A septic tank is an independent plumbing and wastewater system commonly used in rural and suburban areas. With a septic system, waste from your home runs through your pipes and out into the tank buried in your yard. From there, the tank filters the wastewater, allowing the purified water to flow into the drain field while leaving toxic chemicals and waste behind.

If you have recently moved into a home with a septic tank but have never used one before, you may have a number of questions about it. The team at J & J Septic & Sewer Cleaning in Waterloo, IL, has the answers.

5 FAQs About Septic Tanks

1. Where Can I Find My Septic Tank?

You can find your septic tank by looking at your home’s “as built” drawing. This can be obtained through your local health department, or it may be found online.

2. Can My Septic System Fail?

Yes. Typically, this occurs when the drain field is not functioning properly, causing the septic tank to overflow. When your septic tank overflows, your lawn may flood with wastewater or you will notice a bad smell and waste coming back up in your sinks, toilets, or drains.

3. How Can I Prevent a Septic System Failure?

To prevent septic system failure, avoid using your garbage disposal, as it can cause clogs and prevent your drains from working properly. Likewise, avoid flushing large objects such as paper towels or sanitary napkins down the toilet. You should also avoid excess water use so you do not overwhelm the drain field. Finally, have your septic tank serviced and pumped on a regular basis to ensure it is functioning properly.

4. How Often Should I Have My Septic Tank Serviced?

Typically, you should have your septic tank serviced and inspected once a year. Every three to five years, schedule septic tank pumping. If you notice any irregularities, leaks, or bad smells from your system within these intervals, contact your septic company for service right away.

For help with septic tank installation, service, or repairs in Waterloo, contact J & J Septic & Sewer Cleaning. To schedule an appointment with their team today, call (618) 939-3001. For more information on sewer cleaning and septic repair, visit their website.