Why You Should Know Where Your Septic Tank Is? (Solution found)

The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Its job is to hold the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle down to the bottom forming sludge, while the oil and grease floats to the top as scum.

• Safe: In the unlikely event you have a blockage that causes waste to back up into your home, with a septic tank you know where that waste came from. On a municipal system, a back-up can bring pathogens from the entire community into your tubs, sinks, and toilets, depending on the location and severity of the backup.

How do I decide where to put my septic tank?

Ideally, a septic tank should be placed on level ground. If possible, the tank should be placed on high ground in order to avoid flooding and seeping. It will be important that you look around and avoid steep slopes or areas of dense tree roots that can damage your entire system.

Are septic tank locations public record?

Contact your local health department for public records. These permits should come with a diagram of the location where the septic system is buried. Depending on the age of your septic system, you may be able to find information regarding the location of your septic system by making a public records request.

What should I ask about septic tank?

6 Questions You Need To Ask During A Septic System Inspection

1. What Is A Septic System?
2. How Often Should You Get A Septic Inspection?
3. What Does A Septic Inspection Involve?
4. How Much Does A Septic Inspection Cost?
5. How Long Do Septic Systems Last?
6. When Should You Repair Or Replace Your Septic System?

How far should a septic system be from the house?

Local codes and regulations that stipulate the distance of the septic tank from the house vary depending on the locale, but the typical minimum distance is 10 feet.

Can a mound system be put anywhere?

It costs a great deal of money to install these systems, but they can be placed anywhere. A mound septic system has no container, and digging too far gets you too close to the water table. This means instead of digging down you have to dig out.

Can you build a deck over a septic tank?

You should never build a deck over a septic field; doing so will prevent the natural draining and dissipation of the effluent. This can ruin the septic system, not to mention releasing foul smells into the air all around your deck. The dissipating effluent can also rot the deck from underneath.

How do I know if my house has a septic tank?

One way to determine whether or not your home has a septic system or is served by the public sewer system is to look at your water bill. If you are using a septic system for wastewater management, then you’re likely to see a charge of $0 for wastewater or sewer services from the utility company.

How do I find out if my septic tank is registered?

Check if your septic tank is already registered You can check if your tank has already been registered by contacting your environmental regulator. If you are unsure then it is best to check and avoid making an unnecessary payment. The NIEA and SEPA have records of all registered septic tanks.

Do I have to change my septic tank?

Under the new rules, if you have a specific septic tank that discharges to surface water (river, stream, ditch, etc.) you are required to upgrade or replace your septic tank treatment system to a full sewage treatment plant by 2020, or when you sell a property, if it’s prior to this date.

How long do septic tanks last?

A septic system’s lifespan should be anywhere from 15 to 40 years. How long the system lasts depends on a number of factors, including construction material, soil acidity, water table, maintenance practices, and several others.

How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?

How much does it cost to pump out a septic tank? The average cost is $300, but can run up to $500, depending on your location. The tank should be pumped out every three to five years.

Can I sell my house with a septic tank?

If you’re selling a property with a septic tank, then you must be transparent with buyers about the fact the property uses a one and provide a detailed specification of the system. In fact, You are required by law to inform a buyer in writing about the presence of a septic tank. The age of the system.

How close to a septic tank can I build a pool?

Installing an inground pool has greater restrictions and will probably need to be installed at least 15 to 25 feet away from the septic tank or leach lines, depending on your county’s code requirements.

How deep is the septic tank outlet pipe?

After the solids settle out, effluent leaves the septic tank through the outlet pipe and flows to the drain field. The outlet pipe should be approximately 3 inches below the inlet pipe.

What You Need to Know About Your Septic System’s Drainfield

In the absence of a municipal sewer system, the likelihood is that you are utilizing an aseptic system for all of your wastewater disposal. It is your septic tank that is emptied every time you flush the toilet or when water drains down the drain from sinks or the laundry. Residential septic systems are available in a variety of configurations, but they invariably include an aseptic tank, into which wastewater is channeled for treatment, and a drainfield, into which effluent evaporates or drains into the ground.

What Is a Septic System Drainfield?

