Information About Septic Tanks

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Septic tanks are integral part of a septic system, and a septic system is a small sewage treatment plant. Septic systems are generally used for homes and businesses in rural areas. If your home or business is situated far enough from a town or city that has a sewage treatment plant you can use a septic system. For the most part a septic system is an efficient, low maintenance method of treating wastewater. If the system is not cared for, they can become expensive to be repaired. The septic tanks are large tanks that can hold between three and seven thousand gallons of wastewater. They will be buried underground and are connected to the home on one side, the inlet side, and to the leech field on the other side, the outlet side.

The wastewater comes into the septic tanks from the home via the inlet line. Once the water is in this part of the tank, all of the solid waste settles to the bottom of the septic tanks, and the leftover liquid flows to the second chamber. Once in the second chamber the wastewater settles further, once this step is complete the water will be nearly clear. At this point, the water flows out of the ...
... septic tanks into the leech field. The leech field is a long stretch of gravel covered by tile. The tiles will have many small holes in order for the water to seep through. The water filters through the tile and the gravel back into the ground water. By the time it reaches the ground water it will free of any waste.

Some of the solids that settle to the bottom of the septic tanks will dissolve, but over time, enough of it will build up that the tank will need to be pumped out. Depending on how many people live in the home, how large the septic tanks are, the type of septic system you have, and several other factors, the septic tanks could need cleaned every two years. If there are only one or two people in a home, a tank could go as many as twenty years without being pumped. Most septic systems depend on gravity to make them operate, depending on the location of the system and the lay of the property, a pump can be added to the system in order to move the water. A septic tank with a pump could require more maintenance because the pump will need to be replaced occasionally.

There are chemicals that can be added to septic tanks that can enhance the decomposition of the solids. Making use of these chemicals can extend the interval between cleanings. Another way to extend the time between cleaning is to use care about what gets into your septic tanks. Use septic safe toilet tissue, and do not put grease down the kitchen drain. If you use care about what you put down your drains and toilets it can be many years between cleanings. If you are building a home in a rural area, and are going to use a septic system, either you or your contractor needs to check local codes on the use of septic systems. There are different types that are required to be used in different areas, and the type of soil on your property will make a difference as to what type of system you need.

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