When a home is not connected to a centralized sewer system, it often uses a septic system instead. When wastewater from your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room leaves your home, it enters this underground structure, where it is treated using a combination of nature and proven technology. Below, All Star Rooter, Sewer and Drain Cleaning—a rooter service for Fairfield and New Haven counties, CT—quickly goes over how these systems work and signs they might not be operating correctly.

A Rooter Service’s Breakdown of Septic Systems

What Is a Septic System & What Does It Do?

Usually, a septic system consists of a tank and drainfield, also known as a soil absorption field. When waste leaves your home, it ends up in the tank. Here, it will remain long enough for the heavy solids to settle on the bottom, forming sludge, and for the lighter matter to float to the top, creating scum.  

Bacteria in the tank will eat this waste, and as they do so, most of the remaining solids will change into liquids and gases. These will naturally start to rise to the top of the tank, and once the liquid wastewater, or effluent, reaches the height of the drainage pipe, it will flow out into a series of perforated pipes that are buried in a leach field or chambers. From here, the effluent is carried out to be absorbed by the soil, where it will continue to be broken down by microbes that remove harmful bacteria and nutrients.

What Are Common Septic System Problems?

When there is not enough bacteria in the septic tank, the sludge can start to pile up. This can result in wastewater backing up into your home’s drains. Also, whenever too much liquid exits into the drainfield, it can cause sewage to flow to the ground’s surface. Sometimes, this might appear as a patch of grass that is greener than the surrounding foliage. Other septic issues can also create pooling water or muddy soil around the system or in your basement.

Whenever you are experiencing problems with your septic system, contact the rooter service professionals of All Star Rooter, Sewer and Drain Cleaning for help. This locally owned and operated business has over 20 years of experience. Call them at (203) 286-4498 for same-day service, or visit their website to learn more about the cleaning services they offer.