Aseptic systems handle the majority of wastewater generated by homes that are not connected to municipal sewage systems. It is your septic tank that is emptied every time you flush the toilet or when water drains down the sink or from the laundry. Residential septic systems are available in a variety of configurations, but they invariably include an aseptic tank, into which wastewater is channeled for treatment, and a drainfield, into which wastewater evaporates or drains into the soil, respectively.

What Are the Signs There Is a Problem With Your Drainfield?

• Waste smells, particularly outside in the vicinity of the septic tank and drainfield
• Predominant presence of dark green, luxuriant flora covering the drainfield It may be visually appealing, but it indicates a severely overburdened septic system. It’s possible to have wet, soggy, or spongy regions over your septic tank or drainfield even in dry weather. It’s possible that you’ll discover puddles of standing water. Kitchen and bathroom drains that are too slow
• Toilets that are overflowing or sewage backups

What Are the Causes of These Problems?

A drainfield can live for 50 years or longer if it is properly cared for and maintained. However, several of the indications listed above might indicate that a drainfield is beginning to fail. The system just does not have the capability to take any additional garbage. Sewage backups, a foul stench outdoors, and sluggish drainage within your house are all possible consequences of this.

Crushing damage

When erected over a drainfield, heavy objects such as a shed, animals, or automobiles can cause the pipes below to get damaged or destroyed. Compaction of the soil can also be caused by an excessive amount of weight on the drainfield. Wastewater cannot be adequately absorbed in compacted soil, resulting in the occurrence of many of the symptoms described above.

Pipes are blocked

Weighing things such as a shed, animals, or automobiles that are put over the drainfield might cause the pipes underneath to become damaged. Compacting soil can also be caused by excessive weight on the drainfield. The inability of compacted soil to effectively absorb wastewater results in the occurrence of many of the symptoms described above.

The septic system is overloaded

Doing multiple loads of laundry on the same day as running the dishwasher might cause the septic system to become overburdened. A leaky faucet or a gurgling toilet might also be problematic. Time is required by all septic systems in order for the effluent to pass through the treatment procedures. It is otherwise necessary to compel wastewater to flow into the drainage field at a quicker pace than the drainage field is capable of handling. This can result in standing water or the mushy, spongy conditions described above.

Gutter downspouts draining over the drainfield

Having gutters that drain across the septic system drainfield makes it more difficult for the drainfield to absorb wastewater and perform its function. This might result in a squishy region that is constantly wet or standing water.

What to Do to Maintain a Healthy Drainfield

• Heavy machinery, automobiles, recreational vehicles, boats, grazing animals, and structures should be kept away from the area above your drainfield. Planting trees or other plants over your drainfield might cause harm to the pipes since the roots will grow into them. Make certain that all gutter downspouts are directed away from the drainfield. Every two to three years, have your septic tank pumped. Solids are conveyed into the drainfield by the absence of frequent pumping, resulting in blockage of the pipes. Apart from the waste that comes out of your body, the only item that should be flushed down the toilet is toilet paper. Other solids should not be flushed. Additionally, refrain from dumping any fats, oils, or grease down your drains. You should space out your laundry and dishwashing days so that you don’t overburden your septic system.

How Your Septic System Works

Underground wastewater treatment facilities, known as septic systems, are often employed in rural regions where there are no centralized sewage lines. They clean wastewater from residential plumbing, such as that produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry, by combining natural processes with well-established technology. A conventional septic system is comprised of two components: a septic tank and a drainfield, often known as a soil absorption field. It is the septic tank’s job to decompose organic matter and to remove floatable stuff (such as oils and grease) and solids from wastewater.

Alternate treatment systems rely on pumps or gravity to assist septic tank effluent in trickling through a variety of media such as sand, organic matter (e.g., peat and sawdust), constructed wetlands, or other media to remove or neutralize pollutants such as pathogens that cause disease, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants.

Prior to discharging wastewater into the environment, several alternative systems are designed to evaporate or disinfect the effluent.

