If you recently moved to a rural area, your home likely depends on a septic system for waste management. Consisting of a septic tank, perforated pipes, and a drain field, these systems connect to a household’s plumbing and can last for decades when properly maintained. To help keep your system in good shape, it can be helpful to understand how it works. Here’s what you need to know. 

Waste Separation

As waste from household drains and toilets enters the septic tank, it separates. The solid waste sinks to the bottom of the tank, forming sludge. Oils and fats rise to the top. Wastewater, or effluent, flows out of the tank through perforated pipes where it filters through the soil in the adjoining gravel-filled drain field. The dirt acts as a natural filter. It contains aerobic bacteria that consume the leftover waste, allowing clean water to enter the aquifer or groundwater source. Septic systems subsequently recycle water by putting it back into the environment.

Pumping Services & Water Conservation

While septic tanks contain bacterial enzymes that break down organic waste, they still require pumping services every two to five years to prevent overflow problems. Without routine septic tank pumping services, the tank can become overloaded with sludge, causing the system to burst and contaminate both the soil and groundwater. Overloaded tanks may also back up into the household plumbing system, creating serious health hazards.

Septic system pumping services encourage water conservation, as overfilled tanks can lead to saturated drain fields, preventing the wastewater from seeping into the soil. As a result, the waste can enter a nearby waterway. Also, if a tank has too much water, the solids may flow out into the drain field, further contaminating the soil and water sources. You may notice a foul odor around your tank, as well as overly-lush grass from excess bacteria exposure, if pumping services are needed. 

When you need septic tank pumping services, contact American On Site. This Clackamas County, OR-based septic maintenance company installs, cleans, and repairs tanks. Call (503) 829-7600 today to book your appointment, or learn more about their maintenance services online.