According to Plumbers Manufacturers International, a trillion gallons of water, worth $6 billion, is wasted each year due to running toilets and leaks. One of the best ways to conserve water and energy is to install a septic system. A septic system utilizes gravity, along with water pressure and drainage pipes, to separate solids from wastewater. This is done by funneling the water through several chambers and then into a septic tank.
Septic tanks are typically quite large and can store up to 1,500 gallons of wastewater. In fact, according to This Old House, residential septic tanks range in capacity from 750 to 1,500 gallons! This is because the solids from the wastewater will fill up one-third of the tank and form a layer at the bottom. This layer will also contain bacteria that help break down solids into more liquid material. This liquid then flows out of the tank and into a series of pipes that leads to underground drainage fields. Because septic tanks are so large, they often require a professional septic tank pumping service to be properly maintained.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a septic tank pumping service should ensure your system is working properly and functioning at peak capacity every three to five years. This pumping helps prevent backups, overflows, and the release of untreated wastewater into the environment. During a septic tank pump out, any accumulated solid materials are removed from the tank and disposed of according to environmental regulations. The liquid is then sent through another pressurized chamber that further separates solids from liquids and helps to preserve the environment.
While some homes are connected to a larger city sewer system, some homes are still equipped with septic systems. These individual septic tanks require slightly less maintenance than the larger city sewer systems; however, the maintenance will need to be paid out-of-pocket. Fortunately, a septic tank pumping service is cost-effective and will keep your home's waste disposal system running smoothly.
From hiring a septic tank pumping service to understanding how septic systems separate solids from wastewater, it's important to know the basics of your home's waste disposal system. If you need more help and tips, call Draintech Plumbing Drain Cleaning Water Jetting today!
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