How Does a Septic Tank Work?
Your home is connected to your septic tank through one large pipe. Waste flows through that pipe into the inlet baffle, which helps filter the waste into the septic tank and separate into three distinct layers over time.
The bottom layer, sometimes referred to as sludge, consists of solid waste and will have to be cleaned out every 3 to 5 years to ensure your septic tank functions well. Solid waste consists of things like vegetables, coffee grounds, dirt, sand, undigested food, and weighted human waste.
The top layer consists of liquid and lightweight solids, sometimes referred to as scum. This includes toilet paper, soap, detergents, grease, and oil.
These two layers separate naturally because of their weight. In between the two layers, you will find effluent, or liquid waste that is not heavy enough to settle to the bottom or light enough to settle to the top. The effluent is pumped out of the tank through an outlet baffle into field lines which lead to a drain field.
A well functioning outlet baffle will prevent scum from leaking out of your septic tank. As naturally occurring microorganisms break down the layer of sludge, more liquid is produced and pushed out of the septic tank into the drain field, where the soil will reabsorb the water.
Septic Drain Fields or Leach Fields
Water created as a byproduct of natural, organic process in your septic tank is pushed out into field lines and perforated pipes surrounding your septic tank. This system is installed carefully in order to ensure that the water is cleaned through natural, organic processes and returned to the existing groundwater system. This system is called a septic drain field or leach field and must be installed carefully and serviced regularly in order to make sure your septic system is running properly.
Installing New Septic Tanks
Alabama Septic Tank Services will never recommend installing a new septic tank unless it is absolutely necessary. Our Bessemer technicians are trustworthy and will do whatever they can to keep your existing system running smoothly. If another company tells you you need a new system, consult with us before going through the expense of installing a new septic tank to see if there are other more affordable options to repair your existing system.
However, sometimes it is necessary to install a new septic tank system. If your existing system needs to be replaced or if you have new construction where a septic tank system needs to be installed, our expert technicians are here for you.
Alabama Septic Tank Services will work to make sure a quality installation is performed the first time. Although it can be a costly process, you don’t want to cut corners on a proper installation -- it will lead to nothing but headaches for homeowners down the road. Our professional septic experts have the tools and the technology to make sure your new installation is done with integrity and that your septic system will function properly for years to come.
Septic or Sewer?
If you are unsure if you have a septic tank, you can contact one of our experts today to determine whether your home connects to a septic tank or a sewer system.
If you rely on well water or if your neighbors have septic tanks, your residential property most likely connects to a septic tank instead of a sewer system. Another way to verify what sort of system your home uses is by checking your water bill. If there are no charges associated with sewer use, your residence most likely relies on a septic tank to process wastewater. About 25% of homes in the United States rely on septic tanks, especially in rural areas.
This information is also available through the original plans for your home, the homebuilder, or the health department in your county. Sometimes it takes an expert to locate the hook up for your septic system, and our technicians are trained to help you quickly and efficiently.
Locating and Digging
If your home relies on a septic tank system, it is important to locate the system and the surrounding infrastructure before performing any sort of digging on your property. Digging without having this information mapped out ahead of time can lead to broken and busted pipes or severed water lines.
Our technicians from Bessemer area can help you identify areas of your yard to avoid digging in if you are performing new construction or making a repair to your existing septic infrastructure. If we have to dig to perform a repair, you can be assured that we will only dig up what is necessary and will do our best to leave your yard’s appearance in tact when we complete the job.
Septic Tank Maintenance
It is important to have your septic tank pumped regularly to allow removal of sludge. If the sludge isn’t removed, it can cause your septic tank to become clogged and ultimately fail. When your septic tank isn’t working properly, raw sewage can begin backing up into your home.
You should have your septic tank serviced and pumped by a professional every 3 to 5 years depending on the size of your household. This will allow your septic tank to work at peak efficiency. When we pump your septic tank, we will also do a thorough inspection of your tank to check for any cracks, breaks, faulty parts, or threats to your septic system.
