SEPTIC SERVICES

Septic tank systems are an important, (and generally) unseen priority for all who use them. In recent times, we’re also aware of how septic services directly affect the environment locally and even on a grand scale.

Though you may not be linked to a sewer system and all the convenience and efficiencies that apply, you need the same services that allow for the comfort and sanitation of people who live and visit your home and business.

It is important to keep in mind that care and maintenance of the total septic system is critical to avoid problem issues later, and not contribute to any negative impact on natural resources like groundwater.

The following provides pertinent info for our customers who make use of a septic system and to help them in making decisions that aid and abet the best use of this necessary yet normally hidden component of their lives.

For all intents and purposes, a septic system is not much different from typical urban and suburban sewer systems. A good septic system operates like both a mini sewer system and a micro waste treatment facility, with all waste originating from the household being released into the septic system.

The point at which your septic system ends is where the “environment” begins. What you add to your septic system and how you keep up with its maintenance are essential.
A septic system operates beneath the ground and generally is made up of piping, a large watertight tank, and a “leaching field” where safe waste is disseminated into the soil.

The first septic tank was utilized in England around the turn of the 20th Century. It was then and is still today a system that naturally decomposes waste through the action of native bacteria. The bacteria simply enter the system via the normal waste produced in the household.

What is called the “leaching field” is just a stretch of ground under which is a network of perforated pipes with many perforations that open into a gravel bed. In a properly functioning system, treated water enters the pipe system as it leaves the septic tank. As it drains into this bed of gravel, it is naturally pulled into the soil around it and then it evaporates. Should anything other than clear water come from the septic tank and flow into the leaching field, the leaching field and the surrounding environment will be contaminated.

A septic tank is watertight. When waste from your home enters the tank, organic matter tends to rise to the surface where the native bacteria goes about the business of converting it into liquid. This is normally referred to as the “floating layer.” Material that is not organic and the by-products created by the bacterial digestion sink to the tank’s bottom where they accumulate, creating a layer of sludge. Clear water entering the tank takes up the space between the floating and sludge layers. This layer of cleaner water is essential for a properly functioning septic tank.

Problems arise when material from either of these layers exit the septic tank and move into the leaching field. This action clogs the field’s pipes and brings possibly harmful untreated waste into contact with the earth and the groundwater. It also results in a rather unpleasant smell, which is usually indicates something is wrong.

The care and maintenance of your septic system is a two-part process. The layer of sludge that accumulates at the bottom of your tank will need to be pumped out on a regular basis. This allows for a consistent level and volume of the water layer and decreases the possibility of sludge going into and plugging the leaching field, which leads to contamination of the local environment. There are no magic additives or arcane home remedies that reduce the sludge layer – it must be regularly removed.

The efficiency of your septic system is all about the bacteria that digests the organic matter in the floating layer. It is essential this bacteria be present and active. Keeping a properly maintained system will likely avoid the need for an expensive replacement of the leaching field.

Because bacteria are quite sensitive to many home products and oft-used chemicals, it’s easy to kill off or reduce this necessary part of the system. When that happens, then harmful solids will exit the septic tank and clog your leaching field. This is what will cause harm to your immediate environment.

Bacteria problems arise from the overuse things such as:

• harsh detergents
• bleach
• polish
• drain decloggers
• solvents, cleaners

In most cases, you can help your septic system by using ecologically-safe products (carried by most supermarkets).

When yeast is added to your septic system it creates a fermentation environment, but it does not create more bacteria. Baking soda will raise the pH level of your septic tank but again, adds no bacteria. Keep in mind that over-increasing the pH of your septic tank can actually be detrimental to the septic process. Call us before attempting to utilize home remedies.

And remember, while septic systems are designed to process waste disposal, they are not garbage disposals. They are not capable of receiving an unending deposit of cigarette butts, scraps from the table, kitchen grease, used feminine hygiene products, toxic household products, harsh detergents, etc.

Pumping sludge out of your septic tank must be done on a regular basis for the health of the system. We do this regularly and automatically for our clients, and as-needed. How pumping is needed depends on various factors, including:

• capacity of your tank
• number of people in your household or business
• how often the shower, laundry, toilets are used
• how much inappropriate material is introduced to the system
• quality of design and condition of the leaching field
• the kind of soil that comprises your leaching field