What is a Septic System?
A septic system is an individual wastewater treatment system that uses the soil to treat wastewater. A septic system has two main parts, a holding tank and an absorption field. A third step can be added between the septic tank and the absorption field for further treatment. Sewage from the home enters into the septic tank where heavier solids settle out and scum rises to the surface. The water between the scum and solid layer enters into the absorption field where it trickles down into the soil.
Is Your Septic System Failing?
- Gurgling Sounds in the Plumbing
- Plumbing Backups
- Sewage Odors in the House or Yard
- Ground is Wet or Mushy Above Your Septic System’s Absorption Field
- Grass is Greener or Grows Faster Above Your Absorption Field
- Tests Show the Presence of Bacteria in Nearby Streams or Wells
Failing systems are expensive to repair or replace.
By maintaining your septic system you can help prevent problems that may lead to repairs or having to replace your septic system.
Compare: $50-$250 to have your septic system inspected or septic tank pumped. $3,000-$10,000 to have it repaired or replaced.
Why Maintain Your Septic System?
Money
- Failing systems are expensive to repair or replace.
- By maintaining your septic system you can help prevent problems that may lead to repairs or having to replace your septic system.
- Compare: $50-$250 to have your septic system inspected or septic tank pumped. $3,000-$10,000 to have it repaired or replaced.
The Health of Your Family and Community
- Untreated wastewater poses significant health risks to anyone who comes into contact with it.
- If your septic system is not functioning properly, and needs repairs or replacing, your system may be discharging untreated waste on to your yard or in to a nearby stream.
- Economic Health of Your Community
- Failed systems decline property values and the value of local recreational areas.