We try to anticipate questions you might have about our you septic systems and provide the answers here. If you need additional information send us and email via the Contact Us page.

What is a septic tank system?

A septic tank system is an underground private sewage disposal system. It is the best method of sewage disposal in areas where community sewage disposal facilities (sanitary sewers) are not available and where soil drainage is acceptable.

A septic tank usually consists of two parts:

Septic Tank – A water tight (concrete) container that receives untreated household waste. Solids are retained here.
Tile Field – A series of perforated pipes which distribute the liquid from the septic tank to the surrounding below soil.

How does a septic system work?

Waste material from the house enters the septic tank slowly so that solids and greases can:

Settle to the bottom and form a sludge layer
Raise to the top and form a scum layer

In between the sludge and scum layers is a layer of liquid waste, known as effluent.

When waste enters the tank, bacteria begin to break down the solid materials. This process is called “decomposition”. As a result of decomposition, solids are reduced, leaving a residue behind in the tank. As time passes, the remaining residue builds up and must be removed via pumping to prevent it from entering the tile field and clogging the system.

The center liquid layer flows slowly from the tank into the tile field. Pipes in the tile field are perforated. This allows the liquid to be distributed equally in specially prepared gravel filled trenches. Once the liquid reaches the trenches, it soaks into the soil. The soil then acts as the final filter in the treatment of waste received by the septic system.

Why is it important to maintain your septic system?

Half of all septic system dilemmas are an effect of deprived maintenance. Consider your septic system to be like your car; regular maintenance helps protect your investment. To carry on with a trouble-free system, follow the three M's – maintenance, maintenance, and maintenance!

1. Conserve water
2. Pump your tank on a regular basis
3. Avoid store bought septic stimulators and additives – always ask the pros.
4. Give your septic system a healthy diet
5. Take precautions to defend your system – don’t drive or park vehicles on top of your drain area.

A failing septic system can be very costly. Often times failing systems are impossible to repair and must be replaced. Even when the system can be repaired, the expense is much greater than that of a simple cleaning. A failing septic system can also cause your property value to go down. In other words, “an once of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
A failing septic system is a real health hazard. Sewage may contain harmful disease causing bacteria and viruses. When a system fails, sewage may back up into the house and may also rise to the ground surface over the tile field. Therefore, people and pets may be exposed to these harmful bacteria and viruses.
A failing septic system is a real nuisance. When a system fails, there is the possibility that it will cause damage to your property. Offensive odors in the house and outside area are also results of a failing system.
A failing septic system may also result in the discharge of sewage into nearby lakes or streams, resulting in impaired water quality and beach closings.

What are warning signs that my septic system may be failing?

Any of the following are signs of possible danger:

1. The lawn over the drain area has patches of oddly healthy-looking grass.
2. There are soggy areas, with grey water, or with surfacing sewage on/near the drain area.
3. The lawn on top of the drain area is extremely moist.
4. Sewage starts to back up in the toilet and drains.
5. The sinks, showers, and toilets drain more slowly than usual.
6. There is a sewage stench over the area of your drain.

How often should I have my septic system inspected?

You should have your system inspected and/or pumped at least once every two to three years, depending on your house hold. You may not have knowledge of any present problems, but a packed tank may allow undesired solids to flow into the drain area, which could cause multiple issues. If paper and other solids flow into the drain area it becomes blocked and will not work correctly. A blocked drain area is expensive to repair or replace.

Tips to Help Maintain your System

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!
Septic tanks should be cleaned often to allow proper drainage and to prevent the destruction of your septic field, which could result in thousands of dollars in repair costs. The Health Department recommends cleaning of septic tanks every 1 to 2 years.

The Do’s and Do Not’s of Septic Systems

DO have the septic tank pumped out by a licensed operator every 1 to 2 years.
DO know where it is located and have a way to reach it to be sure it can be pumped easily.
DO limit the amount of kitchen waste you put into the system through the garbage disposal.
DO make normal use of bleaches, detergents, soaps, bowl cleaners or drain cleaners.
DO NOT allow heavy vehicles to drive over the tile field, the drain tiles will be damaged.
DO NOT allow trees and shrubs to grow over the septic field.
DO NOT allow large amounts of water to be drained into the septic tank at the same time.
DO NOT connect downspouts, sump pumps or water softener backwash to the septic system.
DO NOT put harmful materials down your drains such as: fats, oils, septic addictives, solvents or solids (i.e. plastic), paper towels, feminine hygiene products or disposable diapers.

Warning signs

During the natural lifespan of a septic system, the amount of solvents and waste that enter it can possibly lead to a system failure if not properly maintained. Luckily, there are warning signs that your septic system is close to failure. If you are able to pick up on these warning signs in time, giving us a call may prevent serious damage.

Warning signs of a septic system failure include:

Odors, surfacing sewage, wet spots or lush vegetation in the drain field area
Plumbing or septic tank backups
Slow draining fixture not due to local clogging
Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system

If you notice any of these signs or if you suspect problems with your septic tank system,

please contact All Pro Sep-Tech, Inc. for assistance.

One of our friendly professionals will be able to provide your septic system with the proper care it needs.