How to Care for Your Septic System

What is septic pumping? It's a process that involves the removal of sludge and other solid materials from your septic tank. These mixtures can form a thick layer at the bottom of your tank, which can lead to problems like clogs in pipes or leach field lines. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it may be time to call for professional help. Read on for more information about this important topic!

The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a professional septic pumping service. This will ensure that your tank is in good working order, and can be serviced before any problems arise.

For more information on the importance of septic pumping services, please call The Sewer Surgeon at (855) 650-7867 for a free estimate!

Here are 5 tips to keep your septic system safe:

1. Use biodegradable soaps and detergents.
2. Avoid putting fats, oils, grease or other foods with a high fat content down the drain. (This includes cooking oil) - Only put human waste and toilet paper in your septic tank.
3. Schedule regular septic service to keep your septic tank in good condition.
4. Keep scouring powders, drain cleaners and other chemicals away from your septic system.
5. Avoid dumping heavy materials into the tank (including concrete)

It's Important to Properly Dispose of Waste

Whether you flush it down the toilet, grind it in the garbage disposal,  or pour it down the drain, anything that goes into a septic tank must be human waste or toilet paper.

There are four major factors that influence the frequency of septic pumping:

• Household size
• Septic tank size
• The Volume of solids in wastewater
• Total wastewater generated

Here is what you need to know when calling a Service provider

When you call a septic service provider, they will want to know the size of your septic tank and how many people live in the household. This information will be used to determine what kind of service is needed.

Your septic tank includes a T-shaped outlet which prevents sludge and scum from entering the drainfield. If the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the outlet, you will need to have your septic tank pumped.

Pumping a septic tank usually takes about one hour. The tank will be pumped dry, then refilled with water and pumping will resume until the effluent from the outlet is clear. A septic service provider may also inspect your septage for solids content in order to determine if you need a chemical treatment or not.

Septic tanks are made of concrete and should be located 30-35 feet from the house and downhill. If there are no setbacks, a septic tank should not exceed 80% of the ground's surface area.

The first step in maintaining your septic system is to check that it has been pumped every three years or so, depending on how many people live in your household. If your tank has been in service for more than 20 years, chances are it needs to be replaced with a new septic tank and drain field.