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What is a Septic System?

A septic system is an on-site sewage treatment and disposal system buried underground.  It is composed of a septic tank and a soil absorption area. 

The modern septic tank is a water-tight box usually made of reinforced precast concrete, concrete blocks or reinforced fiberglass, through which no natural bacteria is able to enter. This structure is where organic solids are decomposed by a natural enzymatic bacterial process.

The purpose of your tank is to treat household wastes including body wastes, laundry water, bath water and discarded food. Septic systems are designed to work indefinitely if they are properly installed and maintained. It is critical to have your septic tank pumped out regularly and to maintain proper levels of enzyme and bacterial action.

How Your Septic Tank Works?
Waste enters the tank from toilets, sinks, tubs, and drains. Organic solid material floats to the top of the tank forming a layer commonly called "scum."  Inorganic materials and bi-products from enzyme and bacteria digestion settle to the bottom of the tank forming a  layer called "sludge."  The proper amount of enzymes and bacteria added to the tank regularly will convert these solid materials to liquid, which then flow through your underground pipes to the drain field. In the drain field the enzymes and bacteria continue to help reduce glazing and improve soil absorption.

Why You Need a Pumping Service?
Pollutants from a poorly functioning system can be drawn into your well and come out in your drinking, cooking and bathing water.  If your tank isn't cleaned regularly, sludge and scum will clog the drain field and cause the whole system to fail.

It is important to remove this solid material before it reaches the level of the discharge outlet and flows into the drain field.  There is a certain amount of material that is not biodegradable and must be removed by pumping.  If your system should stop or overflow, there could be offensive odors as well as dangerous health hazards.

Why you should maintain your Septic System?
A failing septic system isn't like your car when it is low on oil, NO RED LIGHT will go on to warn you.  The U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare Public Health Service states: "A septic tank system will serve a home satisfactorily only if it is properly designed, installed and adequately maintained.  Even a good system which does not have proper care and attention may become a nuisance and a burdensome expense.

Remember, a septic tank-soil absorption system which does not function properly frequently becomes a neighborhood health hazard.  To obtain satisfactory service, the homeowner must know something about the design, operation and maintenance of his own septic tank system."

How to maintain your Septic System?
With today's modern watertight systems, no natural enzymes or bacteria can penetrate the walls. The only way the necessary enzymes and bacteria can enter is through your toilets, sinks, tubs and drains.  Enzymes and bacteria must be present to keep your tank working efficiently between periodic pumping.