When you think of septic tanks, images of old cottages and split levels probably come to mind. But do you know that every house has a septic tank? Even if they’re new? The truth is that most people don’t really know how a septic system works, but it’s an important part of your home. A septic tank is essential for breaking down the organic material in sewage so that it doesn’t pollute the groundwater or stream where it eventually ends up. In this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about your home’s septic tank: what it is, why you have one, and how it works.
Does Every House Have A Septic Tank?
No, not all houses have septic tanks. They are only necessary on properties with a septic system. A septic system is a sewage treatment system that uses the natural soil of the property to clean the wastewater coming from your toilets and sinks. A septic tank is buried below ground and stores this wastewater. A leach field disperses the wastewater through underground pipes to nearby vegetation.
Why Do You Need A Septic Tank?
1. To prevent pollution
Sewage is a mixture of both human and animal waste. The most notable part of this mixture is the waste from toilets and sinks. Sewage contains a lot of contaminants, like bacteria, viruses, oils, grease and other organic material that is harmful to the environment. A septic tank prevents these contaminants from polluting the water supply by storing and treating the wastewater in your property.
2. To reduce odor
For many homeowners, the main reason for having a septic tank is to reduce odors in their home. This can be caused by waste coming from toilets or sinks or even sewage being pumped into your property’s soil to break down the organic matter in it before being released into the surrounding environment. Without a septic system, you would have to rely on other methods such as venting systems or deodorizing products to remove odors from your home’s air. So if you want to keep your home smelling fresh, then why not get a septic tank installed?
3. To prevent flooding
Many people assume that any house without a septic tank will have problems with flooding due to its lack of an effective sewage system but that isn’t always true! It all depends on where you live and what type of soil you have underneath it as well as how your house was built and how much rain falls in your area every year! There are plenty of houses with no septic tanks that don’t have any problems with flooding.
4. To reduce the cost of maintenance
If you have a septic tank installed in your home, then you don’t need to worry about any of the maintenance costs associated with your septic tank. You won’t need to pay for the upkeep of your septic tank and you will no longer have to worry about checking it on a regular basis. If you do need to check it, then all you will have to do is call your local plumber for help!
5. To prevent any future problems
The best thing about having a septic tank installed in your home is that it prevents any future problems from arising from untreated sewage! If you already have a problem with odors in your home then installing a septic tank will help eliminate these problems permanently and ensure that they never return! So if you want to avoid future problems with flooding or odors, then why not get a septic tank installed?
What Are The Different Types Of Septic Tanks?
1. Conventional septic tank
Conventional septic tanks are the most common type and are usually made of concrete or plastic. Conventional septic tanks usually have a small drain at the bottom that allows excess water to drain away. This type of tank requires regular maintenance to prevent it from failing.
2. Septic tank with an effluent pump
This type of septic tank is designed to be used in areas where there is a large amount of rainfall, such as in Australia and parts of Canada, because this type of system can handle a lot more waste than other types of septic tanks without having to be pumped out very often. Septic tanks with effluent pumps use a pump to push the waste through pipes into pits that are placed behind the house where it is then treated for further use by bacteria before being discharged into the surrounding environment. This system does require regular maintenance but is much easier to maintain than conventional septic tanks if you have a large amount of rain falling on your property every year! It does however require more space for its installation so if your property isn’t big enough then this type of system may not be suitable for you!
3. Septic tank with an effluent filter
This type of septic system uses a filter in place of the pit behind your home that allows all the waste produced by your toilet or sink to pass through it and enter your sewer line instead. The difference between this and the previous two systems is that when this system is used the effluent filter will have to be replaced every 2 to 3 years. This type of system is more expensive than other systems and requires a fair amount of space for its installation, so if your property isn’t big enough it may not be suitable for you!
4. Liquid waste septic tank
This type of septic tank uses a liquid to treat the waste instead of using soil or sand as the previous three types do. Liquid waste septic tanks are often made from plastic and use a special additive that allows it to absorb all the liquid from your toilet or sink without allowing any solid particles through. The liquid then goes through a series of filters before being pumped into pits and treated by bacteria that can break down all types of liquid waste including oils, fats, grease, and milk. This type of system is more expensive than the others but is also more efficient because it doesn’t require any extra maintenance once installed, unlike some other systems!
When Should You Install A New Septic Tank?
1. Septic tank replacement
If you have a septic tank that is more than 10 years old then it is likely that it will need replacing at some point. This is because as well as the normal wear and tear of having a septic tank in your property over time it can also be damaged by flooding and plumbing problems. If you are experiencing periodic flooding or if your pipes are constantly clogging up with hair and grease then you should definitely consider replacing your septic tank!
2. Septic system repair
If you have ever experienced a problem with the effluent system in your home then this could mean that your septic tank requires repair. If one of the pipes has been damaged or if there is something wrong with the piping to the effluent filter then this will require repairs and may even require replacement!
3. Septic tank inspection
Septic tanks can be inspected to determine if they are in a good condition before they are installed, repaired, or replaced. This inspection should consist of checking for leaks, cracks, holes, missing parts etc. so that no damage occurs when the new septic tank is installed!
Conclusion
A septic tank is an underground tank that holds sewage from a house. Septic tanks are used in areas where the soil is unsuitable for the construction of a municipal sewer system. Septic tanks are commonly found in rural areas, areas near water, and areas that are difficult to extend municipal sewer services to. A single-family residence will normally have a septic system that consists of a septic tank and a leach field. When sewage flows out of the tank and into the leach field, it comes into contact with the soil and is diluted. The soil acts as a filter. The solids are broken down by the bacteria in the soil and the liquid portion flows into the soil and is discharged through the outlet at the bottom of the leach field.
