Tag: septic

Take A Class in Septic System Basics

take a class in septic system basics

Basic Function and Maintenance of the Home Septic System

Every home with indoor plumbing has a way of flushing away the waste products of the household; whether that is a local sewer system or a septic system usually depends on the house's location and its internal plumbing system. Septic tanks are usually in place for homes far away from the city center in rural areas. They have their own set of maintenance needs and drawbacks, but if they are given the proper attention, they keep the inhabitants healthy and the surrounding area free of the contaminants of raw sewage.

Parts of a Septic System

When people think of the word septic, they tend to think of it as a negative thing. By definition, septic means something is infected with bacteria, which is usually harmful. In the case of the septic system and the microorganisms involved in the wastewater cleansing process, septic is actually a good thing. The thriving bacteria of a septic system clean the water and make it safe to return the water to the surrounding soil. While bacteria are a major component, this article will discuss the inorganic components that comprise the actual structure of a septic system. The septic system has two main parts: the septic tank and the drain field.

The Septic Tank: This is the first wastewater stop as it comes from the main drainage pipe. It is a watertight container made of several materials, including concrete, fiberglass, and polyethylene. The tank allows the effluent (another name for wastewater in the tank) to settle and separate, creating three layers within the tank:

  • Scum: This is the layer of floating waste in the tank, usually cooking oils and the like
  • Effluent: This wastewater will eventually flow into the soil absorption field
  • Sludge: This is the bottom layer composed of solids and inorganic matter that the bacteria cannot break down

The Drain Field: This area, also called the soil absorption field, is where the bacteria do most of the work. The effluent flows into the perforated pipes that make up the drain field, allowing the bacteria to neutralize other harmful microbes. The water then slowly drains out of the pipes, often through a loose layer of gravel, and returns to the soil.

Warnings of Septic System Malfunction

Puddles forming in green grass indicating potential yard flooding, a warning sign of septic system malfunction.Septic systems normally do their work without complaint or hiccup, but a few indicators indicate that a home requires septic systems repair. Septic tank repair or replacement can be especially onerous and expensive as it can involve digging up the old tank. Hopefully, one can catch the problem through these early warning signs:

  • Extremely green and spongy grass growing in the drain field
  • Foul smells in the area of the tank or drain field
  • Sewer backups into the house
  • Slow draining throughout the home
  • Yard flooding

If these signs are present, a homeowner should immediately contact a reputable septic service provider.

Maintenance and the Septic System

Septic system maintenance with technician using vacuum hose to pump septic tank in residential yard.Regular, professional maintenance is key to maintaining any household system. The septic system is no different. Septic system maintenance is primarily septic tank maintenance, although there are sometimes clogs in the drain field that need clearing. Pumping the septic tank is vital for a properly functioning septic system. A homeowner should have this done regularly and consult a professional on how often one should empty their tank.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

For more than 2 decades, B&L Plumbing and Heating has served the inhabitants of Colorado Springs, CO, and the surrounding areas. They are veteran-owned and offer 24-hour emergency service with no after-hours charge. Call them today for personalized solutions and expert plumbing service!

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April Showers Sometimes Bring May Septic Struggles

april showers sometimes bring may septic struggles

The Relationship Between Heavy Rains and Septic Tanks

The sweet smell of rain and the flowers of May are just a few benefits that spring showers bring. But, most people don’t think of the problems those showers bring along with them. The truth is, despite all the greenery and color that April showers feed, the deluge of rain from spring weather can lead to major plumbing headaches for a home’s septic tank. Homeowners should keep an eye out for any sign that spring rain may compromise their septic tank. Not sure what to look for? Keep reading to find out.

Puddles forming on a wet surface during heavy rainfall, illustrating potential flooding issues affecting septic tanks.

Signs of Trouble From Flooded Ground

A home’s septic tank system is designed to treat wastewater using various methods. However, nearly all septic systems require being underground, handling water treatment over a slow, lengthened period. Thus, when the ground becomes saturated with excess external water, trouble ensues.

Most septic systems are buried 2-4 feet below the top of ground soil. When the soil area above the septic tank becomes flooded, the system can no longer clean water. Sewage may back up into the home. Note that water underneath the septic tank isn’t the problem; it’s floodwater sitting on top that causes trouble. 

When floodwaters have risen above the normal water table, it’s essential to reduce the water home pumps through the septic tank. Homeowners can take shorter showers, prepare no-cook meals, use paper dishes, and flush water only when necessary to reduce the pressures on the system. A septic system will not be safe to use until the ground has dried out and a professional septic service has flushed the system properly post-flooding. 

Identifying a Clogged Drainfield

Septic drain fields will give several signs of clogs or damage when trouble comes up in the system.

  • Standing Water & Smells: If stinky puddles are developing around the septic tank area, there’s a high likelihood of a clog somewhere along the line. As water continues to rise and develop, sewage may start backing up in the home.
  • Extreme Plant Growth: If the septic field has a garden growing and the rest of the yard looks brown, well, there’s probably excessive water in the drainage field from a clog producing the plantlife. 
  • Slow Indoor Drains: Slow drains in a home that runs on a septic tank signal drainage issues in the system itself, and a clog may be the cause of the slowness. 
  • Backflow: Whenever sewage is backflowing into a home, there’s likely a problem with the septic tank. This is indicative of water not getting pumped away from the septic tank properly. 

Usually, septic tank clogs are solved with a high-pressure jet of water or pipe replacement as needed.

How To Protect Septic Tanks From the Threats of Spring RainsSeptic tank installation site with a concrete tank in a dug-out area surrounded by grass, relevant to septic system maintenance and drainage issues.

There are several steps for homeowners to take to prevent spring rains from damaging their septic system.

  • Regular Pumping and Maintenance: Septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years, minimum, and always after any flooding. A plumber should clean effluent screens during the maintenance as well. 
  • Install a Backflow Preventer: All homes with a septic tank should have a backflow preventer installed. The device will stop sewage from backing up into the home during a flood.
  • Have a Minimal Water Plan: Homeowners should create a plan for minimizing water usage whenever they are at risk for flooding. They can write out how the household will reduce water by flushing less, shortening showers, scheduling laundry, cooking less, etc., and keep a stash of clean clothes, paper plates, and bottled water on hand. 
  • Protect the Drain Field: Homeowners should be mindful of what goes on around the drain field. Sump pumps and gutters should never drain near the drain field. Vehicles should not be parked on the drain field. Additionally, plants and trees should not be grown near enough to the drain field for roots to damage the system.

Knowing the risks of spring rains on a home’s septic system is the first step to protecting it from flooding. A qualified septic maintenance provider can help homeowners create the right plan for protecting their system from any spring flooding. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

For over 20 years, B&L Plumbing and Heating has been solving their Colorado Springs, CO community’s plumbing problems quickly and affordably. Their team builds personalized solutions to fit your project, budget, and style. From basic sink installation to a septic tank repair, the experts at B&L Plumbing and Heating are ready to help. Give them a call for plumbing service today!

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