5 Things Everyone Should Know About Septic Systems

Have you recently purchased a home with a septic system? Maybe you’re still in the home buying process and aren’t sure whether taking on a property with a system is worth it. 

SiteWorx Services has the expertise, equipment, and ability to handle anything your septic system needs.

We install, maintain, and replace these systems in a stress-free way that leaves your lawn and landscaping even better than we found it!

More About Our Septic System Services

How Septic Systems Work

If you’ve never lived in a home with a septic system, it can seem complicated and even stressful. So, let’s break down how it works!

• This system is designed to filter wastewater
• Your septic tank, distribution box, baffles, and drainfield are all located underground
• A drainfield is the network of pipes that release filtered wastewater back into the ground
• Wastewater from your home leaves your house and goes to the septic tank
• Solid waste settles to the bottom of the tank and over time develops beneficial bacteria that break down the solids.

According to the EPA, 20% (or 1 in 5) of homes in the United States have a septic system and it’s increasingly more common in rural areas where homes don’t have access to city and county water and sewer systems.

With proper maintenance, these wastewater systems can last for up to 40 years, or even longer in some cases.

Maintenance Is Vital

A septic system isn’t a part of your home that you should neglect. Without proper maintenance, you risk clogging and damaging the system.

To keep your system working the way it should, avoid any solid waste that shouldn’t be flushed down a toilet or washed down a drain (disposable wipes, diapers, kitty litter, grease, paint, chemicals, etc). 

Never park a vehicle over the drainfield area of the system, as this can damage your pipes, and be careful about planting trees and bushes in the area, as their roots can damage the pipes and tank as they grow.

Every two or three years, have a professional pump out the tank and conduct a visual inspection to ensure the system is still operating the way it should.

Septic Systems Don’t Last Forever

As we mentioned earlier, a properly maintained septic system can last for up to 40 years or more. It’s important to know the signs of a failing system so you can have it replaced before it becomes a larger problem and damages your home and property.

Common signs of septic system failure can include:

• Slow-moving interior drains
• Backed up sewage
• Toilets taking longer to flush
• Odors from the tank, drainfield, or drains in your home
• Gurgling sounds from exterior drains

Regularly Check Your Drain Field

An easy way to keep an eye on your home’s system is by regularly walking over your drain field. This is where excess water is flushed once it has been filtered. If the area is very wet and marshy when there hasn’t been rain, your tank could be overflowing, and it’s time to call in a professional for help.

#1 Cause Of Septic System Problems

The #1 cause of problems with a system is ignoring it. Septic systems require maintenance in the form of pumping, potentially adding specific bacteria to balance the system, and regular maintenance checks to keep them working. 

The best way to make sure you don’t encounter problems with your home’s system is by regularly scheduling maintenance with a professional.

Stress-Free Septic System Services

Owning a home with a septic tank doesn’t have to be daunting. You just need to trust the right professionals to keep it working the way it should.

Our septic system experts are trained to make sure your septic system stays working for years to come with minimal disruption to your property.