For many moving from a city with public sewage to a rural area where they have their own septic system there can be a lot of questions. What does my septic system do? What do I need to do to maintain it? Even where does it drain? If you don’t know those answers - don’t worry, we’re here to help. Keep reading to learn more about your private septic system.
What Is A Septic System?
Simply put, a septic system helps get rid of household waste. Waste that comes from your sink, shower, toilet, and even washing machine is carried by gravity, through the pipes to your septic tank. When the wastewater reaches the tank, the heavier, more solid pieces sink to the bottom while the lighter solids will float to the top. So how does this waste get broken down? Bacterial enzymes. This good bacteria helps break down your household waste by turning it into sludge and gas.
Does A Septic System Have a Drain Field?
Yes! Once the good bacteria does the heavy lifting this gray water is filtered out of the tank into the drain field, also known as a leach field. These fields are made up of long pipes that allows the gray water to be filtered back into the ground - basically an underground drainage system. Once it reaches the drain field, microbes in the soil break down the remaining gray water, providing safe disposal.
Do I Need To Have My Septic System Pumped?
With the bacteria and microbes doing all the work there should be no maintenance right? Wrong! While it’s nice to have them do the heavy lifting, there are still heavier pieces of waste that need to be pumped in order to maintain proper functionality. How often you need to have your septic system pump can vary based on system and household size. Typically it’s a good idea to have your system pumped every 1-3 years.
Now there’s a lot more to know about your septic system, but this basic overview will help you get an understanding of how your system operates and what to expect. Live around Osage Beach and not sure if it’s time for your septic tank to be pumped? Give us a call at 573-280-5052 and we’ll get you taken care of!