septic-tank.jpgResearch shows that 25 percent of Americans rely on a septic tank for wastewater removal. 

Common causes of septic system failure include inappropriate design and poor maintenance. Understanding your home’s plumbing anatomy is the best way to avoid failure and prolonged plumbing issues like septic tank failure.

What is a septic system?

Before diagnosing the problem, it’s important to understand how a septic system works. Most systems consist of two primary parts: the tank and drainfield. Wastewater is stored and broken down in the tank, and then sent through an outlet into the drainfield.

Tanks get their name from the bacteria used within them. Inside the tank, layers are made from the wastewater. The solids fall to the tank's bottom in order for bacteria to break everything down. The middle level consists of wastewater, and the top layer is "floatables", such as greases, oils, and fats.

Waste that isn't decomposed must be removed manually. If this waste isn’t removed, it's released into the drainfield. This costly repair is harmful to the environment.

Understanding when it’s time to have the septic system drained is based on the following:

  • Number of people in your home
  • Amount of wastewater
  • Volume of solid waste/garbage disposal usage
  • Tank volume

It’s widely recommended to have the system drained every three to five years. It’s also important to stay up-to-date on plumbing maintenance to ensure that the septic tank is working as efficiently as possible.

Septic Abuse

Taking care of your home's plumbing anatomy is the best way to avoid unexpected headaches and costly repairs. Actions in your home directly determine the health of your septic system, including the following:

  • Excessive disposal of kitchen grease
  • Flushing non-biodegradable substances down the toilet
  • Pitching food down drains
  • Putting chemicals into the system
  • Disposing of saltwater

Some factors are less in our control. Mother Nature can cause extensive damage to residential plumbing, so keep an eye out for natural factors and the septic tank's response to the following:

  • Shrubbery in the drainfield or above tank
  • Trees or large roots around tank
  • Heavy rain or flooding

By taking a few steps to ensure the health of residential plumbing, you avoid costly repairs.

Septic Tank Maintenance

A professional should examine the plumbing system at least every three years. They can diagnose leaks, scum level, and the amount of sludge.

Plumbing Tip: Keep record of any maintenance done to the plumbing. It’ll be beneficial for plumbing maintenance down the road.

Take basic steps to prolong the life of the septic system in your home.

  • Use high efficiency appliances, such as toilets and showerheads, to reduce the amount of wastewater entering the tank.
  • When doing laundry, do as large a load as possible. Repeated use of the washing machine with smaller loads wastes water and leads to greater buildup in the septic tank.
  • Spread the wash throughout the week to limit the stress of the appliance. Doing so reduces the risk of flooding in the septic tank.

Knowing how your home's septic system works makes keeping track of plumbing maintenance much simpler. Stay up-to-date on plumbing maintenance goes a long way in prolonging the system’s life and saving you money on expensive repairs and replacements.

It also reduces your stress levels when scheduling emergency plumbing visits from your local technician.
If it's been a few years since you've had the septic system looked at, consider giving Warner Service a call.

With years of experience in plumbing, we've developed a checklist to help keep you organized with plumbing maintenance. Click on the button below to download:

Download Our Plumbing Maintenance Checklist