If you know you need a septic tank pumping very soon, a phone call should be made to a septic system expert before you intend to have a limited number of last short showers. Let’s look at some warning signs your septic system is close to full, and how you can help your septic system run optimally. Read more.
How does a septic tank system work?
Like a city’s sewer system, a septic system takes all wastewater from your kitchen, dishwashers, toilet, showers, sinks, and laundry to the septic tank. The septic tank separates oils, grease, and coarse solids into three layers, sludge, scum, and partially treated wastewater.
Sludge: includes feces, toilet paper, plastic, and solid wastes that settle to the bottom where naturally occurring bacteria slowly condense them. However, the solids accumulate faster than they are broken down and need to be pumped out. Otherwise, they will leak out and clog the septic drain field.
Scum: Soaps, grease, and fats float to and remain at the surface of the septic tank.
Primary or partially treated wastewater: This water sits in the middle of the tank and consists of soluble organic contaminants and some suspended solids. This wastewater is transferred to the drain field or a second chamber, depending on the kind of septic system.
Read our Cornerstone post on all things Drainage Contractor vs Plumbing professional; What is the Difference Between a Plumber and a Drainage Contractor?
Tips to keep your septic system working longer and better:
“Your septic system is failing” are not words you want to hear. Avoid costly surprises by setting up regular septic pumping maintenance.
Follow our tips to help your septic system perform optimally:
- Be cognizant of the amounts of solids (toilet paper, paper towel, kitchen waste) that go to your septic system; fewer solids will optimize/increase the amount of time between pumping.
- It is better to do one or two laundry loads a day than many loads all in one day. A septic system with too much water forces solids to rise and clog the system.
- Use less detergent. The phosphates cause problems because natural bacteria cannot break them down.
- Make sure your septic system is large enough for your household size. Call Best Plumbing and Drainage Contractors to assess your capacity if you’ve just moved to a new home or have extra people living with you. We have all the equipment required for your job.
- Pump your septic tank regularly.
- Do not put plastics or inorganic matter (tampons and diapers) into your drains. Your septic system cannot break these down, which will mean more frequent emptying.
- Use an effluent filter; this catches solids ensuring they aren’t released into the drain field. Additionally, it will forewarn you the septic tank needs pumping. It is preferable to clean a filter to being surprised with a clogged septic tank.
- Do not put chemicals down your drain. Chemicals cause problems for the surrounding soil and can kill the natural bacteria in the septic system.
Signs of a full septic system:
Regular maintenance and pumping of a septic system will keep it working optimally, so you aren’t met with sudden problems. However, there are a few indications you must take action right away:
- The area around your septic bed is spongy when it hasn’t rained.
- The grass over your septic tank is greener than the rest of the lawn.
- A number of your household drains are running slowly.
- A sewage backup is evident.
- A sewage odour emanates from your septic bed outside or from drains inside your home.
Contact online or call Best Plumbing and Drainage Contractors at (519) 438 6565 for all of your septic system requirements.
This post was written by Allan
August 15, 2022
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