You and your sewer system have a don’t ask don’t tell agreement, until one day that waste finds its way outside of that tank. For many homeowners that rely on a septic tank for their sewage, you don’t often think about how that system works to dispose of your waste.
So waking up to a flooded yard, that’s not flooded with your run of the mill water, could be a smelly and challenging situation. However, the more you know about your plumbing system, the better you can be at preventing these issues through regular maintenance and sewer cleaning for those tougher issues.
Understanding Your Septic Tank
If you own a home with a septic tank, you may not know how your entire system works.
As opposed to traditional sewage systems that transport wastewater into a city-wide plant, septic systems have an internal system that houses the entire process right on your property.
When water is flushed out of your home it runs directly into the septic tank, which is buried on your property, generally in an open area.
Inside the tank, the waste breaks down, with larger waste going to the bottom and settling as sludge, and more potable debris breaking down and pumping out into the drain field.
Over time the sludge is broken down and processed — or in more extreme cases, pumped out by a septic plumbing company and removed. Your drain field naturally processes the remainder of the water into the soil.
A Traditional Sewer System
For properties that are closer to the main city, most plumbing systems use a sewer system to dispose of waste. These systems connect directly to the sewage treatment plant, where all wastewater is processed.
This is a lot more convenient and eliminates the need for septic tank pumping and cleaning. However, you still may need sewer cleaning from time to time to ensure that your sewer lines are flowing properly.
Always be on the lookout for:
- Slow drains
- Foul odors
- Water leaks around drains
- Dead landscaping
All of these symptoms could indicate an issue with your sewer lines. The last thing you want is to wake up to a yard full of sewage, which is why regular drain cleaning is a great way to keep your plumbing lines in good shape.
Waste Disposal in Your Home
If you do have a septic tank system in your home, you’re going to be aware of the different types of waste disposal. Most homes that have a septic tank generally use a leach field of a cesspool to process waste.
With a cesspool, these pits need to be pumped regularly to avoid emergencies. Similarly, some homes may use electric sewer treatment or pumping station that helps process your wastewater.
These systems take the guesswork out of your home sewage system, so you have one less thing to worry about. Regardless of the system, you have at home, it’s important to have a reliable plumbing company you can call for service.
Calvary Plumbing and Heating is your expert For Collins plumber. Not only do we service septic tanks, but also we can help with your drain cleaning and sewer needs to keep your water supply clean and free of impurities.
