What is a septic tank? How does a septic system work?:

A septic tank system is a commonplace for disposal of human wastewater in rural areas and suburban areas. A cess pit or cess pool, the most basic type of septic system, is a pit in the ground where sewage is dumped. Some solid waste is "digested" in the cess pool, while most of the remaining fluids move into the ground. Sounds pretty disgusting and it is since those of us on sewer systems don't have septic tanks sitting in our yards with waste matter. Some modern septic tank systems have a drain field where pipes lead away from the septic tank and lead excess liquid from the tank leaving solid waste at a fairly full level which permits bacteria to "digest" it. The common problem associated with septic tanks is that the leach field gets so saturated that the liquids have no where to go in the tank and the pipes leading from your house to the tank get backed up. This causes a bad smell and problems with your plumbing. We will discuss maintenance further down the page.

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There are really 5 simple steps to keep your septic tank system working properly. Each year inspect your septic tank or get a local septic pumper to do it. Secondly, pump out your septic tank every 3 to 5 years (1000 gallon tanks) and more often with smaller tanks. Never divert basement sump pumps or roof drains into the septic tank, the excess water will back it up. Avoid using a garbage disposal since this will only lead to the tank getting clogged more often. Lastly, don't use your toilet like a trash receptacle. The more stuff you flush, the harder your septic tank will be to clean. To have a septic tank installed, it costs about $6000-$10000 and to have a septic tank pumped is about $200. When you move into a home that has a septic tank, make sure that the tank is large enough for the house that was built. Often, contractors skimp on septic tank size in proportion to the square footage of the home and then the tank fails or needs repair. A sure sign of septic tank problems is standing water in your yard or a foul smell. Be sure to have a good home inspector who knows something about septic tanks take a good look at any property with a septic system. I grew up in a house that had an ancient septic tank system and during the winter months we always had a bad odor in our house and often sewage would rise to the surface of our yard where the tank was stored. Not a pretty sight.

Septic Tank Maintenance - Problems with Septic Tanks:

With proper septic tank maintenance, your septic system should remain problem free. Some basic troubleshooting tips are here for your reference. Open the lid of your septic tank and check the water level. When the water level is normal, your problem is in your house or in between the house and the septic tank. Use a sewer snake to try and unclog the stoppage and if that doesn't work then the pipe may need replacing. When the water level is too high, then your drainfield has an issue or the line leaving the septic tank is stopped up. Try using a plumbers snake to the line leading from tank to the leech field and if it comes back with mud, then the line is broken somewhere. If you pump the septic tank and smelly water pours back in immediately, then the drain field is saturated and need replacement.

Septic Tank Treatments:

There are several products on the market that will help in your septic tank care. They are considered septic tank treatments and are used periodically to help keep your septic system running smoothly. One of the products is BioWorld Treatment, there website describes the product as "BioWorld uses a scientific combination of organic compounds, nutrients, enzymes, and microbes safely degrade and eliminate waste and odors.... The combined technology insures that your system will work as good as new because the waste will be degraded into elemental forms and flow effortlessly into the leach field or dry wells. Pumping becomes a thing of the past under most conditions where the BioWorld Technology is used consistently". Most of these preventative measures do help, but none are foolproof. You can check out the following sites for septic tank treatments SepticGenie.com, SepticRemedy.com, and Amerisep.com. Most of these septic tank care/treatment products cost about $70 for an annual supply. From firsthand knowledge I know that never taking care of a septic tank can lead to huge bills in the long run. The average repair on a septic tank costs about $400-$600.

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