FAQs - Why Septic Cleaning is Important
and other useful Information
All Septic Tanks need Cleaning (Pumping). There is no exception to this Rule.
What maintenance is needed? - The septic tank and the drain fields (leach fields) must be properly maintained. With conscientious Septic maintenance, the system should work correctly for many years. Such maintenance begins with water use and waste disposal habits. Since your family will determine which materials enter the system, you should establish rules for proper use and maintenance
Tips for Maintaining your Septic Systems:
- Do not put too much water into the septic system; typical water use is about 50-70 gallons per day for each person in the family.
- Do not add materials (chemicals, sanitary napkins, applicators, and so on) other than domestic wastewater.
- Restrict the use of your garbage disposal.
- Do not pour grease or cooking oils down the sink drain.
- Make a diagram showing the location of your tank drainfield and repair area.
- Install a watertight concrete riser over the septic tank to simplify access for Septic Cleaning.
- Periodically have the solids pumped out of the septic tank. (Septic Tank Cleaning)
- Maintain adequate vegetative cover over the drainfield.
- Keep surface waters away from the tank and drainfield.
- Keep automobiles and heavy equipment off the system.
- Do not plan any building additions, pools, driveways, or other construction work near the septic system or the repair area.
After a few years, the solids that accumulate in the septic tank should be pumped out (This what everyone refers to when they are speaking of "Septic Cleaning") and disposed of at an approved location. If not removed, these solids will stop the tank from efficiently processing the biological material. This will create a accumulation of sludge material in the drainfields(leach fields), and clog the pores (openings) in the soil.
This blockage severely damages the drainfields. While some clogging of soil pores slowly occurs even in a properly functioning system, excess solids from a poorly maintained tank can completely close all soil pores so that no wastewater can flow into the soil. The sewage effluent will then either back up into the house or flow across the ground surface over the drainfield. If this happens, you may need to construct a new drainfield on a different part of your lot. Pumping the septic tank after the soil drainfield has become completely clogged will not rejuvenate the system. It will provide only a few days reprieve until the tank fills up again.
There may be alternatives to try cure your drain fields but they are never a guarantee. If they work they will save you a ton of money. If the alternative doesn't work then the homeowner is in for a costly repair. Septic systems are very efficient and cost effective for homeowners but like any system they need to be maintained.
PLEASE CALL US FOR YOUR SEPTIC TANK CLEANING.
Call or email us Today!! Waiting too long to pump you septic tank could cost you!
(919) 434-9776
jhebert@neuseriverseptic.com
please see:
EPA Homeowner's Guide for Septic
http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/extension.html (scroll down to septic system information)