Rural vs. urban life: which is better? The age-old debate continues, but what remains incontestable is that urban dwellers have easier and cheaper access to basic utilities than their rural counterparts.
If you live in a rural or suburban area with no connection to a municipal sewage system, chances are you rely on a septic system for waste disposal and treatment, and it will cost you money.
Here are some tips to keep your septic system in tip-top shape and maximize its lifespan.
Septic Tank Pumping
When wastewater from your home collects inside the septic tank, it breaks down and separates into three main layers: solids, liquids, and floatables.
Liquids, called effluent, flow out of the tank into the drain field, while solids (sludge) and floatables (scum) linger. Over time, sludge and scum can build up to the point of blocking the outlet pipe and creating problems for your septic system.
As part of regular maintenance, ensure you periodically pump your tank to remove the accumulated sludge and scum and restore its operating or wastewater-holding capacity.
Septic Tank Cleaning
While septic tank pumping helps keep the water flowing smoothly, it does not remove all the sludge and scum from the tank.
Septic tank cleaning is a more thorough process that targets the buildup that sticks to the walls, floors, and baffles of your tank over time. Hydro-jetting equipment is preferred for tank cleaning because it can remove any accumulated dirt left behind after pumping the tank.
Aside from removing sludge and scum from your tank, a tank cleanout helps eliminate bad odors that can infiltrate your home and yard, causing discomfort and embarrassment.
Septic System Inspection
As part of ongoing maintenance, get professional septic system inspections. These inspections will help you monitor the health of the system and allow you to detect problems that can exacerbate over time and lead to expensive repairs if ignored.
Septic System Repair
Proper septic system care requires that you address any problems as soon as they are discovered. This involves fixing any cracks or leaks in the tank and replacing damaged components.
Your septic system requires ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure proper function and increased life. That said, keeping it in tip-top shape can be difficult without the expertise, experience, and specialized equipment needed for the job.
Contact a septic service provider near you for assistance with all your septic system care needs.
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