Septic Systems 101: Our Septic Company Tests Your Knowledge
If you’re the owner of a septic system, it’s important to know the details when it comes to proper septic care and maintenance. Perhaps you have owned a septic system for years, or maybe you’re a new homeowner just learning the ropes. No matter how familiar you are with septic care, let’s review the FAQs our Tavares septic company gets to reinforce what you already know or help you learn something new.
How Often Should My Septic Tank Be Pumped?
If you’re the owner of a traditional septic system, your septic tank needs to be pumped at least once every 3-5 years. The EPA points out that if you own an alternative septic system, which may have electrical pump-switches, pumps, or mechanical components, it should be inspected more often, about once per year.
Regular pumping and inspection ensure that your septic system stays in good repair, doesn’t develop clogs, and runs well for years to come. It is important to know the risks of what may happen if you don’t schedule regular pumping and inspections. Do you think it may be time to schedule an appointment with our Tavares septic company? If your septic tank hasn’t been pumped in a while, some not-so-pleasant things can begin to take place, including:
Pooling water in your yard
Foul smells coming from your septic tank
Drains that aren’t working as well
Backed-up water in your shower or toilet
Unusually lush, green grass over your drain field or septic tank
If you notice any of these signs appearing in your home or yard, or if you know you’re due for your routine septic pumping appointment, Acme can handle the job.
What Do Words Like “Scum,” “Effluent,” And “Sludge” Have To Do With My Septic System?
Each of these words refers to the contents of a traditional septic system while it is in use.
Scum is the topmost layer of waste material that accumulates on the surface of the fluid within a septic system. This layer is most often composed of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) that flows through your pipes through daily activities such as washing dishes and cooking.
Effluent is the clear, middle layer of fluid that sits in your septic tank. Effluent is the wastewater that remains after it has been separated from the scum at the top of the tank and the sludge at the bottom.
Sludge is the bottommost layer of waste in your septic system. It is composed of solid waste that accumulates through use. One of the main goals of septic pumping is to remove this sludge layer so that excessive buildup does not occur.
When your septic tank is inspected or pumped by our Tavares septic company, we will measure the thickness of the scum and sludge layers. Measuring these layers tells us how well your septic system is processing waste material and if the tank is being pumped often enough.
Can You Pump Your Septic System Yourself?
While it is technically possible to pump your septic tank on your own, this is not a job that should be on your list of DIY home maintenance projects.
Pumping a septic tank can be dangerous and requires handling waste and other chemicals that may be harmful to you or to the environment if they are improperly handled or released. When it comes to septic pumping, it’s always safer to contact a Tavares septic company that has access to professional-grade equipment and can safely manage any waste.
What Is The Average Cost Of A Septic System Replacement?
Why is proper septic care so important? Because the average cost of replacing a septic system is around $3000-5000! That’s a lot of money to spend on replacement, especially if you are able to avoid it.
Septic systems that stay free of clogs, aren’t damaged by tree roots or extreme weather, and are pumped and inspected regularly, can last up to 50 years. Scheduling regular septic pumping and inspection is one of the greatest steps you can take to make sure your septic system lives to see as many years as possible.
Of course, all septic systems need to be replaced at some point. If you think it may be time for a septic upgrade, you can count on the experts at Acme to perform the job for you.
What Is The Average Cost Of A Septic Installation?
The average cost of a septic installation in Florida is about $4.500. This price may be higher or lower depending on the location, size, and type of your septic system.
Acme is able to install any septic system that suits your household’s needs. Make sure to give our Tavares septic company a call if you are in the market for a new septic installation.
What Sorts Of Things Can You Not Flush Down Your Toilets?
Paper towels and baby wipes are always able to be handled by septic systems, right? The answer may surprise you. Though it seems so convenient to flush paper towels down the toilet when you’re done cleaning your bathroom, these, along with other items, are no-nos for your septic system.
Septic systems are built to break down toilet paper and human waste. Anything heavier can cause backups and potential malfunction. Other items that should not be disposed of in your drains or toilet include:
Feminine hygiene products
Cat litter
Dental floss
Coffee grounds
Any type of oil or grease
Make sure you keep your septic system healthy and running for years to come by only using products that are approved to be handled by the system.
What Kind Of Sewage Treatment System Works Best For Rocky or Clay Like Soil?
If your property has rocky, clay-based, or minimal topsoil, alternative treatment units, or ATUs, are one of the best types of sewage treatment systems available. Other benefits of ATUs include:
Serving as an effective miniature sewage treatment plant for your home
Cleaner, faster, and more efficient
Reduces solid waste and other bacteria faster than a septic system
How Is My Septic System Impacted By Landscaping?
Are you wondering if it’s safe to plant trees, bushes, or even a garden above your drain field or close to your septic tank? Before you get into gardening mode, there are some important considerations to make before grabbing your rake and shovel.
Make sure any water-loving trees or bushes are planted far enough away that their roots will not damage your septic system or water lines.
Do not install any pools, underground sprinkler lines, or swing sets over your drainfield.
Any plants or grasses with shallow roots, such as perennial flowers, are safe to plant near your septic system.
Thankfully, there are options for planting near your septic system. Kentucky Bluegrass, certain perennial flowers, and tall fescue grass, for example, can create a less-obvious septic tank cover, and some plants can even support septic systems by preventing erosion.
The EPA has a convenient list on its website that helps homeowners decide what plants and structures will or will not work near septic systems.
How Did You Do? Expert Or Novice, Acme Is Here To Help
Maybe you answered all of these questions correctly today. If not, we hope this blog helped you gain helpful insights on the topic of septic care!
No matter what level of septic knowledge you have, Acme can always fill in the blanks and get your project completed.
Contact our Tavares septic company today for any of our septic care services.
