A septic tank is a part of a septic system and is an efficient means for the collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater and sewage from homes and commercial properties. Septic systems exist in every county of every state, accounting for almost one-third of homes in the United States. You can click here for more information or FAQs regarding septic tanks
and systems.
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Why Does My Home Have a Septic Tank? – Septic tank systems are utilized when connecting to a municipal water source is not feasible. Homes must have a process to contain, treat, and dispose of wastewater from bathrooms, laundry, and kitchens. These are permanent fixtures that require routine maintenance such as Septic Tank Pumping in Sorrento FL.
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What Is a Septic System and How Does it Work? – Septic systems consist of watertight tanks capable of holding up to 2,000 gallons of liquid that are located just below the soil’s surface. All wastewater exiting the home enters the first tank. All solid material sinks to the bottom forming sludge, while substances lighter than water (oils and fats), rise to the top forming the scum layer. After a few days the middle layer known as effluent flows into the second tank through an outlet pipe. This layer consists beneficial bacteria, and phosphorous and nitrogen (fertilizer) and will eventually leach into the drainfield.
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What Is a Drainfield? – The septic system’s drainfield delivers the effluent to the soil. The drainfield is a network of perforated PVC pipes. Since the wastewater is slowly released into the soil, the soil must be sufficiently porous enough to drain ad purify the wastewater.
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How Are Septic Systems Maintained? – One of the most important maintenance needs for septic fields is Septic Tank Pumping in Sorrento FL performed by a septic system technician. The first tank’s primary purpose is to collect and store solid material, therefore, it requires regular pumping. The frequency varies from house to house but typically every five years is the average.
Things the homeowner can do to ensure the longevity of the septic system is to avoid disposing of hazardous liquids or chemicals and oils and grease into the drains. Homeowners should avoid disposing of feminine products and limit the number of items put through the garbage disposal. Never add products to a septic system that are marketed as adding beneficial balance – this occurs naturally through the human waste in the system.
