Questions To Ask About Septic Systems

New homeowners have many questions about their homes. This could be anything from “What kind of permit do I need to make improvements?” or “Who do I talk to when I need a handyman?” First-time homebuyers are faced with these questions and many more as they may not have any experience with the complexities of owning a home.

If you are one of the 60 million people in the United States served by a septic system, then there are a few additional things that should be on your list of questions. Septic systems are an excellent option for removing wastewater from your home. However, there are plenty of questions that you should be asking your septic contractor.

We have put together a list of some of the most commonly asked questions facing many homeowners who have a septic system to help get you started.

What Is A Septic System Anyway?

Septic tanks are essentially a holding tank that separates wastewater from solids utilizing a variety of different systems. Septic systems are decentralized, meaning that they are not connected to the city-provided sewer system. Therefore they must be able to appropriately filter out waste before wastewater reenters the environment. These wastewater treatment systems consist of several main components.

Septic Tank: This is the primary component of the system where the wastewater from a home or building flows. It's usually a large, buried container made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. The tank holds the wastewater long enough for solids to settle to the bottom and oils and grease to float to the top. Bacteria in the tank help break down the solids.
Drain Field: Also known as leach field, absorption field, or soil absorption field, the drain field is a network of perforated pipes or chambers buried in trenches filled with gravel or other porous materials. The effluent from the septic tank flows into the drain field, where it percolates through the soil. The soil acts as a natural filter, removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients.
Soil: The soil below the drain field serves as the final treatment and disposal area for the wastewater. The soil's microbes further treat the effluent by removing harmful pathogens and nutrients.

When wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines, and everything else that is considered wastewater leaves your home, it enters the septic tank through the inlet pipe. Once it is inside the tank, the solids settle to the bottom to form sludge, while oils and grease float to the top to form scum.

Bacteria then begin to break down the organic matter in the sludge and scum. The partially treated effluent exits the tank through the outlet pipe and flows into a drain field, where it percolates through the soil and undergoes further treatment. It is eventually absorbed.

What Takes Place When Your Septic Tank Is Pumped

Over time, the solids will build up in your septic tank and need to be removed. When it comes time for your tank to be pumped, your technician will pump out all of the accumulated sludge scum and excess liquid from the tank.

Once the technician locates the septic tank, they will open the tank by removing the subterranean lid and inspect the tank. Once they are sure that there isn't any damage, they will hook up a vacuum truck and begin pumping all of the liquid, sludge, and scum into the truck's tank. They will then clean the septic tank.

Once the tank is clean, they will inspect the system, replace the lids, and then take the waste to a designated disposal facility so that the waste material can be properly treated and disposed of.

Why Is My Yard Flooding Around My Septic Tank?

While there can be a host of reasons why there would be standing water in your yard, a few of them can be related to your septic system. In some cases, heavy rain can cause your septic tank to overflow. Also, a break in your main line can cause issues. Another issue that may cause ponding is a blockage in your leach field. In this case, your leach field will need to be cleaned and jetted.

How Often Should I Get My Septic Tank Pumped?

The frequency of septic tank pumping depends on several factors, including the size of the tank, the number of people in your household, and your water usage habits. As a general guideline, it's recommended to have your septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years.

However, households with larger families or higher water usage may need more frequent pumping, possibly every 2 to 3 years. It's also wise to have your tank inspected regularly by a professional to assess its condition and determine the appropriate pumping schedule for your specific situation.

What Should I Avoid Putting Into My Septic System?

Maintaining the health of your septic system is vital to ensuring that your wastewater is treated properly before it reaches the leach field. To maintain the health and functionality of your septic system, it is important to avoid disposing of certain substances or materials into it. Here are some things you should never use or dispose of in your septic system:

Non-Biodegradable Items: Never flush non-biodegradable items such as plastics, sanitary products, diapers, cigarette butts, or paper towels down the toilet. These items can clog your system and cause serious damage.
Household Chemicals: Avoid pouring harsh chemicals like bleach, disinfectants, pesticides, paint, motor oil, or solvents down the drains. These chemicals can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the septic tank, hindering the decomposition process and potentially harming the environment.
Grease and Cooking Oils: Pouring grease, fats, or cooking oils down the drain can lead to clogs in both your plumbing system and the septic tank. Instead, dispose of these substances in the trash or recycle them if possible.
Medications and Personal Care Products: Flushing expired or unused medications, as well as personal care products like lotions, creams, and soaps, down the toilet can introduce harmful chemicals into the septic system and groundwater.
Excessive Water: Be mindful of water usage to prevent overwhelming the septic system. Avoid running multiple water-intensive appliances simultaneously, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and showers, as this can flood the system and lead to backups.
Heavy Solids: Large quantities of solid waste, such as food scraps, should be disposed of in the garbage or composted rather than flushed down the toilet.

Overall, owning a home with a septic system can seem like a daunting task, but it is honestly just as simple as being connected to a sewer system. Each wastewater system has its pros and cons but all in all, they are mostly the same. They take your wastewater and filter it so that it is safe to reenter the environment.

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