Get Into the Back To School Spirit with Septic Systems 101

Learn All About the Basics of Home Septic Systems

Though typically not found in the city, septic systems are extremely common in rural areas that don't have municipal sewer systems. Despite how common they are and how vital they are for safe wastewater removal, septic systems are often misunderstood or not given much thought at all. This is understandable, considering they're not exactly the most fun or pleasant thing to think about!

But it's more than worth learning at least a few key septic system basics for anyone whose home uses a septic system. So this article will explain what a septic system is, how it works, how to tell when it's not working properly, and what to do to keep it in good shape.

What Exactly Is a Septic System?

A septic system is an underground structure designed to treat wastewater locally without a centralized wastewater treatment facility. A typical septic system consists of two main parts - the septic tank and the drain field (often called a soil absorption field). The septic tank is a large watertight chamber usually made from fiberglass, polyethylene, or concrete. The drain field is a sort of underground trench that's typically filled with gravel.

Whenever water is sent down the home's drains, it flows into one main drain pipe and the septic tank. As the wastewater sits in the tank, solids sink to the bottom and form "sludge," while grease and oils float to the top and form "scum." The liquid that remains is known as "effluent." While this happens, bacteria in the tank begin "digesting" or breaking down organic materials in the wastewater.

The effluent then flows through a filter and out of the tank, seeping out of perforated drain pipes into the drain field. As the effluent seeps into the gravel and soil in the drain field, bacteria continue to break it down. Having been "treated" by bacteria and filtered through gravel and soil, the now-clean water makes its way down to rejoin the groundwater.

Signs of a Failing Septic System

A septic system failure is something every homeowner dreads. There are a variety of causes, from a buildup of sludge in the tank to oversaturation of the drain field (common in periods of heavy rainfall). Still, the result is typically the same - an overflow of wastewater into the yard or home. This can pose serious health and environmental risks, so it's vital to know how to spot the signs of septic system failure.

Some signs of a malfunctioning septic system include:

• The home's drains are clogged or slow to drain
• Toilets won't flush
• Sewage is backing up out of the drains
• Soggy or mushy spots in the yard (above the septic system)
• Patches of spongy green grass near the septic system (in dry periods)
• Foul odors in the home or yard

If homeowners notice any of these signs, they would do well to call a qualified professional plumber or septic systems repair specialist immediately, as the problem is only likely to get worse.

How To Maintain a Septic System

It's good to know when to call for septic tank repair, but it's much better to know how to prevent septic system failure in the first place. That's where septic system maintenance comes in. In general, it's best to have the system maintained by a professional. A pro can pump the scum and solids out of the tank as needed (typically every 3 years, though more frequent pumps may be necessary for some homes), clean the effluent filter, and inspect the system for signs of trouble.

Between professional septic tank maintenance visits, homeowners can keep their systems in good shape and avoid problems by:

• Minimizing how much solid waste they put down the drains (such as food scraps)
• Using less water (the more water flows into the tank, the slower the process will be, and the more likely it is to back up)
• Watching what they flush (septic systems are only designed to handle toilet paper and human waste)
• Avoiding chemical drain cleaners and other harsh chemicals (these can interfere with the natural bacteria in the septic system)
• Diverting rain runoff from downspouts away from the septic field (if possible)

These simple maintenance tasks, combined with periodic professional maintenance, will keep the septic system functioning the way it should - so homeowners can enjoy peace of mind without having to learn more than they care about their septic system!

Who Is About Plumbing, Inc.?

Since its founding in 2016, About Plumbing has quickly become one of Jefferson County's most trusted and highly rated companies. As a BBB-accredited local business, About Plumbing always provides competitively-priced, personalized solutions and guarantees 100% satisfaction on every job. Their licensed, insured, and background-checked technicians are trained in the latest technologies and industry standards, so homeowners know they're getting the best when they call About Plumbing for septic system maintenance and repair in Jefferson County, MO!

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