Living with a septic system is quite different from living in a home connected to a public sewer line. If you’re about to purchase property with a septic tank, you should understand how they work and what maintenance they require. Here’s what you need to know if you’re unfamiliar with them.

A Beginner’s Guide to Septic Systems

How do they work?

Anything that goes down the drain ends up in the septic tank—a large concrete, plastic, or fiberglass tank buried in the yard. Over time, solid waste settles to the bottom, while lighter matter floats to the top. Healthy bacteria breaks down the solid and liquid waste, turning it into effluent, which then flows out to the drain field—the area beyond the tank where water is released underground. Water in the drain field percolates downward through gravel and soil, essentially filtering and dispersing it before it seeps into the natural groundwater.

How do I protect the tank?

Ask the current property owners where the tank is buried, if it has access risers, and if it has been inspected by a professional recently. Don’t drive heavy equipment or allow livestock to graze over the spot. Compacting the soil can put too much pressure on a tank. Instead, plant grass over it. Grass provides natural insulation and oxygenates the soil, which helps bacteria decompose waste. Don’t grow any deep-rooted plants near the tank. Long, strong roots in search of nutrients may cause damage.

What can I flush?

Only flush water, human waste, and septic-safe toilet paper. Use biodegradable soaps and cleansers. Harsh chemicals kill a tank’s helpful bacteria.

In addition, avoid excessive water usage. Doing all your laundry in one day may create a flood of water that overwhelms the tank and drain field.

What maintenance is required?

A tank fills up over time with solid waste. King’s Sanitary Services septic tank pumping service will need to come to your property and pump it out about every three years. Adding bacteria from King’s Sanitary Service can help keep bacteria at a healthy level in the tank. How often you require pumping depends on a few unique factors, such as the size of your tank and the number of people in your household. A septic tank cleaning technician can help you establish a maintenance schedule.

If you’re new to septic systems, the professionals at King’s Sanitary Service in Bristolville, OH, will help. They offer a full range of septic services to residents and businesses in Trumbull, Mahoning, Portage, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties. They’re licensed, insured, and available around the clock for emergency service and repair. Learn more about septic tank cleaning online, and schedule an appointment at (330) 372-3201.