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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Answered Questions
1. What can I do to properly maintain my septic system?
-There are many simple steps you can take to ensure proper maintenance of your septic system. However, because your septic system requires a certain proper balance in order to operate properly, it is important that you ensure these tips are followed.
Conserve water. Excess water into your septic system will not give the beneficial bacteria time to do their job. Check for and fix leaks and drips. Make sure your toilet is not leaking water. You can check if it is by simply adding some food coloring to the tank. If the food coloring begins to appear in the water in the toilet bowl, you have a leak and will need to address it. While you're at it, put a "water displacer" in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water it uses. Installing aerators also reduces water consumption, so it is a good idea to install those if you haven't already. If you replace any old fixtures, use the new "low flow" style fixtures.
Don't use to much water at the same time. Overloading a septic system is a primary cause of septic system failures. Be especially aware in the early morning and at bedtime as these are peak water use times in a home. Run dishwashers and washing machines at other times during the day. Avoid doing all of your family's laundry in one day; instead try to do it over the course of the week to avoid pumping too much water into your septic system all at once.
Use a garbage disposal judiciously, if at all. Garbage disposals will increase the amount of solids in the septic tank, thereby requiring more frequent pumping of your septic system. If you are going to use a garbage disposal, use a "top level" disposal as they will grind the particles into smaller pieces, giving the bacteria time to break them down more.
Likewise, don't dump coffee grounds in the sink, or flush kitty litter, plastic, cloth, or unnecessary paper products into the sewage system. Don't put items such as paper towels, tissue, cigarette butts, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons and other material in the toilet. Instead, place them in the trash can, where they belong. Also avoid disposing of any grease, fats, or oil
in the disposal or drain. These can damage your system by clogging the septic tank pipes and drain field soil. As I said above, adding more solids into the septic tank decreases its capacity and shortens the time frame between septic tank pumping.
Most experts agree that it is not always necessary to add any commercial products or yeast to your system. The bacteria necessary for your septic system to operate occur naturally (courtesy of your digestive system), and are usually plentiful for the job at hand. These additives may damage your septic system by breaking up the sludge and scum layers. This will cause those layers to flush out of the septic tank and clog the infiltration bed and drain field.
Use normal amounts of detergents, bleaches, drain cleaners, household cleaners and other products. Avoid dumping heavy duty or toxic chemicals into your drains. Solvents like dry cleaning fluid, pesticides, photography chemicals, paint thinner, or auto products and motor oils can kill the bacteria necessary for your septic system operate effectively and possibly clog your drains. In addition, these hazardous materials could eventually reach your well water and contaminate it, creating a serious health issue for you and your family. (TOP OF PAGE)
2. What is a Conventional Septic System?
-Usually, conventional septic systems consist of a septic tank along with a drain field. The septic tank is made of strong concrete that has been reinforced, and is buried in the ground close to the residence. Wastewater from the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry go into the tank. A layer of sludge is formed at the bottom of the tank due to the settling of solids. On the top of the water is the lighter solids and grease. The water that has been cleaned in the middle, runs through a pipe that has been buried and watertight. (TOP OF PAGE)
3. What is an Aerobic Septic System?
-an aerobic septic system is a small scale sewage treatment system similar to a septic tank system, but which uses an aerobic process for digestion rather than just the anaerobic process used in septic systems. These systems are commonly found in rural areas where public sewers are not available, and may be used for a single residence or for a small group of homes.
Unlike the traditional septic system, the aerobic treatment system produces a high quality secondary effluent, which can be sterilized and used for surface irrigation. This allows much greater flexibility in the placement of the leach field, as well as cutting the required size of the leach field by as much as half. (TOP OF PAGE)
4. What maintenance does my septic system need?
-The biggest maintenance task is pumping the solids from the tank. After a few years, the solids that accumulate in the tank need to be removed and disposed of properly If not removed, the solids will spill over into the drain field and clog the soil. With proper maintenance, a septic system can work efficiently for many years. These factors determine how often your tank will need to be pumped:
1. The size of your tank.
2. The volume of your wastewater.
3. The amount of solids in your wastewater.
Seasonally used systems, such as those of summer or vacation homes, will not need to be pumped as often as year-round residences. The use of your garbage disposal doubles the amount of solids in your system, and your tank will need to be pumped more often. Below are some tips for proper maintenance:
-Limit the use of garbage disposals.
-Do not pour cooking oils or grease down the drain.
-Keep autos and heavy equipment off of the system.
-Use water saving devices and practices.
-Do not add materials such as facial tissues, hygiene products, or cigarette butts to wastewater.
-Maintain a grass or other vegetative covering over the drain field on conventional systems.
5. What should not be flushed through my septic system?
-There are a lot of things that should not be flushed throught your septic system, However, the following substances should absolutly not be flushed through your septic system:
-Paints
-Paint Thinners
-Solvents
-Cooking Grease, Oils, and/or Fats
-Pesticides
-Disinfectants
-As well as any other chemical used in the household
Cooking grease, oils or fats should be placed in a container and put in household garbage that will be taken to a landfill.
Pesticides, paints, paint thinners, solvents, disinfectants and other household chemicals are toxic substances that threaten ground water quality. They may also kill the microorganisms that help purify the sewer system. (TOP OF PAGE)
6. How will I know if something's wrong with my septic tank system?
The first signs of septic tank system failure are any of the following:
-The ground near the septic tank is soggy or wet.
-The grass in that area begins to grow faster or begins to get greener.
-A foul sewer odor coming in the house or out in the yard.
-Plumbing backups within the home.
-The sinks/toilets are draining at a much slower pace.
-Sounds of bubbling or gurgling coming from the pipes.
If you have one or more of the signs listed above, it's best to contact a Brannon Sewer immediately to check out the problem and get pumped or fixed. (TOP OF PAGE)
7. What happens if I do not pump out my septic tank?
-If your septic tank is left with limited or no care, there is a very good chance that you will experience septic problems later on. The problem with this is that later on, it may be far too late and a replacement of your septic system or drainfield will be needed and very costly. (TOP OF PAGE)
8. How do I locate my septic system?
-Whenever you would like to try and find the septic system in a home, your best bet is to go into the basement or garage and figure out which way the pipes go out. Once you find out, go outside and prod the ground a few feet away from your foundation. You should be able to find it from there and once you have, it's best to always make some sort of map or note to yourself of where it's at for future reference.
Here at Brannon Sewer Service, We have the ability to locate your septic tanks easily with our electronic sensor. Give us a call and let us do the work for you. (TOP OF PAGE)
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