Properties located in rural areas typically don’t have the luxury of access to a centralized municipal sewer system. Instead, they rely on septic systems to safely dispose of wastewater. Although septic systems are heavily utilized, many homeowners and commercial property owners are unfamiliar with their onsite wastewater treatment systems.
To help property owners in Central and North New Jersey get better acquainted with their system, Arrow Sewer & Drain answers some of the most common septic tank questions. Learn what a septic tank is, how it works, and more from our experts.
What Is a Septic Tank?
A septic tank is an underground wastewater container that collects, treats, and disperses wastewater generated by a home or business. The chamber houses wastewater long enough for solids to be separated from the liquid, allowing it to flow to the drain field. Septic tanks are typically buried four inches to four feet below the ground’s surface and are often situated 10 to 25 feet away from the home or business.
How Does a Septic Tank Work?
Septic systems work by utilizing time, gravity, and beneficial bacteria to separate solids from liquid waste. The process includes:
- Wastewater collection: Liquid waste from toilets and drains flows into the septic tank through a conveyance line.
- Separation of solids and liquids: Over time, solids settle and form a layer of sludge at the bottom of the septic tank while grease and light solids float to the top to create a layer of scum.
- Biological breakdown:Bacteria in the tank break down the solids and scum.
- Effluent release:The remaining liquid, called effluent, is released into the system’s drainfield.
- Soil treatment:Bacteria work to break down any remaining pollutants in the effluent, which is then returned to the soil and groundwater.
How Do You Manage Contaminated Soil?
Damaged septic tanks are prone to leaking, which not only creates an annoyance for property owners but also poses a significant health and safety threat. Septic tank leaks can contaminate soil, potentially causing harm to surrounding areas. Property owners must take swift action to minimize the damage.
Arrow Sewer & Drain performs contaminated soil removal services to excavate and eliminate soil that has been polluted, thereby mitigating the risks to human health and the environment. For instances when septic tanks need to be removed entirely, our team offers septic tank decommissioning and septic tank removal services.
How Much Is a Septic Tank?
The exact cost of a septic tank varies and is dependent on several factors, such as:
- Tank size and material
- The type of septic system
- Labor needed to install the system
Arrow Sewer & Drain offers free estimates for septic tank installation to inform clients of their financial responsibility before proceeding.
How Often Should You Pump Your Septic Tank?
Septic tanks must be periodically pumped to remove solids, sludge, and liquid to ensure proper function. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends having your septic tank pumped every three to five years.
However, the ideal pumping frequency can vary and often depends on several factors, including the size of your building or home, how much wastewater you generate, the kinds of solids in your wastewater, and the size and age of the system.
How Do You Find a Septic Tank?
Property owners seeking the location of their septic tank should consult public property records or building permits. These records will provide informative details about the septic tank, including locations. Another tactic is to follow the sewer line by noting where the pipe exits your home or building and looking for the corresponding area in your yard.
What Does a Septic Tank Look Like?
Generally, septic tanks are rectangular and made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. Septic tanks vary in size with larger units reserved for homes or buildings that generate large amounts of wastewater.
How Do You Check if a Septic Tank Is Full?
Septic tanks that are nearing capacity will demonstrate telltale signs, such as:
- Toilets, sinks, and showers drain slower than usual
- Noticeable gurgling noises coming from the pipes
- A foul, sewage-like odor coming from household drains or where the septic tank is located
- Pooling water or soaked areas where the septic tank is
- Raw sewage backing up into your pipes, sinks, bathtubs, or basement
- The grass above the septic tank is greener and more lush than other parts of the property
- Toilets are struggling to flush thoroughly
- Uncommonly high levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in water wells
- Algal blooms in nearby ponds or lakes
How Long Does a Septic Tank Last?
When properly maintained, septic tanks are expected to last between 20 to 30 years. However, the lifespan of a septic tank is largely influenced by how well it was installed and upkeep. To get the most out of their systems, property owners must ensure they conduct septic tank best practices, including:
- Having the system inspected and pumped frequently
- Using water efficiently
- Properly disposing of water and waste
- Not neglecting the system’s drainfield
Learn More from Arrow Sewer & Drain
The experts at Arrow Sewer & Drain are your go-to when it comes to all things septic systems. We are a full-service provider of residential plumbing and commercial plumbing systems that utilize a septic tank. Property owners in Somerset and Middlesex Counties wishing to learn more about their New Jersey septic systems can contact us today.
