How To Care For Your Septic System
Pumping Out Your Septic System
Over time, your septic system will fill up with waste. This waste will need to be removed from the system manually. The way this solid waste is removed is through the process of pumping. We recommended that you hire a pumping service to pump out your septic system.
On average, a septic system needs to be pumped out every 2-3 years. Please also note that the pumping schedule may need to change depending on usage as well as the number of people in your household.
What If I Don’t Pump My System?
Not pumping a septic tank can lead to disastrous results. Here are just a few of the bad things that could happen: foul odors escaping from the drains in your home, drain backups, home flooding, and standing water in your septic field. This is why it’s crucial to keep track of how full your tank is through personal or professional inspection!
How Do I Treat My Septic System?
It’s wise to treat your septic system regularly in order to keep your system flowing and free from backups. We recommend using a Septic System Digester. Septic System Digesters come in a variety of different dosage methods and brands. Using a Septic System Digester on a regular basis will save you a ton of money in the long run!
Is It Necessary To Treat My System?
In an ideal world, a septic system treatment is not necessary, but unfortunately issues can indeed arise from not using a treatment method. Backups, clogs, and foul odors can result if you do not regularly treat your septic system.
Can I Damage My Septic System?
Septic systems work using a delicate bacterial balance to break down your waste. Using harmful or caustic chemicals can kill off that bacteria and bring the breakdown process to a halt, leading to backups and odors.
Not only can you damage your septic system by using improper chemicals, but it’s also possible to cause issues through overuse. Overuse can vary depending on your septic system, but it’s best to avoid activities that involve sending high volumes of water through your septic system in a 24-hour period.
Environmental factors can also present issues to septic system users. Tree roots can spread out and cause damage to the septic tank itself. These issues can be extremely costly, so making sure root systems are controlled around your system is crucial for septic system owners.
How Long Will My Septic System Last?
A well-built and maintained septic system should last at least 40 years or more.
Call our team today for professional septic services!
Common Questions
Septic Systems Near A Well
If your system is properly constructed, it shouldn’t be an issue that it’s located near a well. But if you’re worried about cross-contamination issues, leaks, etc., be sure to contact a septic system inspector and set up a time to have your well water tested.
Do I Have To Pump My System? What Happens If I Don’t?
Yes. You do need to pump your system. Over time, your septic system fills up with waste. This waste needs to be removed from the system manually. Otherwise, the waste will back up into your house, cause odors, and lead to other costly repairs. The way this solid waste is removed is through the process of pumping. We recommended that you hire a pumping service to pump out your septic system.
On average, a septic system needs to be pumped out every 3 years. Though using a septic digester treatment, you can extend that time between pump outs. Please also note that the pumping schedule may need to change depending on usage as well as the number of people in your household.
Do I Have To Treat My Septic System? My Pumper / Neighbor Says I Don’t Have To. What Happens If I Don’t?
It’s highly recommended that you treat your system for a couple of reasons. First, treating your system regularly will extend the period between pump outs, saving you money. Second, treating your system gives you peace of mind knowing that you won’t experience any unwanted odors or slow moving water through your system.
Can I Damage My Septic System?
Septic systems work by using a very delicate balance of bacteria in your tank that break down your waste. Using harmful or caustic chemicals can kill off that bacteria and hinder the breakdown process, causing backups and odors.
Not only can you damage your septic system by using improper chemicals, but it’s also possible to cause issues through overuse. Overuse can vary depending on your septic system, but it’s best to avoid activities that involve sending high volumes of water through your septic system in a 24-hour period.
Environmental factors will also present issues to septic system users. Tree roots can spread out and cause damage to the septic tank itself. These issues can be extremely costly so making sure root systems are controlled is crucial to septic system owners.
Can I Overuse My Septic System?
It’s possible to cause issues through overuse. Overuse can vary depending on your septic system, but it is best to avoid activities that involve sending high volumes of water through your septic system in a 24-hour period.
Can I Plant A Garden On Top Of My Septic Field?
Many septic system owners opt to use the water from their septic system to water their garden. This can be a very good use for that septic system water, but caution does need to be used when choosing what to plant. Avoid anything that has a deep or complicated root system. Also be sure to avoid anything that requires you to dig more than a few inches into the ground as you do not want to upset the balance of the septic system below.
It should also be noted that water from your septic system CANNOT be used to water any gardens containing any food that will be consumed. Some sources indicate that it’s safe within a certain amount of feet, but here at Unique, we suggest that you avoid it altogether, simply for the sake of being overly cautious.
How Gray Water Systems Work
A grey water system gathers all the water not linked to your septic system. This water does not contain any traditional waste and comes from places like bathroom sinks, showers, bathtubs, and laundry lines (NOTE: Kitchen sinks and dish-washing lines are NOT part of the grey water system, as they contain food waste). The water from the grey water lines runs through a small filtration system then into a small holding tank, generally only large enough to hold a few gallons of water. From this holding tank, the water makes its way through a network of lateral lines and out into an abbreviated (or smaller) leach field system that operates similarly to that in the traditional septic system. The water from this grey water system is then generally used to water a garden, line of trees, etc.