Why You Should Install a Septic Tank

Almost everything that goes down your toilet, sink or drains into your septic tank. That includes waste from showers, laundry, dishwashers, and garbage disposals.

The contents separate in the tank with heavier solids settling to the bottom and lighter liquids, such as grease and oil, floating to the surface as scum. Bacteria in the tank break down these contaminants. Contact Septic Tank Armadale now!

If you’re planning to build or buy a home in an area that isn’t connected to a public sewer system, you’ll have to install your own septic tank. On top of that, you’ll also need to pay for regular pumping and maintenance services. Those costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to understand what you’re getting into before you make any decisions.

The cost of septic tank installation will depend on the type of septic system you choose and the size of your home. You’ll also have to factor in the price of the leach field, which will be buried in your backyard and will link to the septic tank via pipes. These pipes are typically 18 to 36 inches deep, one to three feet wide and about 100 feet long.

In general, the bigger your home, the more expensive your septic tank and leach field will be. This is because larger homes generate more waste. You may also need to hire a contractor to dig a trench to accommodate the septic tank and leach field.

There are several factors that affect the cost of septic tank installation, including the size and material of your tank, the location of your property and how much labor is involved. Concrete septic tanks are the most popular and usually cost between $500 to $2,000 for a home of three to four bedrooms. These tanks can last decades but require periodic inspections from a professional to avoid cracking and other problems.

Plastic septic tanks are the least expensive option. They’re lightweight, easy to install and don’t crack or rust like their concrete counterparts. They can also be purchased in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the needs of any household.

Once the liquid waste in your septic tank is full, it will flow to the drain field, where it will be slowly released into the soil. This is done so that bacteria can break down and eliminate the contaminants. Some homeowners use biological additives to promote this process, but these aren’t always necessary.

On average, it costs $200 to $600 every time you have your septic tank pumped. This is because the tank will need to be emptied once or twice per year. A plumber will arrive with a truck equipped with a large tank that has a giant suction hose that “sucks” up the waste and then pumps it out to be taken to a sewage processing plant.

Installation

When it comes to septic tank installations, it’s important for home owners to work with a professional installation team that has the experience and know-how to complete the project quickly and efficiently. Moreover, the homeowner should be aware of local regulations that pertain to septic system installation. This way, the system will function properly and meet regulatory standards for years to come.

The first step in septic tank installation is to excavate the site for the tank and drain field. The excavation must be done accurately to prevent future problems with the system. In addition, the tank must be located as far away from habitable buildings as possible. The location should also be well-ventilated to reduce odors and bacterial buildup.

Once the septic tank is installed, it must be linked to the plumbing system. This will require installing inlet and outlet pipes as well as any other necessary connections. The septic tank must be sized according to the number of people living in the home and the soil type in the area. The installer will use a septic tank size calculator to determine the appropriate tank size for your home.

In addition, the septic tank must have a sludge layer and a wastewater effluent layer. The sludge layer contains fats and oils, which sink to the bottom of the tank. The wastewater, or effluent, flows out of the septic tank through special compartments and into the drain field. The drain field, also known as a leach field, is a section of unsaturated soil that filters the wastewater.

Septic tanks must be pumped at least once every three to five years. This process is important to keep the bacteria in the septic tank in check and avoid any issues with sludge or scum buildup. During the pumping process, a septic tank specialist will use a high-powered vacuum truck to remove the sludge and scum from the tank.

Homeowners should note that septic systems are complex, and a faulty one can be dangerous to your health and the environment. The first sign of a problem is usually a strong sewage smell in the house or yard. The odors are created when the bacteria in the septic tank break down the contaminants in the wastewater. This produces gases such as hydrogen sulfide, which smell like rotten eggs. If you notice this odor, turn off all water and call a septic tank service right away.

Maintenance

Septic tanks provide a vital service for areas without access to a centralized sewer system. They filter and dispose of household waste, including what is flushed down drains and toilets. If a septic tank is not regularly inspected and cleaned, the waste can back up into home drains and even flood the yard. This is both unsanitary and costly, as sewage contains dangerous bacteria that can cause illnesses in humans and animals. Regular maintenance helps keep septic systems functioning properly, which can add to the value of your property.

Keeping up with septic tank cleaning and inspection can prevent expensive repairs or replacements. It can also minimize ground contamination and clogs in your drains, which are both health hazards. Many homeowners blame slow drains on hair or other mundane items that clog the pipes, but the real culprit is a full septic tank. Slow drains are the first sign that you need to get your septic tank pumped out, so you should plan on having this done at least once every 5 years.

A professional septic technician can help you decide on the right tank size for your home, depending on its floor area and number of occupants. They can also guide you through local regulations for septic tank installation and maintenance. They can even recommend alternatives to traditional concrete tanks, such as fiberglass or plastic.

When choosing a contractor for your septic system maintenance, make sure they have experience and offer clear service guarantees. They should also have the right certifications and licensing to do the job. Ask for references and check their reviews to ensure that they meet local standards and requirements.

A good septic tank installer should be able to perform routine inspection and cleaning services as well as repair and replace your drain field. They should also be able to advise you on how to minimize your septic tank’s maintenance needs, such as not using toxic chemical drain cleaners or chemical waste disposal.

A well-maintained septic system is an asset to your property, and it will add to its value when you’re ready to sell. If you’re planning on selling in the near future, a well-maintained septic system is a must for any buyer.

Repairs

Septic tanks, like any other home feature, are bound to experience issues from time to time. However, with the proper care and maintenance, these problems can be minimized to prevent serious damage to your property. One common issue is a leak from the septic tank. This can occur due to a number of reasons, including the movement of soil around the tank or a crack in the structure itself. If you notice a wet area in your yard, it is best to contact a septic service professional immediately.

Another common problem is when the septic system becomes clogged. This is often caused by improper waste disposal and can result in wastewater backing up into your house. Signs that you may have a clogged septic system include slow sink and tub draining, gurgling pipes, or sewage odors. If you suspect that your septic system is clogged, it is important to call a professional immediately to avoid costly repairs and cleanup.

Other septic tank repair issues include broken or cracked lids. These can create unpleasant odors and pose safety hazards for anyone walking on or near them. In addition, they can allow the contents of the septic tank to spill out and cause property damage.

When a septic system has a cracked lid, it is crucial to replace it as soon as possible to prevent further complications and prevent the leakage of wastewater into the ground. Another problem with septic tanks is when the baffles inside them become diseased. This can lead to a failure of the septic system, as it will not properly separate solids from wastewater. Replacing these baffles will help the septic tank function correctly and extend its lifespan.

Lastly, the venting system of a septic tank may also need to be repaired or replaced. This is because a clog in the ventilation system will trap harmful gases that are released when the septic system works. These gases are made of methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, and can be very toxic to humans and animals.

A septic system also includes a set of long perforated pipes called the leach field or drain field. These pipes will take the wastewater from the septic tank to the soil. When the drain field fails, or is saturated with water, sewage will backup into the home. A failed drain field can be costly to replace, and it is essential to have yours checked regularly for signs of a potential problem.