Specifically, this is how a typical conventional septic system works:

1. All of the water that leaves your home drains down a single main drainage pipe and into a septic tank. An underground, water-tight container, often composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, serves as a septic system’s holding tank. Its function is to retain wastewater for a long enough period of time to allow particles to sink to the bottom and form sludge, while oil and grease float to the surface and produce scum. Sludge and scum are prevented from exiting the tank and moving into the drainfield region by compartments and a T-shaped outlet. After that, the liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the tank and flows into the drainfield. The drainfield is a shallow, covered hole dug in unsaturated soil that serves as a drainage system. Porous surfaces are used to release pretreated wastewater because they allow the wastewater to pass through the soil and into the groundwater. In the process of percolating through the soil, wastewater is accepted, treated, and dispersed by the soil, finally discharging into groundwater. Finally, if the drainfield becomes overburdened with too much liquid, it can flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or resulting in toilet backups and sink backups. Finally, wastewater percolates into the soil, where it is naturally removed of harmful coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. Coliform bacteria are a kind of bacteria that may be found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals, with humans being the most common host. As a result of human fecal contamination, it is a sign of this.

The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority has built an animated, interactive model of how a residential septic system works, which you can view here.

Do you have a septic system?

It’s possible that you’re already aware that you have a septic system. If you are not sure, here are some tell-tale symptoms that you most likely are:

• You make use of well water. In your home, the water pipe that brings water into the house does not have a meter. In the case of a water bill or a property tax bill, you will see “$0.00 Sewer Amount Charged.” It is possible that your neighbors have a septic system

How to find your septic system

You can locate your septic system once you have confirmed that you have one by following these steps:

• Taking a look at the “as constructed” drawing of your house
• Making a visual inspection of your yard for lids and manhole covers
• Getting in touch with a septic system service provider for assistance in locating it

Failure symptoms: Mind the signs!

A bad odor is not necessarily the first indicator of a septic system that is failing to work properly. Any of the following signs should prompt you to seek expert assistance:

• Water backing up into the drains of homes and businesses
• It is especially noticeable in dry weather that the drainfield grass is bright green and spongy. The presence of standing water or muddy soil near your septic system or in your basement
• A strong stench emanating from the area surrounding the septic tank and drainfield

How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:

• Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
• Conserve water
• Dispose of waste properly
• And keep your drainfield in good condition.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.

• The size of the household
• The total amount of wastewater produced
• The amount of solids present in wastewater
• The size of the septic tank

Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.

When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.

In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.

An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.

Use Water Efficiently

In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system.

A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure. The Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program offers several simple strategies to conserve water as well as water-efficient goods.

• Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
• Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.

Properly Dispose of Waste

Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.

Toilets aren’t trash cans!

Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:

• Cooking grease or oil
• Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
• Photographic solutions
• Feminine hygiene items Condoms
• Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.

Think at the sink!

Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:

• If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
• Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.

Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?

If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.

• The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.

Maintain Your Drainfield

It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:

• Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.

Buying A House With A Septic Tank: Pros And Cons

Do not park or drive on your drainfield; it is illegal to do so. Construction: Plant trees at a proper distance from your drainfield to prevent roots from growing into your septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your particular situation. Roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems should be kept away from the drainfield area. In excess water, the wastewater treatment process will slow down or halt completely;

Looking for Your Septic Tank? Here’s How to Find It

“It’s 9 o’clock, do you know where your septic tank is?” says the interrogator. Maybe this is a little over the top, but it’s a question that many of our clients have asked over the years. In particular, new homeowners who are unfamiliar with the inner workings of their home or who haven’t needed septic tank servicing yet should be aware of the risks involved. Knowing where your septic tank is located is essential for routine maintenance and when you wish to add additional landscaping to your property.

Why you need to know where your septic tank is located

The time is nine o’clock, do you know where your septic tank is?” “Do you know where your septic tank is?” Maybe this is a little over the top, but it’s a question that many of our clients have asked us. For new homeowners who are unfamiliar with the inner workings of their home or who have not yet had septic tank service, this is particularly true.

Knowing where your septic tank is located is essential for routine maintenance and when you wish to add new landscaping to your property. For those looking for a tank, we have some suggestions that may be of assistance to you.

