Septic tanks are used to collect wastewater when a sewer system isn’t available. When you flush your toilet or pour something down the kitchen sink, this water travels through a series of pipes to your septic system, where it is treated and diverted back into the ground via a leach field. The only thing left behind in the tank is solid waste, which slowly accumulates until the septic service providers at A-1 Pumping Service in Dalton, GA, clean it out.

To keep your septic tank in good condition, A-1 Pumping Service recommends familiarizing yourself with how the system works. First, the tank itself can only handle organic, biodegradable waste. If you allow oils, trash, or chemicals to enter your plumbing system and collect in your tank, they will disturb the delicate balance needed to treat the water. By monitoring what goes down the drain, you will ensure your septic tank functions correctly, thus extending its life and preventing a sewage backup.

When a septic system is installed on a piece of property, a hole is dug in the ground for the tank, as well as for the leach field. The leach field consists of a complex system of rocks and other substances needed to encourage treated wastewater to return to the water table. After a septic service completes the installation, you should never allow vehicles or any other large objects to rest on top of the area, as this could lead to major damage and a potential disaster.

Septic pumping is probably the most important aspect of septic tank maintenance, as it’s the only way to prevent a sewage backup. To schedule pumping services, call A-1 Pumping Service at (706) 272­-3352. You can also visit them online for a complete list of services, from grease trap cleaning to septic tank repairs.