Many people move from the city or suburbs to a piece of land in search of peace and a rural lifestyle. Oftentimes, the peace you went looking for can’t be attained within the boundaries of city water.
So, now you have a septic system.
If you're a new homeowner with little to no knowledge about septic tanks, have no fear. FJ Rabon Construction has compiled an entire crash course on septic systems just for you! Hang on until the end of this article and you will learn everything you need to know about your new septic system, including:
- How Septic Systems Operate
- What You Need to Know About Your Septic System
- The Pros and Cons of Septic Systems
That being said, let's dive right in!
How Does A Septic System Work?
A septic system accumulates wastewater and waste from the appliances in your house (toilets, garbage disposals, washing machine, etc.) and stores it within a drainfield in your yard. A pipe gathers all the wastewater from the house and transports it to an underground, waterproof septic tank.
The solids (known as "sludge") sink to the bottom, while floatable debris (known as "scum") floats to the top. Both are contained by the tank and are pumped out regularly by a professional.
The middle layer is composed of liquid wastewater that exits the tank into an underground drain field in the yard, where it disperses into the soil.
Beneficial bacteria breaks down organic molecules while the soil filters out pollutants.
Things To Know About Septic Systems
If you are a homeowner who is accustomed to city water, there is a good possibility that you have very little knowledge about septic systems. Having said that, there are some things you should know before buying a home with a septic system.
Get Your System Checked Out
To avoid difficulties, septic systems must be monitored and serviced regularly. Pipe integrity, adequate ventilation, and drainage must all be checked by septic system professionals.
They will look for leaking or clogging and attempt to identify possible issues before they become major ones.
Inspections should take place along with your service every three to five years. You should get the inspection history if you purchase a home with a septic system.
Reviewing this data will alert you to previous system concerns, such as overgrown tree roots or clogged pipes. It will also ensure that you are up to date with the timing of your last inspection so you can stay on track when you move in.
Prior to purchasing your home, consider enlisting a septic system professional like FJ Rabon Construction to inspect the system. Contact us for a septic system inspection by clicking here.
Understand Your System's Specifications
You should be aware of the septic tank's parameters. The size will determine how often it must be pumped. This is important to consider if you plan to add an addition to your home or if your usage is higher than normal for the size of your tank.
It is also important to make sure you’re aware of the installation date of your system. The lifespan for septic systems is generally about 20-40 years, if maintained properly. The best way to extend the lifespan of your system is to take care of it.
The cost of replacing your tank is between $3,000 and $10,000 on average, depending on the size of the tank and where you live.
Make Plans For Regular Maintenance
A septic tank should be inspected, maintained, and pumped regularly to avoid problems.
Typically, the sludge will need to be pumped out and disposed of every three to five years. Depending on the size of the tank, this can cost between $300 and $600. What happens if you don't pump your septic tank? Find out by clicking here.
You could also utilize natural ingredients to assist in breaking down the sludge. These, along with the bacteria and enzymes that break down the sludge and scum, can help boost the number of microbes in the tank. Using additives may lengthen the duration between tank cleanings. Learn more about septic tank additives and why they work by clicking here.
At FJ Rabon Construction, we use Bio-Tab. This is a flushable septic tank additive that keeps your system running smoothly all year long. Contact us today to order yours today.
Watch What You Pour Down The Drain
Many things should not be flushed down the toilet, whether you have a septic system or a public sewage line.
However, with a septic system - once you flush something, it’s not quite “out of sight and out of mind”. It will come out of your pocket, if you’re not careful!
Clogs can be caused by hygiene products, paint, grease, oil, hair, dental floss, paper towels, or cat litter. These obstructions can cause leaking pipes and overflowing sewage.
Ensure that the materials you flush are safe for septic tanks and will degrade over time.
Bleach can also be hazardous since it destroys the beneficial microorganisms that break down sludge. Make sure you and your family members are aware of what can and cannot be flushed to avoid issues with your septic system.
Understand What Can Go Wrong
Septic systems can malfunction, especially if they are not properly maintained. Leaks, damaged and clogged pipes, and a flooded drain field are all possibilities when it comes to septic systems.
If your yard floods and there isn't enough weight in the septic tank, the tank may move or float, causing the pipe to burst.
If there is excess liquid in the tank or drain field, the tank may not drain rapidly enough - or at all.
This might produce backflow issues if you use a lot of water daily, such as when running a dishwasher, or washing machine or taking showers and baths.
Recognize the Symptoms of Potential Problems
It’s important that you, as the homeowner, are able to recognize possible problems before they become serious issues. Unusual smells, strange plumbing sounds, delayed drainage, and backflow into your drains are all indicators that your septic tank needs to be inspected and serviced.
Conserve Your Water Usage
Conserving water is helpful for several reasons — for example, it’s better for the environment — but it also prolongs the life of your septic system.
The waste in your septic tank separates into layers. The heavy solids fall to the bottom, decomposing and forming sludge, while the light material, such as fat and oil, floats to the top and forms a scum layer. Wastewater is sandwiched between these two layers.
When you use a lot of water, the tank empties faster. Wastewater should rest long enough for particles and scum to separate before being flushed out. This prevents particles and oil from clogging the drain field and tank.
Pros And Cons Of A Septic System
Septic systems differ from town and city-run sewage lines. Each septic system serves one property, whereas sewer systems link whole cities. Sewer lines are more widespread in urban areas than septic tanks on rural homesites.
Many people prefer septic tanks over sewage lines for their many benefits, but there are certain drawbacks too that can occur with septic tanks.
Pros of Owning a Home with a Septic System
More Cost-Effective: Large sewer lines are expensive to build and maintain. On the other hand, a septic tank is less expensive to build and does not require frequent maintenance.
Durability: A septic tank seldom needs to be replaced if properly maintained.
Environmentally friendly: Septic tanks are environmentally beneficial since they do not contaminate the water supply. They eliminate bacteria before the water enters the soil. Furthermore, adjacent plant life absorbs recycled water.
Cons of Owning a Home with a Septic System
Periodic Maintenance is Required - The septic tank should be pumped every three to five years since it's being used regularly.
Blocked Drains: Septic lines can get blocked by various products, many of which should not be flushed or poured down the drain in the first place.
Slow sink and tub draining, as well as slow-flushing toilets, are all signs of a backup. Call a septic professional like FJ Rabon Construction to evaluate the septic system if you see any of these.
Pipe Rupture: If a drainage pipe leading to your septic tank ruptures due to tree roots, a car rolling over it, an accident while excavating, an earthquake, or any other reason, you might be in for a giant mess.
As wastewater seeps into the soil, the ground becomes wet, and you may detect a foul odor. As a reason, the ruptured pipe must be repaired as quickly as possible.
Septic systems are not as scary as you might think. With knowledge and proper maintenance, your septic system has the potential to save you money for years to come. Remember to have your septic tank inspected and pumped every three to five years, and always call FJ Rabon Construction for any emergency repairs. We’re available 24/7 for all your septic emergencies.
No matter what problems you are facing with your septic system, you can trust FJ Rabon Construction to take care of you. We are your local, trusted professionals for all your septic tank installation, repair, and pumping needs. Contact FJ Rabon Construction today by clicking here!