Basic Function and Maintenance of the Home Septic System
Every home with indoor plumbing has a way of flushing away the waste products of the household; whether that is a local sewer system or a septic system usually depends on the house's location and its internal plumbing system. Septic tanks are usually in place for homes far away from the city center in rural areas. They have their own set of maintenance needs and drawbacks, but if they are given the proper attention, they keep the inhabitants healthy and the surrounding area free of the contaminants of raw sewage.
Parts of a Septic System
When people think of the word septic, they tend to think of it as a negative thing. By definition, septic means something is infected with bacteria, which is usually harmful. In the case of the septic system and the microorganisms involved in the wastewater cleansing process, septic is actually a good thing. The thriving bacteria of a septic system clean the water and make it safe to return the water to the surrounding soil. While bacteria are a major component, this article will discuss the inorganic components that comprise the actual structure of a septic system. The septic system has two main parts: the septic tank and the drain field.
The Septic Tank: This is the first wastewater stop as it comes from the main drainage pipe. It is a watertight container made of several materials, including concrete, fiberglass, and polyethylene. The tank allows the effluent (another name for wastewater in the tank) to settle and separate, creating three layers within the tank:
- Scum: This is the layer of floating waste in the tank, usually cooking oils and the like
- Effluent: This wastewater will eventually flow into the soil absorption field
- Sludge: This is the bottom layer composed of solids and inorganic matter that the bacteria cannot break down
The Drain Field: This area, also called the soil absorption field, is where the bacteria do most of the work. The effluent flows into the perforated pipes that make up the drain field, allowing the bacteria to neutralize other harmful microbes. The water then slowly drains out of the pipes, often through a loose layer of gravel, and returns to the soil.
Warnings of Septic System Malfunction
Septic systems normally do their work without complaint or hiccup, but a few indicators indicate that a home requires septic systems repair. Septic tank repair or replacement can be especially onerous and expensive as it can involve digging up the old tank. Hopefully, one can catch the problem through these early warning signs:
- Extremely green and spongy grass growing in the drain field
- Foul smells in the area of the tank or drain field
- Sewer backups into the house
- Slow draining throughout the home
- Yard flooding
If these signs are present, a homeowner should immediately contact a reputable septic service provider.
Maintenance and the Septic System
Regular, professional maintenance is key to maintaining any household system. The septic system is no different. Septic system maintenance is primarily septic tank maintenance, although there are sometimes clogs in the drain field that need clearing. Pumping the septic tank is vital for a properly functioning septic system. A homeowner should have this done regularly and consult a professional on how often one should empty their tank.
About B&L Plumbing
For more than 2 decades, B&L Plumbing has served the inhabitants of Colorado Springs, CO, and the surrounding areas. They are veteran-owned and offer 24-hour emergency service with no after-hours charge. Call them today for personalized solutions and expert plumbing service!
