaches into the soil where it is treated and purified through natural biological action. Most of the solid material left in the tank is decomposed by bacteria, but over time a layer of sludge accumulates and must be pumped out of the tank. The frequency of septic tank pumping varies, but every three to five years is common.
Most septic systems have no electrical components and very few moving parts. They are usually very reliable systems unless they have been abused through overloading, failing to have the tank pumped, or flushing chemicals or non-organic material down the drain.
Raw sewage backing up into your home is an obvious indication that there is a problem with your septic system, but there are other more subtle signs that a problem may be developing. For example, smelly, wet, mushy areas around the drain field are an indication of a clogged septic field. Strong sewage odors in the drain lines or around the septic tank are cause for concern as are slow drains.
If you notice any of these problems, have the septic system checked out by a sewer septic professional right away. Septic system problems usually get worse over time and you may be able to avoid more expensive repairs by addressing the problem as soon as you notice it.