How to find your septic tank

1. Inquire with your neighbors– If you have a septic tank, it’s possible that your neighbors have, too. Perhaps you’ll be fortunate enough to come across someone who knows where your tank is or who can assist you in narrowing down your search
2. Obtain information from public records– It is possible that your local county or municipality has an existing septic tank map on file, which contains a schematic and the measurements of your property. Examine the home inspection report you received when you purchased your house to see if there is any mention of the presence of a septic tank and the location of the tank before going to your local records office. Start in the basement and discover the sewer pipe that leaves the house if you have to locate the tank by yourself. Pipe with a diameter of four inches is usual for this application. After that, go outside and around to the opposite side of the wall. Then, using a metal soil probe to poke small holes in various locations around your property, trace the pipe’s course until you reach the tank. When you strike the flat top surface of the tank with the probe, you’ll notice a distinct change. Consider your surroundings– If you have a huge property, locating a needle in a haystack might seem like a daunting task. To make your search more efficient, you can eliminate locations near structures, paved surfaces, the water well, and, ideally, regions with extensive trees or landscaping from consideration. Another possibility is that you may notice a patch of grass that is a little greener or that is growing more quickly around the tank. Locate the septic tank lid– Regardless of how you pinpoint the position of the tank, you may need to perform a little digging in order to expose the lid. You may use the soil probe to determine the perimeter of the tank – most tanks will be around 5 7 feet in length and width. As soon as you’ve outlined the edges, start shoveling in the middle and working your way around the perimeter until you reach the lid. However, unless you’re servicing the tank immediately away, there’s no reason to lift the top and let the noxious odors out into the environment.

After you’ve located your septic tank, make a note of the position on a map or mark it on your GPS device for future reference. This will assist you in avoiding the construction of structures or the planting of deep-rooted plants in the vicinity of the sewage line and septic tank. When it comes to selling your house, a map or handwritten diagram may also be beneficial. If you want plumbing assistance in New Haven or Fairfield County, Rick’s Plumbing is the brand you can rely on. In order to obtain expert assistance, please send us a message or phone us at (203) 874-6629.

• The post was published on July 16, 2019 under the category Septic Tank System.

8 Signs of Septic System Failure

Septic tanks are an important resource for both homeowners and the surrounding community. Its goal is to store domestic wastewater in an underground chamber where it may be treated at a basic level. They are generally composed of plastic, fiberglass, and concrete and serve as a sewage disposal system for the home or business owner. Sewage can leak underground and move upward in the earth if a septic unit fails, which can cause flooding. Not only may this result in serious plumbing issues, but it can also pose a health threat over time.

If that’s the case, these are the eight indicators of a failing septic system.

1. Septic System Backup

Everything that has to do with plumbing in your home is tied to your septic system. Sewage and wastewater will no longer be able to enter the tank if your septic system malfunctions or becomes overburdened. Instead, it will remain in the pipes until it begins to rise to the surface again. Sewage and wastewater back up into sinks, drains, and even into your toilet as a result of this condition. A clogged septic tank is the most obvious indicator of a failing system. You should contact a qualified plumber as soon as you discover this symptom to get it repaired.

2. Slow Drains

Slow drainage might also be caused by a clogged septic tank. For example, if a septic tank is completely filled, it will no longer actively collect wastewater from the ground. This implies that your pipes will become blocked with sewage and will be unable to drain your plumbing appliances properly. Your drains will become naturally sluggish in draining water or other liquids, as a result of this phenomenon. Even if you utilize the best gear available to unclog your drain, you will not be successful since the fundamental problem is located in the septic tank.

3. Gurgling Sounds

When using plumbing appliances, you should also be on the lookout for any unusual sounds that may occur. For example, if you flush your toilet and hear strange gurgling sounds, you should call a plumber right once to assess the situation. Toilets generally emit water-related sounds that subside once the flushing cycle is completed. If, on the other hand, you hear sounds that sound like an upset stomach, you may have a serious problem.

If you are hearing gurgling noises coming from your drains, the same logic applies. Gurgling sounds indicate a blockage or a problem with the internal septic system, both of which require rapid attention.

4. Pool of Water or Dampness Near Drainfield

It is no longer possible to absorb wastewater in a septic tank when it is damaged or fails. This indicates that wastewater will naturally seep out of the earth as a result of the groundwater table. It has the potential to create a significant pool of wastewater near the drain field, as well as cause dampness in the same area. These are the most obvious indications of a failing septic system, and they should not be ignored. A pool of water near the drainfield will often appear as if it has been raining on your lawn for an extended period of time.

If you have reason to believe that your septic tank is full or broken, make a point of actively looking for these signs.

