Most septic systems work well, and homeowners only give a little thought to their onsite sewage system once there is a problem. Sewage coming to the surface in the house or yard, soggy soil and odor are signs of a system failure.
Remember, only biodegradable waste should enter the septic tank or drain field. Do not flush paint thinner, photographic chemicals, cigarette butts, cotton swabs or other items that kill the helpful bacteria.
It Increases Your Property Value
A well-maintained septic system adds to the overall value of your home. However, a septic system that is in poor repair will reduce the value of your home. If you consider selling your home, a well-maintained septic system will impress prospective buyers. It’s best to have your septic system inspected and pumped before you put it on the market. The Foothill Sanitary Septic can assist with this and other maintenance tasks.
Pumping
Regularly pumping your septic tank will help prevent solid waste from overflowing into the leach field. Pumping can prevent costly problems with your septic system in the future. The plumber will inspect the drain field and septic tank state while pumping to spot any possible issues before they worsen. It will also save you from paying for a septic tank replacement.
Repairs
Septic systems protect our homes and our health, but they need our care to do so. Proper maintenance and regular tank pumping help a septic system last longer and avoid costly repairs. Blackwater (toilet waste) and greywater (laundry, bathtub, and kitchen sink waste) are stored in septic tanks. Billions of bacteria in the septic tank break down and digest solids during a septic system’s main treatment. The partially treated effluent then enters the leach field, which is naturally purified as it slowly percolates through the soil. Limiting heavy water use and only disposing of biodegradable wastes in the system is important. If you have a party outdoors and don’t want to mess up your septic system with crowd waste, you can rent a portable toilet from Foothill Portables. Because portable restrooms are not connected to a traditional septic system, we must employ a different method for securely managing and removing gray water. If you’re considering buying a home with a septic system, request the home’s septic tank permit and soil evaluation sheet. Also, ask the seller whether the system has been pumped or requires any future work. Bacterial treatments can help prevent problems and lengthen the life of your septic system by adding beneficial microorganisms to the tank and leach field.
Inspections
Home inspectors must inspect septic systems before selling a house. The inspection should include visual and complete tank and absorption field tests. A full assessment will involve opening the septic tank cover and checking the sludge level in each compartment. It will also be tested by flushing toilets and running water through faucets to ensure everything drains properly. The inspector will also go to the drain field and look for wetness and sewage odors. The drain field is the final treatment stage for wastewater before it reaches groundwater or surface water. It is a sandy-like material that treats the effluent as it percolates downward into the soil, with organisms in the ground doing the final treatment. Inspectors should ensure no plants are growing over the drain field, which will clog it and need to be replaced. They should also be sure that no structures are built over the tank and distribution box.
Replacement
Septic systems can create health and safety issues if they aren’t properly maintained. In addition to odors, septic tank failure can result in bacteria, pollutants, and poisonous gases entering the home. The septic system comprises two components: the septic tank and the leaching field or drain field. From the septic tank, wastewater travels to the drain field, where the soil processes it. The septic tank must be pumped frequently to prevent solid waste from overflowing into the drain field. The septic tank should also be inspected to check for problems and to determine if it is time to replace it. Avoid damaging the septic system by only putting biodegradable items into your drains, such as cigarette butts, paper towels, tissues, sanitary napkins, coffee grounds, and cotton swabs. Replace outdated toilets that consume 3.5 or 5 gallons of water every flush with modern models that utilize 1.6 gallons instead to reduce water use.
