The septic tank holds liquid and slowly biodegradable organic solids that include feces. The heavier solids settle to form sludge, while the lighter solids partially decompose into a layer of scum.
To prevent septic system problems, keep children and pets away from the tank and leachfield. Don’t flush household chemicals or toxins. Divert downspouts and driveway runoff away from the leachfield. Connect with Septic Service Fresno for reliable help.
Septic tanks are a home’s destination for all the wastewater from tubs, toilets, sinks, and other appliances. These buried tanks are designed on a house-by-house basis, and their size largely depends on the number of people living in the household and how much water is used. A large family will use more water than a single person, so they will produce more waste and need to have their septic tank pumped more often.
A septic system includes a piping network that transports the wastewater from the tank to the drain field, where it is eliminated through percolation, evaporation, uptake by the roots of plants, and entering groundwater or surface water. A properly-maintained septic system can last up to 30 years, saving homeowners a lot of money and trouble down the road.
To extend the life of a septic tank, it needs to be pumped on a regular basis to clear out the septage that accumulates within the tank. The septic system tank will fill with feces, slowly-biodegradable organic solids (such as paper towel and toilet tissue), and non-biodegradable solids such as plastic and kitty litter. Eventually, the solids will turn into sludge that will need to be pumped out of the tank before it can overflow and contaminate the leach field or surrounding soil.
Typically, septic tank pumping services include the removal of the liquid and floating scum layer as well as the heavier sludge layer. Some pumping services also involve a cleaning service, which involves using high-pressure water to break down the septage in the septic tank. It is important to have the septic tank cleaned regularly to avoid overflow and sewage seepage into your drain field, which can taint nearby water bodies like creeks and rivers or even contaminate drinking water.
Septic tank pumping services should be performed by certified, licensed professionals who have experience in the industry. They should be able to perform a thorough inspection of the septic system and provide a comprehensive estimate with all the services required. In addition, they should be able to handle any emergency pumping service that may arise.
Inspections
Septic systems are an essential part of many homes, especially those in rural areas without public sewer systems. However, they require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they continue to function properly. If a septic system isn’t properly maintained, it can lead to expensive and messy backups. Regular inspections can catch problems early, helping to prevent costly repairs and replacements.
A standard septic inspection begins with the inspector looking over the septic tank’s access covers and looking for any signs of leaks or damage. They will also evaluate the condition of the tank itself, including the inlet and outlet baffles. In addition, they will look over the distribution box and leach field to ensure they are in good working condition. A flow test is also performed, which verifies the septic system’s sanitary pipe is delivering water to the drain field and that it does not back up into the house.
The inspector will also dig up the septic tank and pump chamber lids to inspect the components inside. They may use specialized equipment, such as a fiber optic camera, to look in hard-to-reach places. After the visual inspection, they will re-bury the lids and replace the sod. They will also take steps to prevent the system from becoming clogged or damaged in the future by avoiding driving, parking or building structures over it.
Having a clear map of the septic system or locating the components with permanent stakes can help you avoid damaging the system when doing yard work or home maintenance. It’s also important to keep trees, shrubs and long-rooted grass away from the absorption field, as they can grow into and clog the pipes. It’s a good idea to get a septic inspection before you buy a home with a septic system, as well as the records of when it was last pumped and inspected.
If you’re selling your home, consider getting a property transfer inspection in addition to a routine septic tank inspection. This inspection will give potential buyers peace of mind and show that you’ve kept up with your septic tank maintenance.
Repairs
Septic tanks have to be pumped regularly in order for them to work properly. The frequency of having yours pumped will depend on the tank size, number of people in the household, water usage and whether or not there is a garbage disposal. In general, your septic tank should be pumped when the solids reach two-thirds of its total volume. When this happens, sewage will start to back up into the house. Having your septic tank inspected on a regular basis and having the solids pumped will help prevent septic system failure and extend its lifespan.
Some septic tank repairs can be simple, while others may take more time and labor to complete. The severity of your septic tank problems will impact the cost and repair timeline. Working with septic service contractors who can offer accurate estimates will help to keep your costs down and make the process as seamless as possible.
A septic system is an integral part of a home or commercial property. If it isn’t well-maintained, the waste from the drains can enter into the groundwater supply. This can cause health and environmental hazards. To prevent this, it’s important to schedule septic inspections on a regular basis and to have your septic tank pumped every three to five years.
The first sign that your septic tank needs to be pumped is slow-draining fixtures. If your tubs, toilets and sinks are taking longer to drain than usual, this could indicate that the septic tank is filling with septage. Another common sign that your septic tank is overdue for pumping is a sickly odor, which can be caused by sewage seepage.
Another septic tank repair that requires immediate attention is when the inlet or outlet baffles are damaged. These baffles ensure that effluent is evenly distributed across the drain field and prevent clogging or system failure. Replacing a baffle can be done fairly quickly, and the average cost is about $500.
To reduce the need for septic system repairs, it is helpful to map out the location of the tank and other components with markers or permanent stakes. This will help you avoid damaging the septic system when doing yardwork or landscaping. Also, it’s a good idea to keep chemicals, paints and other non-biodegradable products away from the septic tank and drain field.
Installation
While it’s tempting to try to do septic tank installation on your own, this is one task best left for the professionals. It requires the skill and precision needed to place the septic tanks, lay pipes, create a drain field, and compact soil to support the system’s integrity. Professionals also know how to meet local inspection and health standards to guarantee a long-lasting, effective septic system.
Whether you’re building new or replacing an old septic system, it’s important to get the right size. A poorly-sized system can cause problems like drainage issues, biomat buildup, and other costly problems. Your septic service professional will help determine the proper tank size for your home based on its occupancy and usage.
After your septic system is in place, regular inspections, pumping, and care will sustain its lifespan. Septic service technicians can also provide septic system rejuvenation services, which are used to restore the functionality of a leach field that’s not draining properly. The process involves a combination of special cleaning techniques and the use of system-cleaning bacteria or chemicals to reduce future buildup.
While many homeowners don’t think about the septic system in their home as often as they do their kitchen or bathroom remodel, it’s important to maintain this crucial part of your house. Keeping the system in good working condition can prevent costly repairs and ensure it’s operating efficiently for years to come.
As a septic system owner, you’ll need to keep an eye on your fuel and water usage as well. The less water and gas you send down your pipes, the better it will be for your septic system and your wallet. The EPA offers tips on reducing indoor water waste, including simple things like turning off the faucet while brushing teeth or taking shorter showers.