One of the most essential requirements of a home is waste disposal. For most homeowners, that involves a sewer system. Things flush down the toilet or go down the drains, then through the sewer line, and toward the sewer system managed by the municipality or city. For the other 20 percent of homeowners who are not connected to a centralized sewer system, there are onsite wastewater treatment systems like a septic system.
In this brief article brought to you by Rooter Septic Services, we gloss over the basics of septic systems and their most important maintenance item: septic pumping. If you’re already familiar and know that you need septic pumping in Canton, then call Rooter Septic Services to schedule a convenient appointment.
How to Know You Have a Septic Tank
So, you’ve moved into a new home and are wondering whether it is connected to a centralized sewer system or relies on an on-site waste treatment system. How do you know whether your property has a septic tank installation?
The biggest sign that you do NOT have a septic tank is If you get monthly sewer bills. You may find this fee on your garbage or water bill. Another obvious sign that your home relies on a centralized sewer system are manholes on the street. Generally, if you live in a subdivision or crowded neighborhood, then you likely do NOT have a septic tank.
Septic tanks are most commonly found in rural areas or off-grid properties. For a surefire way of finding out, you can contact the local authority that deals with land, such as the registry office or assessment bureau.
Maintaining Your Septic Tank
If you have a septic system installed, then you are free from having to pay monthly sewer bills. However, this means that YOU are responsible for maintaining your wastewater treatment system. Now you might be thinking: What are the maintenance tasks for a septic tank?
The average septic tank holds about 1,000-1,500 gallons. Luckily, wastewater does not stick around in the tank; it flows in through the inlet pipe and right back out through the outlet pipes toward the drain field, where it percolates through the soil for treatment.
The solid waste, however, stays in the tank where bacteria breaks it down into space-saving sludge. Eventually, even the sludge becomes too much – and it must be removed. Septic pumping is the process of removing a large bulk of the septic tank’s contents to prevent overflowing.
How Often Must the Septic Tank Be Pumped?
There is no one right answer to this question. There are many factors involved, including the size of the tank and your household as well as the condition of the septic system among other variables. Generally, it is advised to have the septic tank pumped once every three to five years.
Finding Septic Professionals in Canton
If you are not sure when your septic tank was last pumped, then play it safe and arrange a septic pumping as soon as possible. Homeowners in Canton who are looking for septic professionals can call Rooter Septic Services to schedule a convenient appointment or arrange an urgent dispatch.