Know the Functionality and Maintenance of Septic Tank Pumping

Many homeowners that live in rural areas are not close enough to a municipal sewage system. They have provided their own by means of a septic system. If it is used properly, a septic system can last as long as the house. There are just a few rules to follow to keep the septic system running smoothly. There are many septic tank plumbing companies that can help explain the rules and help you maintain your system with precise septic tank pumping.

Septic tank pumping is required on a regular basis to remove the sludge and scum that accumulates in the tank. If the sludge and scum in the tank is allowed to accumulate, it has the potential to clog the drainage from the septic tank as well as the drain field. Your local septic service company can perform periodic inspections, as well as pumping and cleaning of your tank, to ensure that everything continues to function as it was intended to.

In general, your septic system consists of a septic tank and drain field, and in some cases a pump tank for those who cannot gravity feed to the drain field.

How It Works

In order to maintain a septic system, it is necessary to understand how it works. Household plumbing drains out into a holding tank near the house. In the tank, solid waste materials are decomposed by natural bacteria and liquid waste drains farther out to the drain field. The drain field comprises several pipes with holes in them that distribute the liquids into the earth. There is nothing too complicated about a septic system.

Sometimes installing a septic tank pump becomes necessary especially in higher elevation areas. This pump works exceptionally well in pumping sewage to a distribution tank from the septic chamber. Thus it ensures the functionality of the overall septic system. Though majority of septic systems is based on gravity but this assistance becomes impractical and sometimes impossible in some cases due to distance or terrain.

Below are some other tips that homeowners should know, to protect their system:

1.    Homeowners should check for leaking faucets and toilets.

2.    Homeowners who do a lot of laundries, such as those with young children, should try to space out laundry during the week.

3.    Avoid the Saturday all-day laundry marathon. Overconsumption of water can lead to drain field failure.

4.    Know the location of the septic tank system to avoid running a vehicle over the system.

5.    Avoid planting trees and shrubbery on or near the septic system. Homeowners often mistakenly plant trees near a drain field. The roots will infiltrate the drain field system due to the easy water source, and grow into the pipes.

6.    Another helpful tip is to avoid putting an irrigation system near your drain field or pump tank. The water from the irrigation system can over saturate your drain field. Also if you have a dosing tank the water can erode the circuit board of your high water alarm.