Septic Tank Services Near Me involves addressing issues and malfunctions within a septic system. Prompt repairs can reduce potential damage, prevent contamination of the surrounding environment, and prolong the lifespan of a home’s septic tank.
Maintaining a well-functioning septic system is essential for household plumbing health and safety. Learn how to recognize signs of trouble and schedule regular maintenance services.
Septic tanks are an essential component of the wastewater treatment process. Wastewater flows into the tank where solids settle (sludge) and oils float (scum). The watery mix flows out into the drain field to be cleansed naturally by the soil. A septic system needs to be pumped and cleaned regularly to keep it working properly.
A septic tank needs to be pumped about every 3-5 years, depending on the size of the tank and household use. It is important to get it pumped on time to prevent overflow. Overflow can cause groundwater contamination, damage to the septic system and costly repairs.
Pumping and cleaning are two key services that every homeowner or property manager should have performed on a regular basis. Getting your septic tank pumped on time and having it cleaned extends the life of your septic system, reduces odors and helps to keep your drain lines clear.
Using natural, non-chemical-based cleaners for clogs is also a good way to avoid calling a plumber and damaging your septic tank. Pouring grease and cooking oil into the drain is another big no-no, as it will clog your drains and septic tank.
The expected life of a septic tank is 20 and sometimes 30 years. If the system is not kept in good repair, it may need to be replaced completely.
In Central Pennsylvania, most townships require septic systems to be pumped every 2-4 years. At the time of septic tank pumping, the service provider must submit a township report.
Most septic tanks are equipped with baffles to improve the removal and retention of solids. The baffles need to be checked and washed on a regular basis. If the septic tank has an effluent filter, it should be washed as well.
If a home or business is not getting its septic tank pumped on a regular basis, the sludge and scum will start to flow out of the drain field into the surrounding environment. This will contaminate the groundwater and cause costly repairs to the septic system and sewage pipes. In some cases, continued neglect of the septic system will result in a complete failure of the underground septic absorption fields.
Inspection
Septic tanks need regular septic tank inspection to ensure that the system is working properly. This prevents solid materials from clogging the drain field, which can overburden the soil with waste and cause wastewater to leak into groundwater. A septic tank inspector can look at the condition of the tank, check for signs of a leaking lid or baffle, assess how solid waste is entering and leaving the tank, and determine if any repairs are necessary. A septic tank is typically buried underground and is only accessible through a manhole or an inspection port. A septic tank inspection should always be performed by a licensed professional. Never try to inspect or repair a septic tank on your own. Toxic gases and lack of oxygen can quickly overcome a person inside the tank and kill them within minutes.
A septic tank inspection includes an initial visual inspection, checking for surface signs of a septic system problem such as wet spots and sewage odors. The technician also checks for ponding water or effluent seepage, which may indicate a leak in the drain field. If the septic tank is full, the technician will pump it out to evaluate the condition of the septic system.
The septic tank relies on natural bacterial processes to break down solid waste and remove it from the wastewater. When too much solid waste accumulates in the septic tank, it can overload the process and result in foul odors. Pumping the septic tank keeps the bacterial balance in the tank and reduces the risk of overflowing the drain field.
Regular septic tank cleaning and routine maintenance also reduces the frequency of septic tank pumping. To reduce septic tank solid waste build-up, homeowners should use low-flow toilets, limit garbage disposal usage, and avoid flushing toxic cleaners, cooking oil, non-flushable wipes (including baby and makeup removal wipes), tampons, diapers, cigarettes, cat litter, paint thinners, or hazardous waste down the drains.
Keeping the drainage area above the septic tank free of vegetation and heavy vehicles is also important. Mowing the grass and removing tree roots can help keep the drainage field clean and clog-free.
Repair
Septic tanks help to keep dangerous waste away from the home, keeping groundwater clean and safe for drinking. But these tanks don’t last forever and must be repaired or replaced at some point. Fortunately, regular maintenance helps to extend the life of the tank and prevent costly repairs.
A septic system treats wastewater from your household by collecting it in an underground tank where solids settle (sludge) and oils float (scum). The clarified water (effluent) is then filtered through the drain field, cleansed by the soil, and returned to the environment. This process is a vital part of protecting your well-being and the value of your property.
The septic tank needs periodic pumping to remove the sludge and scum buildup. Pumping also helps to catch any leaks and structural problems within the septic tank. If your septic tank is metal, it will need to be inspected and possibly replaced as metal tanks are prone to corrosion.
Depending on your system, you may also need to have other components replaced or repaired. For example, some septic systems have high water alarms that alert you to potential septic system problems. If these alarms are not working properly, it could mean that the effluent is backing up into the home. This is a serious problem that should be repaired as soon as possible.
Other common replacements include a septic tank aerator or baffles, the motor in an aerobic system, and the walls of the septic tank itself. It is also a good idea to mow the grass above the tank and keep the drainage area clear of trees or bushes that can clog the system.
If you notice sewage surfacing in your yard or ditches, or have a bad smell coming from the drains or the surrounding soil, you should call a plumber right away for emergency services. A plumber can determine whether your septic system is functioning correctly and recommend a course of action.
Maintenance
A septic system is the perfect solution for rural areas without access to city sewer lines. It also offers independence from expensive municipal sewage systems, but it’s important to maintain the system regularly. If a septic tank isn’t properly maintained, it may develop clogs and other problems that could lead to waste overflow and damage.
Regular septic tank pumping and cleaning are essential to keep the system in good condition. These services ensure that solids are separated from the liquid, so sludge isn’t pumped into the drain field and that the wastewater treatment process is efficient.
Professional septic tank services offer experienced technicians who are trained to handle the job safely. They use specialized equipment to empty the tank and carefully transport it to a disposal site. The process isn’t for the faint of heart, as septic tank pumping and cleaning require handling toxic gases and dealing with the potential for wastewater spills.
A professional septic tank service company can help homeowners establish a maintenance schedule for their septic tanks. The schedule can include a set time for pumping and a set interval for cleaning, as well as other tasks. A septic tank maintenance schedule can also help homeowners avoid the expense of emergency repairs and extend the life of the system.
Leaks are a major problem that can affect septic tank efficiency and cost homeowners money. Homeowners should regularly check for leaks, and call a plumber right away if they find one. If the leak is not fixed immediately, it can result in wasted water and skyrocketing water bills.
The best way to protect a septic system is to prevent wastewater from entering it in the first place. To do so, make sure no items are flushed down the toilet or poured down drains, such as paper towels, diapers, feminine hygiene products and paint. Also, don’t plant trees or shrubs near the septic system or drain field.
Having a septic system is a great option for homeowners in rural areas, but the tank must be regularly pumped and cleaned to maintain its function. By hiring a professional septic tank service company, homeowners can keep their system in good condition and avoid costly repairs.
