Your septic system basically functions as your own miniature waste treatment plant, located conveniently right in your yard. It’s a great solution for properties, like those in Marion, that aren’t connected to a municipal sewer system. It takes all of the wastewater that comes from your house, treats it, and then disposes of it, all by using an efficient, self-contained system. Understanding how it functions is the key to keeping it maintained properly.
The septic system has two main components: the septic tank and the drain field. Wastewater from household items like your shower, toilets, washing machine, and sinks all flow into the septic tank. The tank itself is made of either concrete, plastic, or fiberglass. It provides an ideal environment where a natural process takes place. Solid items sink to the bottom, creating a thick layer, while lighter materials, like oils or grease, float on the top.
Between these two layers is where the magic happens. More precisely, a type of bacteria that thrives in the low-oxygen environment inside your septic tank begins the busy process of decomposing all the matter inside. Without this process, your tank would eventually run out of room to store any of the solid waste that comes into the tank along with the wastewater.
Once the middle layer, also known as effluent, reaches a certain stage of treatment from the bacteria, it flows out into the drain field. The drain field is a series of trenches filled with gravel or other materials that enable a filtration process of the remaining water. Eventually, your lawn absorbs the water, with the soil itself acting as the final filtration process. This water often contains vital nutrients that plants need to thrive, which is why your lawn is often greener near the septic tank. The entire process is safe, efficient, and effective, but without timely maintenance, problems can arise requiring septic repair service.
The Importance of Regular Septic System Maintenance
While your septic system works so quietly and efficiently that it’s easy to forget it’s there most of the time, neglecting to schedule maintenance for it can lead to significant problems down the road. In Marion, like in many rural areas, your septic system is a vital component of everyday life. When you delay septic system maintenance, solids build up inside, clogging the unit and blocking access to the drain fields. This often leads to wastewater coming back into your home and causing health issues, damage to property, and unpleasant odors. Dealing with sewage backing up into the basement is something no homeowner wants. However, regular pumping and inspections can help avoid this.
When your septic system fails, it also affects the environment around your house. Untreated wastewater from an overflowing septic system can contaminate the groundwater, causing harmful bacteria, viruses, or nitrates to enter drinking water sources. These harmful substances have the potential to pollute nearby streams or rivers, causing harm to ecosystems.
A failing septic system also causes an unhealthy load on your plumbing system, possibly straining elements of it to the breaking point. Investing in septic maintenance is a form of preventive care that saves you the aggravation of a failing system and keeps your home and immediate environment safe from harm.
Vital Signs Your Septic System Needs Attention
By recognizing early warning signs, you can get your septic system the help it needs before a major issue strikes. Changes in the rate of draining are one of the most common signs of looming trouble. Slow-draining showers, toilets, sinks, and appliances like dishwashers or washing machines all indicate an issue with clogged pipes, a failing drain field, or problems with the septic tank itself.
You shouldn’t notice any odors at all from your system, so if you’re catching a whiff of sewage odor around your home or yard, it’s possible there’s an issue with the drain field or that the septic tank is overflowing. If the problem is occurring inside your plumbing system, you’ll notice odors coming from your plumbing vents.
Finding a pool of water over your septic tank means it’s not draining properly. The likely culprits include a clogged drain field, soil that can’t contain all the effluent, or an overflowing tank.
Strange, gurgling noises indicate there’s air trapped in your pipes or blockages within the septic system. It’s also a sign that the unit struggles to process wastewater.
While a lush, verdant lawn remains the goal of many homeowners, an unusually green and overgrown patch located right over your septic tank indicates that quite a few of the nutrients are leaking into the soil. This can be the start of a system failure.
The most unmistakable and severe sign of a looming septic system issue leaves no doubt in the mind of a homeowner. Sewage backing up into drains and toilets starts the clock ticking for immediate service. This creates an unpleasant and unhealthy situation, and you’ll need a plumber to address it at once.
By keeping an eye out for these signs, homeowners in Marion have a head start on addressing any septic problems. You can save money with an early fix before these issues escalate into costly damage and repairs.
Essential Septic System Maintenance Tips
Consistency is key to properly maintaining your septic system. A regular pumping schedule tops the list of necessary septic maintenance. How often your unit needs pumping really depends on the size of your household, the amount of wastewater that enters the system, and the size of your tank. As a general guideline, a family of four probably requires a septic system pumping every three to five years. By scheduling regular septic pumping, you’ll avoid blockages and backups.
Properly disposing of waste keeps harmful solids out of your unit. Avoid flushing items that don’t biodegrade, such as diapers, wipes, and feminine hygiene products. Not only do they clog your pipes, but they also damage the septic system itself.
Some other items that shouldn’t go down your drains include:
- Grease or oils
- Coffee grounds
- Food scraps
- Paint and solvents
Harsh chemicals like bleach, antibacterial products, and drain cleaners kill the beneficial bacteria that dispose of your waste in the tank. There’s a wide range of septic-safe cleaning products available to use that won’t damage your tank’s thriving ecosystem.
How Our Services Help Maintain Your Septic System
Keeping your septic system running smoothly requires vigilance and maintenance. At Baker & Sons Plumbing, we’re dedicated to keeping your whole unit healthy with plumbing and drain cleaning and full inspections of your system. We’ll develop an action plan that fits your particular septic usage. Because we’re based right here in Marion, we understand the needs of local homeowners. We’re familiar with the challenges faced by septic systems in the area, and we’ve tailored our strategies to combat them. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and experience in the field mean we’re ready to put effective strategies to work on your behalf.
Understanding the science behind your septic system empowers you to take the necessary steps to keep it functioning correctly, like scheduling regular maintenance and avoiding putting harmful chemicals down the drain. With your partners at Baker & Sons Plumbing, you’ll be able to keep your septic system healthy for many years to come. Contact Baker & Sons Plumbing today for more information about our septic system maintenance services. We can also keep your home’s plumbing in top condition with drain cleaning, leak detection, plumbing repair, and more services.
