Septic systems, or individual sewage disposal systems, are typically found in rural parts of the United States where homes are situated on acres rather than small lots in subdivisions. Connecting these homes to municipal sewer systems is not feasible, therefore on-site systems are the practical answer. More than a quarter of the homes in the United States rely on septic systems to handle their household’s wastewater. That’s more than 4 billion gallons of wastewater per day entering the environment. Ensuring proper operation of these systems is critical and companies like Roto-Rooter Sewer & Drain Cleaning can help homeowners do just that.
The septic tank is a buried, watertight tank made of either fiberglass, concrete, or polyethylene. It has a holding capacity of about 1,000 gallons and retains the wastewater just long enough to permit the separation process to occur. The separation process creates three layers. The top layer, called the scum layer, contains substances lighter than water, such as fats or oils. The middle layer is the effluent layer which is almost clear and is rich with fertilizers such as nitrogen and phosphorous. The bottom layer is the sludge layer which contains particulates that are heavier than water.
To prevent buildup and possible system backup, the scum and sludge layers need to be periodically removed by Septic Tank Pumping Cedar Rapids IA. Regular maintenance and inspections are the best way to ensure the septic system remains in tip-top condition. Sewage from septic systems that is not adequately treated is a source of groundwater contamination. It is a threat to human health when it contaminates drinking water and may lead to disease and infection in both humans and animals.
An average septic system should be inspected every three years by a septic tank professional and the tank pumped as suggested — usually every three to five years. Septic systems with electronic float switches or pumps should have annual inspections. The factors that impact the frequency of Septic Tank Pumping Cedar Rapids IA include the number of people living in the home, the amount of wastewater generated (determined by the number of people and how much water is used), the amount of solid materials in the wastewater (having a garbage disposal increase the volume of solids), and the size of the septic tank. Click here for more details.
