According to the EPA, almost a quarter of the homes in the United States make use of a septic tank instead of draining their water into the sewer system. This means that though it might seem like an outdated method of plumbing, the use of a septic tank is still an important method of waste disposal in the country.
Most people who use them find them to be reasonably effective, particularly if they live away from conventional sewer lines. However, it’s important to note that though the use of a septic tank might seem like a self-contained way to control waste disposal, this does not mean that it needs less care than when you use a conventional sewer system. There are many things you need to take into account as the owner of this type of sewer system.
Keeping the septic tank system in good condition has a number of benefits. The most important of these is that it reduces the risk of damage to the plumbing. This can represent a significant cost of ownership for a septic tank system. When well taken care of, you will find yourself spending minimal amounts of money on the maintenance of such systems. In addition to that, it’s also apparent that taking care of the system will also have a positive environmental impact. It’s very easy for the waste to spill into the environment if the system is not well taken care of.
How does it work?
For you to gain a better understanding of how to maintain a septic tank system, you first need to understand the basics of how the system works. Essentially, a septic tank is a container, usually located underground, which is connected to the outlet from the sewer lines in your home. Effluent from the home is directed into the tank, in which the solids settle at the bottom. The liquid part of the waste is deposited from the tank into a drain field. At this point, the water is decontaminated by bacterial action before it’s then deposited into the soil below. By the time it reaches the water table, the liquid is usually free of any dangerous chemicals, all thanks to naturally occurring bacteria in the soil.
When working properly, a septic tank system is an effective system that will reduce the risk of environmental contamination. Some of the things that are necessary to keep it in good condition include:
Regular maintenance
This is one of the most important aspects of keeping a septic tank system in good condition. Always get a high quality plumber to check the state of the system, and to make recommendations regarding how you can improve it. The frequency with which regular maintenance should be done depends on a number of factors including the number of people using the system as well as how large and complex it is. However, as a rule of thumb, you should aim to get it done at least every three years. You should note that such evaluation and maintenance should not only be done when there is a problem with the system.
Practising safe hygiene
There are some hygiene principles that apply to the use of a septic tank, and which you need to always keep in mind when using one. These include making sure that you don’t flush any solids down the drain. This could clog the plumbing, making for expensive repairs. You should also avoid flushing chemicals down the toilet. These could interfere with the bacterial mechanisms that are needed to decontaminate the waste, leading to environmental degradation.
Don’t waste water
You should do as much as you can to economize on how much water you use. Ways of doing this include repairing leaks as soon as you notice them as well as installing low flow faucets. It’s also a good idea to avoid running many devices that require a lot of water to run at the same time. These include dishwashers and washing machines.
Pay attention to the initial design
If you are interested in getting a septic tank system for a new home you want to build, making sure that the initial design is up to scratch is critical. Always ensure that you follow the most current protocols regarding the design of such systems. This will increase the chances of the system actually being beneficial to you, and turning out to be cheap to run as well.
The most effective way to get this right would be by consulting a high quality plumbing company in West Valley for help in design and maintenance of the system. The firms that have been around for some time tend to have more experience in the field, making them the best go-to parties if you need a trouble free system. It’s also wise to look into some of the new technologies that can be used to make the system more efficient.