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About Septic Systems
Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling services and installs septic tanks and systems. A properly designed, installed and maintained septic tank and effluent treatment system is an approved method of wastewater treatment for private residences in areas where public wastewater treatment systems are not available. The system includes the building sewer line (which starts 30 inches from the house and extends to the septic tank), the septic tank, the effluent treatment component, and all piping in between.
How Does A Septic Tank Work?
As the septic system is used, there is an accumulation of solids in the tank, which is sometimes referred to as sludge. The septic tank removes solids by holding wastewater in the tank for at least 24 hours, allowing the solids to settle and scum to rise to the top. This is accomplished by a series of baffles inside the tank. Up to 50 percent of the solids retained in the tank will decompose over time. Treated effluent water discharges from the tank to perforated drain pipes. From there, it drains to a constructed absorbtion or “leach” field. The effluent eventually percolates through the subsoil to groundwater.
Septic Tank Maintenance
As you use your septic system, sludge will accumulate in the tank. Properly designed tanks have enough space for up to three years of safe accumulation. Once the sludge has reached this level, the separation of solids and scum no longer takes place, and sewage may overflow into the absorption area. This can be prevented by periodically pumping the accumulate sludge.
Cleaning The Tank
A licensed septic tank pumper such as Cummings Plumbing Heating & Cooling, can pump and clean your tank. The material pumped out is known as “septage.” To get all of the material from the tank, the scum layer must be broken up and the sludge layers stirred up into the liquid portion of the tank. This is usually done by pumping liquid from the tank and reinjecting it into the bottom of the tank. The septic tank should be pumped out through the large central service hole, not the sanitary tee or baffle inspection ports. Pumping out a tank through the inspection ports can cause damage.
Septic Tank Certification
Are you selling your home? Chances are the lender will require a certification of the septic tank. Cummings Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can pump the tank down, check for cracks and provide you with certification that states the septic system is in good condition. Often the mortgage lender will provide for this test with the escrow in the home, so there is no out-of-pocket cost involved.
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Checklist For Good Septic Tank Maintenance
• Check your system annually for leaks and sludge.
• Have your septic tank pumped by a licensed pumping contractor.
• Practice water conservation. Repair leaky faucets and toilets. Spread clothes washing over the entire week, and operate only with a full load of laundry. Install low-flow water fixtures, and turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. Water conservation reduces the load of wastewater your septic system has to handle.
• Learn the location of your septic systems. Make a map and keep it handy.
• Keep a maintenance record.
• Aside from wastewater, toilet paper is the only other thing that should be flushed. Using the toilet to dispose of sanitary products, paper towels, disposable diapers, cigarette butts, and even tissues will harm your septic tank and cause you to need pump-outs more often.
• Don’t use a kitchen garbage disposal. Septic systems are not intended to dispose of food waste, coffee grounds, grease, or fat, and, in fact, they will harm the septic tank.
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