Septic Tank Maintenence

Feb 4

Duane KingArticles, Home & Garden, Plumbing, Septic , , , No Comments

I have been asked the following questions numerous times over the past several years and also recently, ” Why do I need to have my septic tank pumped? ” and ” How often should I have it done? ”

I have always felt that I can best answer these questions by explaining how a septic system works.

Basically the system has two parts, the SEPTIC TANK and the DRAINFIELD.

Household waste leaves our homes via drain pipes then enters the septic tank where solid waste is separated from liquid waste. Heavy solid waste sinks and accummulates on the bottom of the tank (sludge), light solid waste floats to the top and accummulates on top of the water inside the tank (scum). The area between the scum and sludge layers is liquid (effluent) which, in theory, should be the only substance that leaves the septic tank via drain tile and then enters the drainfield where it is distributed over the underlying soil, absorbed and filtered by the earth, and becomes part of the same water we get out of our wells for drinking, bathing, and cooking. What a lovely thought huh?!

Generally speaking, the septic tank should be cleaned out (pumped) every 3 – 5 years to prevent the accumulated scum and/or sludge from leaving the tank and entering the drainfield where it can clog the tiles and/or soil pores.

If you would like more information about Septic Systems or Wells please contact me