Learn the Basics About Your Septic System

There are many people who own houses with septic systems yet do not know the basics about how this system works. While there is little you need to do to maintain a septic system, you should know the basics on how it functions. This can help you prevent problems and identify issues when they first occur. Here is a basic overview of how septic systems with drain fields work.

From Drains to the Tank

Everything that goes down your household drains goes through your indoor plumbing and out to your main sewer line. This brings all the solid and water waste from your home to the septic tank. This journey is the first area problems can occur, such as clogs or issues with the sewer pipe.

Septic Tank Decomposition

The septic tank is where the solids from your waste are broken down. Enzymes and bacteria decompose solids, creating a layer of sludge and effluent, a liquid waste substance. As the tank fills, the effluent overflows out of the tank and a pump or gravity bring it to the distribution box for the drain field.

Filtering Waste Through a Drain Field

The last step in the septic system process is the drain field. The distribution box feeds several perforated pipes that let the effluent seep into the soil. The waste water is filtered as it goes through the soil and clean water joins the ground water below.

Knowing the path and parts of your septic system can help you identify problems. Keep up with routine maintenance which your local septic service company can do for you, including pumping your tank every few years and having annual inspections and service.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

 

3 Tips on How to Extend Your Septic System’s Life

Replacing a septic system can be a major expense. Depending on the size and other factors, a septic replacement can cost $10,000 or more. If you own a home with a septic system, you want to ensure your system will last as long as possible. With regular maintenance and preventive care, many septic systems can last for decades. Here are three tips to get the longest life from your septic system.

  1. Reduce waste. The more miles your car drives, the quicker it will need service or repair. The same is true for your septic system. The more waste it must process, the quicker equipment will wear out. Consider employing waste-reduction tactics in your home. Don’t use a garbage disposal – that puts too much solid waste down the drain. Use water efficient fixtures and keep water use low.
  2. Protect your system. One of the biggest causes of failure in septic systems is clogged or broken sewer lines. Make sure you keep heavy equipment and vehicles off your yard where sewer lines and the drain field are located. A broken pipe can back up the system and lead to septic failure.
  3. Regular maintenance. One of the best ways to extend the life of your septic system is with regular maintenance. Like your car, your septic system needs service. Replacing equipment as needed, cleaning out sewer lines with hydro-jetting and regular pumping from your septic professional can prevent damage to the system and prevent septic emergencies.

Investing in preventive care for your septic system is a worthwhile expenditure, especially when it can delay the need for a septic replacement. You can extend your septic system’s life by many years, saving you thousands of dollars.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC 1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

 

Septic Maintenance Reminders

Septic systems have unique needs for maintenance to avoid expensive repairs and service costs. Although you may be aware of many of these rules, it is always good to remind yourself and everyone in your home of these tips to avoid septic problems. Here are a few reminders that can keep your septic system working great and septic expenses low.

  • Ditch the garbage disposal. Although garbage disposals are handy, they also are hard on your septic system. On average, homes with a garbage disposal and a septic system must pump their tank twice as often as one without a garbage disposal. Consider composting as an alternative.
  • Items to keep out of your drains. Remember, everything that goes down your drain goes into your septic tank. Food items to keep out of your drains: coffee grounds, vegetable peelings, seeds, oil and grease. Non-food items to never flush or put down the drain: feminine hygiene products, disposable wipes, cotton swabs/balls, medications, anti-bacterial cleansers, bath oils, chemicals and any other inorganic materials.
  • Schedule annual inspections. Stop big problems before they begin with annual septic inspections from your local septic service company. Your local professionals can spot minor issues before they become large, expensive problems.
  • Protect your drain field. Remember to keep your drain field protected from vehicles or other heavy machinery driving over the area. The small pipes located under the soil can be crushed, causing a septic backup and possibly septic failure.

With regular maintenance and avoiding some common irritants to your system, your septic can last for decades. Stay on a regular service and maintenance program with your local septic service company to avoid major septic repairs and failure.

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA
(770) 927-7926