August 9, 2016
Though you may not think about your septic tank very often, you and your family depend on the system every day. From washing the dishes, doing laundry, flushing the toilet, to taking a shower, the job of the septic system is to take the waste water from the house into the septic tank.
Waste water leaves the home through pipes leading to the septic tank. The solid waste stays in the septic tank, eventually this needs to be pumped out, while the water leaves the tank through a main drain pipe which branches off into several perforated pipes. Seeping into the ground where waste water is cleaned by soil microbes. The drain field is the most expensive part of the structure and when it is compromised with waste has to be dug up and replaced.
To work properly the septic system needs to be maintained and the septic tank needs to be routinely pumped out.
Common Septic Tank Problems
Sludge Build Up: If a septic tank isn’t pumped regularly sludge can build up and block incoming pipes and clog lines going into the drain field. This can be the reason why septic waste back up into your house, slow drains, and even gurgling toilets.
Non-Biodegradable Items Flushed: Only bodily waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Non-biodegradable objects take up room in the septic tank and don’t break down. Even these so called ‘flushable’ products, often don’t break down enough for a septic tank.
Grease Blockage: Oil, grease and fat are toxic to a septic system. Not only does it clog the drain field, the soil can stop absorbing liquids. If not addressed, it may require a new drain field.
Broken Lines or Leaking Tank: Since roots grow towards water and find their way into the pipe and even the tank, causing disease causing organisms to be released into the ground.
Too Much Water in the Tank: Too much water in the septic tank may not give the solid waste enough time to break down and allowing it to pass through to the drain field.
If you suspect your septic system is having a problem or haven’t had the tank pumped out in a while, contact Orlando Septic Service today.
