What You May Not Know About Your Septic Tank

Worker  cleaning and unblocking septic tank in a client's backyard. Not all septic systems are the same– that’s because the design and size of septic systems varies due to several factors. Some of these factors include soil type, lot size, local weather conditions and local regulations.

Watertight Tanks

Most homes that utilize septic systems have a septic tank buried in their yard. This tank is watertight. It receives (and treats) raw domestic sanitary wastewater. The heavier solids settle on the bottom of the tank. Lighter solids and things such as grease float to the top. Solids stay in the tank and wastewater is discharged to the nearby drainfield for further treatment and dispersal.

Routine Pumping

Did you know all septic tanks need to be pumped out every couple years to get rid of solids and such? How often you get your tank pumped depends on how many people live at your house and use the toilets, sinks and tubs, as well as the size of your tank and the age of the system. Most homeowners get their tanks pumped out by companies like Carolina Service Pro every three to five years.

Limit to What They Can Handle

People assume they can flush anything down their toilets and the septic tank can handle “anything,” but that’s not true. You do not want to flush things like dental floss, pet poop in cat litter, condoms, banana peels or feminine products– they can cause trouble for your overall septic system and lead to the need for expensive repairs. Now some people like to pour chemical drain cleaners down their drains to help “clear them out,” but that’s not a good idea, either, because your septic tank does not handle chemicals well!

Many Parts of Your Home Rely on Septic Tanks

When people think of septic tanks, they usually just associate them with toilets, but the reality is that all the sinks, tubs and pipes in a house are associated with the septic system. So you’ve got to be careful with what goes down your drains.

Septic systems can last a long time, but the better you maintain yours, the longer it should last. So, make pump outs and septic tank maintenance a regular thing to prolong the life of your system.

If you’re like most people, you don’t know too much about the septic tank on your property. If you have questions or think you might need a pump out, call Carolina Septic Pro at 980-500-1022.