One of the most dreaded home maintenance tasks is dealing with septic tanks and keeping the entire waste system clean. Although indeed a dirty job, failure to devote regular attention to such an important part of the home can cause major problems, both with the physical properly on which the system is located as well as for the surrounding environment. As easy as it would be to ignore, it is vital to regularly schedule service with a local septic truck company to pump out and clean the tank. It is also important to know what is required in between cleanings in order to avoid an emergency call to handle a clogged system.
Regular Maintenance
An average home uses a septic tank of about 1,000 gallons, which is usually sufficient to accommodate the normal use a family of four. It is recommended that a tank be pumped and emptied once every 3 to 5 years to remove the solids and sludge that will not decompose any further than already done. Doing this allows a septic system to function properly and remain free from backing up or saturating the drain field. Regular maintenance avoids problems and does not allow the septic system to overfill or back up.
Avoid Problems
The purpose of a septic system is to receive waste into the tank, where it decomposes and separates; the water drains into the drain field and the solids are periodically pumped out by septic trucks. What is not often realized is that many of the items sent down interior drains or toilets are causing an upset in the balance of decomposition, which will eventually cause the tank to fill up sooner than normal or even back up.
To prevent such problems, it is recommended to not allow the following items to enter a septic tank and system:
Grease - This will clog pipes and make it hard for drain fields to absorb water. If a drain field cannot absorb water coming from the septic system, a new one will be required, which is costly and takes time.
Chemicals, Strong Detergents, and Cleaners - Chemicals and cleaners in the system are potentially hazardous once they leach into the drain fields, killing the bacteria that is necessary to decompose the solids in the tank. If decomposition does not occur, tanks fill up quickly and need pumping more often.
Non-Degradable Items - Kitty litter, tampons, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, disposable diapers, and even paper towels either decompose too slowly or not at all, causing the tank to fill up quickly or even clog. Garbage disposal units should be used carefully and sparingly, since much of the material sent into the septic from a garbage disposal can decompose; however, it can also cause solids to build up quicker than normal in the tank.
Drain Field Maintenance
Avoiding the introduction of the above items into a septic system eliminates most blockages and allows wastewater to be absorbed into the drain field. Since this area may always be a little soft, know where it is located and do not drive or park on it to avoid damage to the actual buried pipes. Keep trees from growing close to this area as tree roots can disturb pipes and even cause cracks in cement tanks.
By following these tips and suggestions, few problems should be experienced with a septic tank system, which will make a big difference when pumping time arrives. The goal for a well-maintained system is to be serviced quickly by a septic truck only every few years. If proper maintenance is routinely handled, there is little more to worry about with this wastewater system than to make a phone call to schedule a routine visit – how simple!
About The Author :
Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Septic Truck For Sale, go to the main website at:http://www.vacuumtrucksales.net.
Regular Maintenance
An average home uses a septic tank of about 1,000 gallons, which is usually sufficient to accommodate the normal use a family of four. It is recommended that a tank be pumped and emptied once every 3 to 5 years to remove the solids and sludge that will not decompose any further than already done. Doing this allows a septic system to function properly and remain free from backing up or saturating the drain field. Regular maintenance avoids problems and does not allow the septic system to overfill or back up.
Avoid Problems
The purpose of a septic system is to receive waste into the tank, where it decomposes and separates; the water drains into the drain field and the solids are periodically pumped out by septic trucks. What is not often realized is that many of the items sent down interior drains or toilets are causing an upset in the balance of decomposition, which will eventually cause the tank to fill up sooner than normal or even back up.
To prevent such problems, it is recommended to not allow the following items to enter a septic tank and system:
Grease - This will clog pipes and make it hard for drain fields to absorb water. If a drain field cannot absorb water coming from the septic system, a new one will be required, which is costly and takes time.
Chemicals, Strong Detergents, and Cleaners - Chemicals and cleaners in the system are potentially hazardous once they leach into the drain fields, killing the bacteria that is necessary to decompose the solids in the tank. If decomposition does not occur, tanks fill up quickly and need pumping more often.
Non-Degradable Items - Kitty litter, tampons, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, disposable diapers, and even paper towels either decompose too slowly or not at all, causing the tank to fill up quickly or even clog. Garbage disposal units should be used carefully and sparingly, since much of the material sent into the septic from a garbage disposal can decompose; however, it can also cause solids to build up quicker than normal in the tank.
Drain Field Maintenance
Avoiding the introduction of the above items into a septic system eliminates most blockages and allows wastewater to be absorbed into the drain field. Since this area may always be a little soft, know where it is located and do not drive or park on it to avoid damage to the actual buried pipes. Keep trees from growing close to this area as tree roots can disturb pipes and even cause cracks in cement tanks.
By following these tips and suggestions, few problems should be experienced with a septic tank system, which will make a big difference when pumping time arrives. The goal for a well-maintained system is to be serviced quickly by a septic truck only every few years. If proper maintenance is routinely handled, there is little more to worry about with this wastewater system than to make a phone call to schedule a routine visit – how simple!
About The Author :
Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Septic Truck For Sale, go to the main website at:http://www.vacuumtrucksales.net.
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