If you’re building a home or a commercial building, you have two main options for wastewater disposal: a sewer connection or a septic system. Septic systems are the best solution when there is no local sewer to connect to or where sewer fees are high, usually in sparsely populated areas. But how does this system work, and what kind of septic maintenance needs should you expect as a homeowner? Here are the basic ins and outs of a septic system.

Parts of the System

A septic system has two major components: the septic tank and the leach or drain field. When you flush wastewater down a drain, it’s first directed into the septic tank, which has a series of barriers to separate the waste. Solid waste sinks to the bottom of the tank, while fats and oils rise to the top. The water itself is allowed to flow through to the drain field.

The drain field is a large space with a system of buried pipes, each with multiple openings to release wastewater into the ground. Water filters through the soil, so that by the time it returns to any water source nearby, it is free of impurities.

Septic Maintenance

While water filters through your septic system instead of being trapped, the story is different for solids and grease. These items collect in your septic tank without an outlet. Depending on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household, your tank can reach full capacity in as little as three to five years. To prevent solid waste from backing up the system, you’ll need to schedule septic pumping.

During pumping, your local septic service will open your tank and use a large pump to transfer waste into their truck. From there, the waste will be transported to another location to be disposed of. Septic pumping should be scheduled every two to three years to keep your system working smoothly. This also gives your septic system technician a chance to spot any problems with the tank.

With proper installation and thorough maintenance, your septic system can provide reliable waste disposal for decades. Sloan’s Septic Tank Service offers residents of Oakley, MI, and surrounding areas an easy and affordable septic maintenance solution. Whether you need repairs, pumping, or affordable portable toilets, their quality services and up-to-date equipment will ensure you get the results you need. To schedule service, call (989) 845-6280, and visit their website for more information about their services.