Understanding Your Septic System
At Coulter Pumping and Jones Pumping, we believe understanding how your septic system works is a great way to keep it working well. If your toilets aren’t flushing or your drains are making strange noises, you probably need to clean your septic tank. We hope you’ll find the following information helpful.
What Is a Septic Tank?
A septic tank is a cement tank, installed underground that is part of your septic system. Septic tanks come in many sizes, such as 800, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 and 3,000 Canadian imperial gallons. Usually, the size you have depends on the number of bathrooms and the square footage of your home. Many older tanks have just one chamber whereas most new, modern tanks have two chambers. The two-chamber tanks have two lids to allow access to both sides of the tank. It is necessary to have both of these lids exposed when having your septic tank pumped. New systems may require a pump-up system. This consists of a pump chamber to house a mechanical pump which then pumps the water up into a raised septic bed. Occasionally the pump may quit causing your tank to fill up and you will require our pumping services to facilitate fixing your pump.
A holding tank means that there is no leaching/weeping bed. When the tank is full, it must be pumped in order for you to flush your toilets, etc. They are commonly found near lakes, waterways and small properties that cannot accommodate a leaching bed.
How Do I Find My Septic Tank?
To locate your septic tank, you will need to find a 4” black pipe going through the foundation wall in your basement. The tank is usually located about 5-6 feet out where the black pipe exit’s the foundation wall. This can vary depending on where your well is located, and the lay of the surrounding land. If you have difficulty finding your septic tank, you can call your local health department or call us for assistance in locating it.
How Does a Septic System Work?
Your septic system is buried in your yard and is built to last. Your system performs a very vital task. It treats tonnes of organic waste each year. It consists of a septic tank and a leaching/weeping bed. Wastewater from your home (including, toilets, bathtubs, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, etc.) travels to your tank via the outlet pipe. As your tank fills up, the lighter organic matter floats and the heavier matter (sludge) settles to the bottom. The naturally occurring bacteria (billions of microscopic organisms) in your tank works to break down the solid organic waste and turn it to liquid. As time passes, the liquid gets thicker - sludge - and this should be removed. The grey water in between the two layers flows to the second chamber where a similar process occurs. The water in the second chamber flows out through the outlet pipe to the leaching bed where it is absorbed into the surrounding ground. Please note that excessive use of disinfectants will kill off the good bacteria necessary for the proper functioning of your system and is not recommended.
What Is Involved When I Get My Septic Tank Pumped?
Your septic tank has two lids which you need to have exposed before we come to pump out your tank. If your lids are more than six (6) inches below the ground surface, we recommend you have risers constructed over the lids to save you time and energy by not having to dig out the lids every time you need a pump out. We pump out your tank as clean as possible with our vacuum truck. We then inspect your tank to make sure it is working properly. Our driver will advise you as to when you should have your system serviced again.
Is It Necessary To Add Any Products To My Septic System?
Excessive bleaches destroy the good bacteria that are necessary for your system to function properly. As long as you do not use excessive bleach products, generally you will not need to add anything to your system.
How Do I Look After My Leaching Bed?
Your leaching bed will look after itself. It is recommended that you do not:
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Construct anything over the field such as decks, sheds, patios, interlock, parking areas.
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Drive over the leaching bed, as this can compact the soil and/or damage the pipes.
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Plant any trees near the field area. The tree roots travel to the water source, and will plug up and damage the pipes.
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Your drainage field needs sunlight and ventilation so the moisture can evaporate. The grass usually grows faster and greener over your leaching bed area, and this is a good sign.