Inside Your Septic System: 5 Crucial Service Components Explained

A septic system is the silent protector of your home, managing waste and preventing contamination. However, even the most efficient systems sometimes need repairs and maintenance. For that, professional septic services are available to provide repair and maintenance for homeowners. To properly repair a septic system, it goes through multiple phases. Each phase has its importance in diagnosing the problem and performing the repair. Servicing the septic system prevents plumbing malfunctions and health hazards for you and your community. 

Component 1: Inspection & Access Covers

Inspection is the primary step towards repairing the septic system. The service provider deploys expert professionals to look at the symptoms and investigate the source of the problem. However, for technicians to investigate properly, you need to show them the access points. Know your access points beforehand by marking the spot through a riser or getting through a house blueprint. 

Access covers are necessary for the technicians to gain access to your system quickly; otherwise, you are going to have to arrange for excavation services. Digging to find the access points can be time-consuming, damaging to the property, and costly. So, make sure the access points are visible for both parties involved. 

Component 2: Pumping & Sludge/Scum Removal

Removing sludge and scum from the septic tank is the most common septic system service availed. The wastewater from the home plumbing collects and accumulates in the septic tank. The septic tank is divided into different parts where effluent is treated with bacteria and separated into different portions. The sludge settles at the bottom. The scum floats over it, and the rest of the fluid is passed on to the drainage field. 

Over time, the solid sludge and the semi-solid scum accumulate inside the tank and overload it. Tank overloading can cause water backflow and contamination of the house plumbing. It can also cause clogs and pungent odors to spread throughout the residence. So, service providers pump the excess sludge and scum inside the tank and clear space for better wastewater management and treatment. Septic tanks should be pumped and cleared regularly every 1 to 2 years, to increase their longevity. 

Component 3: Baffles & Effluent Filters

Baffles and effluent filters repair and replacement are also a few of the crucial services that septic system technicians provide. Baffles are the inlet and outlet pipes that bring the effluent to the septic tank and drain the effluent out after treatment. The inlet baffle allows the water to flow into the septic tank through a longer path. This allows time for the effluent to be separated into scum, sludge, and effluent. The inlet baffles also allow the wastewater to flow into the tank without disturbing the existing scum layer. The outlet baffles protect the outgoing fluid from getting contaminated with the scum and sludge layer inside the tank. 

If the inlet pipes are damaged, solid waste could pile up, causing plumbing problems and toilet issues inside the house. If the outlet pipes are damaged, the greasy and viscous scum layer would leach into the effluent and contaminate the rest of the system. These pipes can be damaged due to corrosion, mineral buildup, and root intrusion. Technicians look for signs such as soggy grounds or smells and determine whether the baffles should be replaced or repaired. 

Component 4: Drain Field and Distribution Box

Drain field and distribution box are the components that are not often talked about when discussing septic systems. However, these parts are important for treating the effluent and releasing it into the soil. The drain field and distribution system prevent the groundwater and other nearby water resources. The drain field carries the treated effluent from the septic tank and filters it through perforations. Then it carries it to the distribution system for the fluid to be released into nature.

Drainage field can get clogged, and distribution boxes can also suffer from overloading. A faulty drainage system can cause backflow and leaching of toxic effluent into the groundwater. Service providers responsible for repairing these components look for signs such as greener patches on lawns to bad smells emanating from the landscape. One of the most common reasons distribution boxes or drainage fields get damaged is root intrusion. 

Component 5: System Inspections & Records

Periodic inspections are also one of the most common services availed by septic system service providers. Regular inspections are the cornerstone of keeping the system healthy and enhancing its performance. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a septic system should be inspected every 3 to 5 years. However, the size of the tank, the household, and other factors can impact this duration. 

The greater the size of the household, the more wastewater it collects. Thus, larger households should get their septic system inspected more frequently. Alongside that, the tank size also matters. Larger tanks don’t get full easily and thus require less pumping and inspection. 

Homeowner Best Practices

Frequent Tank Inspections

Arrange for regular tank inspection and get our tank pumped to remove sludge and scum accumulation. The standard timing is from 1 to 3 years and helps identify problems from an early stage. Discovering issues early saves added costs and prevents service disruption. If you have extra electrical components or an upgraded version, then you should inspect your system more frequently. 

Pumping should be done every 3 to 5 years, depending on the size of the house, family, and tank. You must hire a professional septic tank service provider to determine the appropriate frequency for pumping your system. Always keep an eye out for the signs, such as slow drains or pungent odors, for a full or failing septic system. 

Efficient Use of Water

You should be judicious with your water usage, as excess water can overload the system easily. Overloading can flood the drain field and cause leakage or backflow. Leakage can be dangerous as the contaminated water can leach into the soil and poison various water resources. 

Water conservation is the foundation for expanding your septic system’s longevity. Water wastage can occur due to leakages in the plumbing system. Check for any signs and then call your local service provider. Reduce your water usage in the bathrooms by installing low-water-use or water-saving technologies. Installing low-flow and high-frequency showerheads and taps always works. Dispersing heavy water usage activities such as car washing and laundry throughout the week to conserve water. Do not use the dishwasher or washing machines until its fully loaded. 

Proper Waste Disposal

Not everything is meant to be flushed down the toilet. Toilet plumbing is sensitive and thus cannot be used to flush down hard objects that do not dissolve in water. Other than human waste and toilet paper, no other material should be flushed down the toilet. Some of the items that should not be flushed down the toilet are cosmetics, feminine products, toys, or plastic materials. Items made out of metallic substances are also not meant to be flushed down the toilet. 

Flushing non-biodegradable substances is also harmful to the drainage system and thus should be avoided from being flushed down the toilet. Flushing down these substances can clog the drains and prevent water flow. They can also damage pipes and corrode them, and in turn disrupt the septic system. 

Maintaining the Drain Field

Your drainfield mainly flows below the landscaping where your driveway or patio is located. Driving too close to the drainfield can damage it and cause leakages. Be mindful of constructing your driveway or parking lot away from the drain field. 

Professional septic providers can help avoid construction above the drainfield that negatively impacts the septic system. They can help you plan your landscaping, measure safe distances where you make any meaningful construction. 

Conclusion

Septic systems are one of the most important components of a household, depending on them for wastewater management. To properly maintain and repair your septic system, service providers enable various components. They help in inspection and diagnose the problem with the system. Septic system service providers also help repair and replace baffles, distribution boxes, drawing fields, provide maintenance services, and perform pumping. Apalachee Backhoe & Septic Tank LLC is a Florida-based septic tank service provider that performs all of the services mentioned above. They offer highly experienced and knowledgeable professionals, competitive pricing, and responsive working professionals.