Evans Septic Tank Services: FAQs
Putnam County, NY Septic Service. Also Serving Westchester and Dutchess Counties, and Mahopac, NY
Many of us forget that a septic tank needs to be properly maintained on a regular basis in order to perform its mission effectively and in an environmentally responsible manner. If a septic tank is disregarded or unmaintained for an extended period of time, the system may suffer irreparable damages, as well as cause harm to the local underground environment.
The most common septic tank maintenance is to have a septic pumping company regularly pump out the tank. The recommended schedule for your system will vary depending upon the size of septic tank, the number of people that use it, and the soil condition at the leach field, among other factors. Sandy soils tend to last longer than clay soils. Most experts recommend that you have your septic tank pumped about once every 4 years. This is very cost effective and far less expensive than a city sewer service. We also recommend having your tank pumped out at least once every 4 years, if not more, depending upon usage and a variety of other factors. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about septic systems and proper maintenance procedures. We hope this is helpful for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A. A septic system functions first and foremost as a “holding Tank” where natural bacterial action decomposes human waste products into environmentally acceptable components. The major end-component after decomposition is water, which is also mixed with some other components that are not readily consumed by the bacterial action, gases, and undigested solids. The end products, except the undigested solids, are then discharged to the on-site environment. If maintained properly, septic systems cause no harm to the local underground environment.
A. A conventional septic system has two primary components: a tank (typically 750 to 2000 gallons) and a leach field (perforated pipe buried shallow in an extended area).
A. Concrete, fiberglass or a plastic.
A. A mound system is used for situations where the ground permeability is not suitable for a traditional leach field.
A. There are many causes. The most common cause of system failure is when the pores of undisturbed soil surrounding the leach field clog, preventing the effluent from seeping into the ground.
A. There are many possible symptoms that will become noticeable. The most commons symptoms are a stinky area of wet, soggy soil, sometimes with visible water, as well as sewage backing up into the house. Sometimes, toilets may not flush properly if there has been septic tank failure.
A. This varies upon the degree of proper maintenance put into the system. Some can last for decades. Others, only 5 – 10 years of less.
A. Not pumping your system can cause solids to migrate into your leach field which clogs the field and destroys the system.
A. Slow leaks from toilets and sinks can cause “loading” , meaning that the excess water will cause the good bacteria in your tank to die and cause a system failure.
A. Over-usage of the garbage disposal by disposing of fatty by-products such as animal fat, bacon grease and broths will clog up the leaching field.
A. If the tank is working at a proper level (2″-3″ below inlet pipe), you should pump every 2-3 years depending on how many people occupy the home.
If the tank is overfull, it should be pumped and evaluated.
If the tank is being pumped frequently, your system has probably failed and will need replaced or repaired.
