How Septic systems work
Maintaining and cleaning septic systems can be a challenge. The septic tank is a system in the home that contains the solid waste instead of sending it to an unavailable municipal sewage system.
To work efficiently, the septic tank must allow all of the solid waste to settle at the bottom of the tank and allow the scum to rise up to the top surface. As a result, the excess liquid is then drained out into the leaching field where it returns back into the soil. This is an effective wastewater solution because it allows the bacteria in the system to naturally break down all of the solids inside the tank. Even so, it often requires that it be pumped out periodically when the proper balance of bacteria to solid waste is disrupted for a variety of reasons.
Conserving Water
The septic system of any home is designed to only handle a specific amount of liquid at a time. Because of that, it requires a delicate balance between the amount of liquids to solids in an effort to maximize the efficiency of sending the liquids out to the leaching field. As a result, it is important that households conserve water every way that they can. This means avoiding leaky or running faucets and toilets. In fact, homeowners should consider the installation of high-efficiency or low flow toilets, shower heads and valves.
Another way the household can conserve water is to wash laundry in full loads. This will eliminate wasting water. To do this requires spreading out the use of the laundry room. Performing heavy loads all at the same time can easily create overwork septic systems that can easily disrupt the balance of solid waste to available water. Choosing to the laundry one day each week or spreading large loads out over various days is an easy way to ensure the longevity of the septic systems.
Avoid Large Debris
In fact, the garbage disposal in the home should be used sparingly. This is because all of the food from the garbage disposal can easily clogged the leaching field and require the draining of the system. In fact, it is best not to use the garbage disposal at all when all of the water and waste go into the septic systems.
Sometimes, pumping the tank is required. This can typically costs hundreds of dollars. In addition, if the tank needs to be dug up, the company will usually charge more.