What is a Septic System?
A septic system is a self contained underground waste water treatment system. They are usually found in more rural areas where municipal sewer may not be available. Its design is to act like a sewer system but it is your private system to treat and dispose of all household wastewater on site for your home .
Management is an important issue for the successful performance of any onsite system. Part of that management is having your septic tank inspected and pumped on a regular basis. Septic tanks should be checked for buildup every 1 to 3 years until you can get on a predictable pumping schedule. Most septic tanks need pumping every 3 to 5 years. Pumping frequency will depend on several different factors. The most important factors include, but are not limited to, the size of the septic tank, household practices, and water usage. Because these factors are variable and unique to each situation, periodic inspections should be conducted to determine the condition of the tank and its components and whether or not the tank should be pumped. Inspections are a necessary part of the operation and maintenance of a septic tank.
Examples of tests include, but are not limited to:
The visual septic dye test is combined with “pushing” the waste system. This test involves the running of three plumbing fixtures simultaneously to see if there is any slow-draining fixtures, backups, or surface breakouts. It also involves flushing colored dye into the waste lines verifying if any leaks exist. If the dye comes to the surface during testing then there is a potential failure at the leach field area requiring further evaluation and corrective actions
The destructive septic inspection involves excavating the tank, opening the access ports to look into the tank, opening the distribution box, using a rod to measure the levels of the scum and solid wastes in the tank, and in many instances, it involves pumping the tank if the baffles and filter are not visible.
Fore more information and guidance please refer to: Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems