Septic System Service Background Information

A residential septic system treats all wastes exiting the home. The wastes flow from the home into the septic tank buried underground. The septic system is a three part system which includes pipe, tank and a leach field. The ultimate purpose of the septic system is to separate wastes so that only clean water exits and re-enters the environment. The septic tank decomposes wastes through bacteria which are part of the outflow along with the household waste exiting the home.

A leach field incorporates perforated piping sitting on a layer of gravel and arranged in a pattern. The piping rests buried slighly below the ground's surface. Clear water will flow out of the septic tank and through the perforated piping and then filters through the gravel and enters the soil. It will also travel through the ground and evaporate into the air. Only normal household waste can travel through the septic system or else both the system and the environment can be damaged.

Septic System Problems

Problems occur in a septic system when organic material exits the septic tank and then enters the leach field. The result will be clogged pipes which will, in turn, send untreated household waste into the soil and ground water. Having untreated wastes in your soil and water can be a threat to both your family and your communiity.

Septic System Treatment

Care of your septic system requires: 1) the tank to be pumped regularly and 2) the bacteria not to be compromised by the presence of other household chemicals. Chemicals such as detergents, bleach, cleaners and solvents can kill bacteria and reduce the bacteria count to an insufficient quantity to help filter the solids in the septic tank. Likewise household garbage is not to enter the septic system. It will only clog the system.

The frequency of pumping a residential septic tank depends on several factors. The primary ones includ: 1) the volume size of the tank 2) number of people residing at the home 3) number of laundry loads, toilet flushes and showers and 4) care taken to exclude non-organic products from entering the septic system.