Homeowners and business owners with properties in rural areas or smaller towns often utilize septic systems because they don’t have access to a centralized municipal sewer system. While septic systems are common, many property owners are unfamiliar with how they work and may lack knowledge of proper maintenance. Arrow Sewer & Drain helps property owners get better acquainted with these systems by answering a few common questions about what they are, how they work, and the septic tank removal process.
What Is a Septic Tank?
A septic tank is an underground chamber designed to separate solids from wastewater and store and partially decompose as much solid material as possible, all while still allowing liquid to flow to the drainfield (soil absorption field). Generally, septic tanks are rectangular and made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. They work by holding wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle down to the bottom, while the oil and grease float to the top. Septic tanks are designed to be installed inconspicuously and are often situated a distance away from the home or business, usually 10 to 25 feet.
How Long Do They Last?
Traditionally, a septic will last between 20 to 30 years. However, the lifespan of a septic tank depends on how well it was installed and how well it has been maintained. Proper septic tank care doesn’t require much work, but it does need to be performed regularly to ensure the longevity of your system. Upkeep of your septic system includes the following:
- Having your system inspected and pumped frequently
- Using water efficiently
- Properly disposing of water and waste
- Maintaining your system’s drainfield
How to Tell When Issues Are Occurring
Homeowners and business owners unfamiliar with their septic tanks often spot issues with their systems when it’s too late. Knowing the signs of a failing tank can save property owners from costly repairs or needing to replace their systems. Common signs of septic system failure include:
- Water and sewage from toilets, drains, and sinks backing up
- Noticeable slow-moving drains
- Distinct gurgling sounds coming from the plumbing system
- Standing water or damp spots near the septic tank or drainfield
- Foul odors lingering near the septic tank or drainfield
- Uncommonly high levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in water wells
- Algal blooms in nearby ponds or lakes
What to Do About Contaminated Soil
Septic tanks that sustain a leak can not only create an annoyance for property owners but also pose a significant threat to public safety and the surrounding environment. Septic tank leaks can lead to contaminated soil, potentially causing harm to those most affected by it. In these cases, property owners should consider professional contaminated soil removal.
In other instances, septic tanks may need to be removed entirely. For professional assistance with either task, turn to the experts at Arrow Sewer & Drain. Specializing in residential plumbing and commercial plumbing projects, we offer homeowners and business owners advanced septic tank removal services.
Septic Tank Services from Arrow Sewer & Drain
The experts at Arrow Sewer & Drain are available to answer questions about your septic system in central and north New Jersey. Our team is skilled in septic tank removal and can guide you through the entire process, including hooking you up to city sewer lines. For more in-depth and larger-scale jobs, we offer free estimates so you can have a better understanding of your financial responsibility before proceeding. Contact us today to learn more about our septic tank and other services.
