North Georgia Skydiving

Septic Tank Service - is This Something I Should be Worried About?

A septic tank, the key component of the septic system, is a small scale sewage treatment system common in areas with no connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations. Septic systems are a type of On-Site Sewage Facility. The term "septic" refers to the anaerobic bacterial environment that develops in the tank and which decomposes or mineralizes the waste discharged into the tank. A properly maintained system, on the other hand, can last for decades and possibly a lifetime.

Proper attention to and maintenance of septic tanks can lead to less headaches and fewer nasty situations. It is recommended that you should have your tank serviced once every 3-5 years. Tanks can last, when properly maintained, up to 30 years and provide a lifetime of service. Knowing how and when to seek out a company that can service your tank is an often-asked question. Further discussion leads to the point that service is based on size of your tank and the type and amount of solids entering your tank. If your home uses lots of water, that means there is a higher flow rate through your tank, which ultimately means there are more solids in the tank for it to deal with and break down.

In addition to routine service, there are some common maintenance items you can utilize to keep your septic tank in good working order. First, investigate the installation and use of high-efficiency water products (mainly toilets). The more "stuff" you pass through the tank, the better off you'll be. Also, try to eliminate/minimize the use of a household garbage disposal as they commonly pass lots of solids into your septic tank. Finally, don't ever add chemicals into the septic system as there could be adverse and unknown effects.

So how do you know when it's time to have your tank service, or worse, how do you know when there is a problem? Slow draining sinks/showers/toilets typically indicate a problem. Odors coming from drains and wet spots in your yard are never a good sign. Should you encounter any of these warning signals, turn to a local septic tank service company in your area to further diagnose and treat the problem.