If you have a septic tank on your property, that’s where your waste goes. Most people are connected to municipal sewer systems that literally take the waste away from a property and deal with it elsewhere, but for those in more rural areas, or far from “the road,” a septic system works just fine.
Septic Tanks Need to Be Maintained
Septic tanks work well if you maintain them, but if you don’t then you can expect some problems. Most tanks are “pumped out” on a regular basis in order to function properly. The wastewater in the tank involves solids (aka sludge), water, and fats and oils at the top (aka scum). There’s also bacteria living in the tank which helps break down sludge turning it into a liquid. Septic tanks also have a pipe that leads to a part of a yard called a drain field. This is where water from the tank can drain to– and where it’s filtered through the soil. Thankfully, soil helps clean the water so your groundwater isn’t contaminated. It’s a trustworthy system.
So what could go wrong? If you don’t get your tank pumped out then the tank will get too full. Solids will clog the drain pipe and then you get the smell of sewage in your yard. You’ll notice wet and swampy areas over your drain field, with bright green grass there. Furthermore, you might notice waste water backing up into your house through the drains in your toilets, sinks and tubs. And your drains will probably become slower, not draining fast anymore.
Want to avoid stinky septic tank problems? Maintain your tank by having it pumped out every 3 to 5 years. Call Carolina Septic Pro at 980-500-1022 to schedule an appointment; Carolina Service Pro serves the Charlotte area, as well as parts of North & South Carolina.