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When you live Alaska, there’s a good chance you rely on a septic system for residential plumbing, especially if you are in a rural area. With as many as 40% of Alaskan homeowners using a septic tank, Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing in North Pole, AK, recommends all residents become familiar with the different types of systems. Knowing the type your home uses can help you determine the best septic tank maintenance plan to follow and how to detect problems early on.

What Are the Different Types of Septic Systems?

On a broad level, there are really only two types of septic systems: conventional and alternative. A conventional septic system works by sending wastewater to a septic tank, often stored underground. Solid waste is separated to the bottom where bacteria break down the material, while safe wastewater is sent to a leach, or drainage, field where it absorbs naturally into the soil.

septic tank maintenanceWhile alternative septic systems more or less follow the same process, they may need to be arranged differently if the topography or soil of the property can’t facilitate a conventional flow. For instance, if there isn’t enough soil to support a natural leach field, gravel or sand filters may be added to help wastewater filtration. In situations where soil is too compact or doesn’t have adequate depth, homeowners may rely on a mound septic. Essentially, a mound system features a raised septic tank bed that utilizes a pump mechanism to help process the wastewater.

Does Septic System Type Affect Septic Tank Maintenance Requirements?

No matter what type of septic system your home uses, it is vital that you schedule septic pumping twice a year in Alaska. While other locales may require less frequent pumping, the consistently cold temperatures of Alaska cause the bacterial breakdown to slow down. If regular septic pumping doesn’t occur, you could experience a buildup — and overflow — of sludge.

For alternative systems, you may have to take extra steps to ensure appropriate septic tank maintenance. For example, if your leach field requires additional substrate, you’ll want to look out for excess vegetation, foul odors, and seepage to make sure wastewater absorption is balanced. If you use a mound septic system, you may need to control water use or use low-flow plumbing to protect against overflow of wastewater.

Whatever septic system you use, Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing will help you stay on top of septic system maintenance through their efficient septic tank pumping services. To schedule service or repairs, contact this team at (907) 488-9855 or visit their website. You can also connect with the company on Facebook.

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