Healthy septic systems are vital to your property and the environment. Regular inspections and pumping help keep your system functioning properly, reducing the risk of costly repairs down the road.

A poorly-functioning septic system can lead to slow drains, unpleasant odors and sewage backup in your home. Preventative maintenance and routine inspections catch these warning signs before they become emergency situations. Visit https://septic-guys.com/ to learn more.

A septic tank is a watertight container that collects wastewater from your toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks, washing machines and dishwasher. Wastewater that flows into the septic tank contains disease-causing germs, chemicals and other pollutants. The septic system treats and disposes of this waste in the soil using natural and technological processes. A septic system is a permanent solution for wastewater treatment and disposal for those homes not served by centralized sewer lines.

The septic tank is usually made of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene and is buried underground. It has an inlet and outlet pipe, and a large central service hole. It is important that the septic tank is located on well-drained soil. Gently sloping, thick, permeable soil is ideal. It should not be clayey, sandy or have a high water table.

Wastewater flowing from your household plumbing enters the septic tank through the inlet pipe. As it fills the tank, solid materials sink to the bottom and form sludge. Fats, oils and greases float to the top and form a scum layer. The anaerobic bacteria in the septic tank break down these organic wastewater pollutants to form gases and liquids. The liquids then flow to the outlet pipe and into the drain field.

Septic tank sludge usually takes up about 35% of the tank volume. The sludge and scum layers should be periodically pumped out to prevent them from overflowing into the drain field and clogging the pores (openings) in the soil.

The inlet and outlet tees extend below the scum and sludge layers. Hydraulic pressure from the septic tank forces wastewater through these tees and into the absorption field each time you flush a toilet. These tees keep the scum and sludge layer in the septic tank and out of your drain field, where it could clog or reduce the efficiency of the absorption system.

A properly installed septic system will include an effluent filter at the outlet of the septic tank. This filter removes any remaining dissolved solids from the liquid effluent. The filtered liquids then seep into the drain field through perforated pipes.

Drain Field

The septic tank is the first stop for household wastewater. Solids settle at the bottom, forming sludge, while oils and grease float to the top as scum. The liquid effluent (wastewater) then flows through the distribution box and into the drain field, a network of perforated pipes in gravel-filled trenches. The effluent seeps into the soil where it’s treated by natural bacteria and filters out of the groundwater supply.

A properly designed and installed septic drain field is essential to the health of your home. It helps prevent groundwater contamination and protects the environment by removing disease organisms from household wastewater before it returns to the water table. Proper care and maintenance ensures the longevity of a septic system.

In order to function properly, the drain field must be constructed of materials that are suited to the soil type and climate of the area. A septic installer will perform a soil test (also known as a percolation test) to determine the drain field’s ability to absorb and filter wastewater. The results of the soil testing will also guide the design and size of the drain field.

The drain field should be situated a minimum of 50 feet from any surface water source, wells and structures. In addition, the drain field should be located at least 20 feet away from any driveway or parking lot. The septic tank inlet and outlet should be located at least 6 inches above ground level. The inlet and outlet should be connected to the septic tank with watertight, 4-inch diameter PVC or cast-iron pipe. The pipes should have a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot toward the drain field to prevent clogging. The pipe should have 6-inch-long inspection ports that extend to the surface of the soil for monitoring and cleaning.

Invasive root invasion, excessive rains or flooding, and improper water usage can all affect the drain field’s lifespan and effectiveness. The most common warning signs of issues with a septic drain field include slow-draining fixtures, wet and spongy areas in the lawn, and foul odors around plumbing. Regular inspections, careful household use, and scheduled septic tank pumping can help to keep the drain field functioning well for years to come.

Leaching Chambers

Unlike gravel-based drain fields, which require more excavation and space, chamber systems utilize precast concrete products to distribute and filter wastewater. Designed to be used in lieu of gravel, the open-bottom design allows for efficient soil absorption and reduces risks for clogs. These structures are perfect for homeowners with space constraints or challenging soil conditions that prevent the use of traditional pipe and stone systems.

Wastewater flows into the leaching chamber from the septic tank, carrying liquid effluent that requires additional filtration before being dispersed into the surrounding soil. The structure is filled with perforated concrete and surrounded by crushed stone, creating a continuous filtration system that enhances wastewater absorption. The design also eliminates the need for gravel, reducing excavation and installation costs.

Over time, natural bacteria break down the contaminants in the wastewater and return clean water to the groundwater supply. To ensure that your system continues to perform well, it is important to minimize household water consumption and avoid flushing hazardous materials such as grease, non-biodegradable wipes, paper towels, harsh chemicals, or pet waste.

Homeowners should also keep an eye out for signs of a clogged or failing leach field, including slow drainage, sewage odors, and standing water. These issues can signal that the system is overloaded, and can lead to more costly repairs down the road. It is also essential to have your septic tank pumped every 3-5 years to remove accumulated solids before they reach the leach field.

Concrete is the preferred option for leach field chambers, as it is durable and resistant to changes in the environment, such as soil shifting or the weight of large vehicles. Choosing the right concrete leach field chamber for your home will reduce long-term costs and ensure that your septic system remains in good condition through its lifetime.

Plastic chambers can also be an effective option, however they are not as durable as concrete and may be affected by changes in the environment or heavy vehicle traffic. The choice of a plastic or concrete leach field chamber is based on the specific needs of each property and will be determined by the system designer. A qualified septic tank and leach field engineer can help homeowners find the right product for their project.

Pumping

Septic systems serve as an alternative for households that aren’t connected to public sewers. The system’s septic tank, distribution box, and leaching field work together to safely and effectively treat wastewater, keeping the household clean and healthy. But the septic system can only perform its role when it’s properly maintained, and that means regular pumping, inspections, and cleaning services.

Over time, solid waste and sludge build up inside the septic tank. If left untreated, these materials can overflow into the drain field and cause serious issues with plumbing. Getting the tank pumped regularly prevents these problems and reduces the risk of sudden failure.

While the septic tank is being pumped, a technician will use a large plastic hose to suck up any sludge or waste that collects inside. During this process, the technician will also do a cursory inspection of the septic system to ensure that everything is functioning as it should.

The pumping process may seem complicated, but it’s far easier than many homeowners assume. A professional technician will arrive in a truck equipped with the proper tanker equipment. Once they locate your tank and access it, the technician will remove a cover and insert a hose into the opening. The hose will then vacuum up all the sludge and waste, and it will take about one hour to complete the entire process.

After the septic tank is empty, the technician will replace the cover and finish the service by inspecting the system for any early signs of wear and tear. Identifying these concerns now helps to lower repair costs and protect the yard, driveway, and home.

While a septic system can last for years, it’s important to get routine septic maintenance and cleaning services to extend its life. Pairing these services with mindful household use helps to keep the septic system running smoothly and increase its longevity. Plus, if you ever decide to sell your property, a documented history of septic system servicing can reassure prospective buyers and boost your home’s value.