Florida Septic Professional Answers Common Septic Questions
If a property is connected to a septic tank, the homeowner may neglect this plumbing system. However, neglecting septic tank pumping and septic tank maintenance can lead to serious problems.
By educating the homeowner on the basics of the septic tank system, they can be ensured that they are taking the best possible care of their system.
A company in Duval County, Florida, answers the most commonly asked septic questions. Read on to learn some of the answers to the most frequently asked questions about septic systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Systems
What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is a large container that is buried near a home. It receives all of the home’s wastewater. The solid parts settle to the bottom. In contrast, grease and lighter solids float on the top. Healthy bacteria inside the tank continually break down these materials and allow effluent water to leave the tank to be dispersed through a leach field.
Where is the septic tank located?
The septic tank is usually located near the house and connected by a sewer pipe to the indoor plumbing. The pipe is in the basement and measures 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Carefully removing the end can determine the direction of the pipe that leads out to the yard.
The homeowner can look through a flashlight to look through the pipe and a tape to measure the distance to the tank. Using this information, they can estimate the location of the tank. Then, carefully with a shovel or soil probe, this will locate the four corners of the septic tank lids and its probable depth.
How long can septic tanks last?
Private septic systems are temporary. They do not last forever. The lifespan of a septic system depends on several factors, including:
- How well it was installed and maintained
- How much it is used
- How good the soil and surrounding drainage are
Septic pumping is one of the best and most affordable means to maintain a septic system.
What are the dangers of neglecting septic tank maintenance?
Septic tank maintenance is an essential part of ensuring that the home’s wastewater is safely eliminated from the system. When a homeowner neglects septic tank inspections, it can lead to severe problems. For instance, a leaking septic tank can put the entire household at risk of being exposed to hepatitis, dysentery, and other dangerous pathogens.
How often should septic tanks be pumped?
Septic tank pumping is the best way to maintain the septic system. It is recommended to have septic pumping every 3-5 years. Septic pumping frequency depends on household size and water use. Moreover, if a household uses a garbage disposal, they may need septic pumping more often.
What are the signs of septic tank system failure?
There are a lot of warning signs that can tell a septic system is in trouble. When the tank is leaking or overflowing, pools of water or sludge can form in the area around the septic tank. Also, a homeowner may smell a sewage odor in their home.
What should and should not go into the septic tank?
The best situation for a long septic tank life is that only human wastewater should enter the tank. This includes bathroom sink waste and proper toilet tissue. A properly working septic tank can handle biodegradable detergents, laundry soaps, kitchen wastes, and some household chemicals.
Items like cigarette butts, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, and other trash can create problems for the septic tank. Some items can kill the good bacteria that the septic tank needs to break down human waste. Other things do not decompose quickly and may clog the baffles and prevent proper fluid flow inside the tank.
How to take care of a septic tank system?
There are many ways that homeowners can take to maintain their septic systems. For instance, they need septic pumping at least every 3-5 years. Regular septic tank pumping will ensure that their tank does not overflow or become damaged. Moreover, they can preserve the condition of their septic tanks by making sure to send only biodegradable items down the drain.
Choose the Most Trusted Septic Company in Duval County, Florida
When a septic tank malfunctions, it can cause more than just a foul odor. It can also create a major inconvenience and lead to costly repairs.
Homeowners who live in or around Duval County, Florida, can reach A1 Septic Service at any time of the day or night. They offer septic services, including septic pumping, septic system installation, septic inspections, grease trap cleaning, and more.