5. Nasty Odors

One such tell-tale indicator of a failing septic system is the development of foul odors near the drainfield and plumbing equipment. If you notice strong and nasty scents when you walk outdoors and tread onto your grass, it is possible that your septic tank has failed. If the bad aromas emanating from your house are the same as those emanating from the office, you can reach a similar conclusion. It is likely that sewage has entered your home through the drainfield and into your main drain line, resulting in these foul odors.

6. Unusual, Bright Green Grass Above Drainfield

Have you ever seen people applying mulch, fertilizers, and manure to their lawns in order to encourage it to grow more quickly? It is possible that sewage has the same features as manure, namely that it contains nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and micronutrients that plants can use to thrive. When you see exceptionally green grass near your drainfield, it is likely that wastewater is leaking into your lawn from the drainfield itself. Due to the fact that grass is naturally green, identifying this symptom might be difficult.

Pay close attention to your drainfield in order to identify this problem before it becomes too serious.

7. Blooms of Algae in Nearby Water

If you live near a body of water, such as a lake or pond, keep an eye out for unexpected algal blooms that appear out of nowhere. Due to the fact that most individuals regard the appearance of algae to be a regular occurrence, diagnosing this symptom can also be difficult. Algal blooms, on the other hand, occur when a huge concentration of algae forms in a body of water. They appear to be artificial and to be the result of excessive algal contamination in the water. When wastewater is present, it might lead to the growth of algae that is aberrant.

8. High Levels of Coliform in Water Well

A neighboring water well may also be able to identify abnormal amounts of coliform bacteria as well as high quantities of nitrogen dioxide (nitrogen dioxide). However, if your septic system fails, the water in your well will get contaminated with bacteria and harsh chemicals by effluent from the surrounding area.

Give Us a Call Right Now! Any problems with your septic tank now occupy your thoughts? If this is the case, please contact us at (941) 721-4645 to talk with a member of our staff. You may also learn more about our septic services by visiting this page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have any other queries concerning septic systems? Please let us know. If this is the case, you may find a comprehensive list of FAQs farther down on this page.

How much do septic system repair services cost?

• A septic system repair service might cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 in labor and materials. The ultimate cost is determined by the extent of the task, the number of hours worked, and other factors.

Can a septic drainfield be repaired?

• Even though there is no quick remedy for drainfield repair, it is achievable if you employ an expert plumber or septic system specialist.

How often do septic systems need to be replaced?

• Septic systems may endure for more than 40 years if they are properly maintained. Every three years, the average septic tank should be examined and pumped out in order to avoid long-term problems and septic system failure.

What Homeowners Should Know about Septic Tanks

If you own a house with a septic tank or are considering purchasing a home with a septic tank, it is critical that you understand how this system operates on your property. What the benefits and drawbacks of having a septic tank are, where you could find one in South Florida, and what buyers should know about septic tanks before acquiring a house that has one are all covered in this article.

What Is a Septic Tank?

A septic tank is a waterproof container that is buried beneath your home or business property. The purpose of this tank, which is often constructed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, is to collect and store wastewater and garbage generated by your home. Everything that goes down a drain ends up in your septic tank, from your kitchen sink to your showers and toilets to your garbage disposal. When wastewater enters the septic tank, solids separate and settle to the bottom, forming sludge, while oil and grease separate and float to the top, forming scum.

Even the wastewater is discharged into the drain field, where it is cleansed by the soil before reaching the groundwater table and becoming drinkable.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Septic Tank?

Septic tank systems have a number of advantages and disadvantages that should be addressed before acquiring a house with a septic tank system or connecting a home to the municipal sewage system. The following are some of the advantages of a septic tank system:

• It is useful in regions where access to a sewer is either too expensive or unattainable. Installing and maintaining it is rather inexpensive. Water bills were reduced, and sewage fees were abolished.

The following are some of the disadvantages of a septic tank system:

• It is not possible to flush anything into the toilet tank that cannot be organically decomposed (such as hair, dental floss, grease, fat, diaper wipes, paper towels, and so on). It is not permitted to clean with bleach or other strong chemicals. Expenses associated with pumping every 2-5 years

Do All Homes Have Septic Tanks?

Septic tanks are installed in around 20% of residences in the United States. A septic tank is most typically seen in rural locations when there is a big amount of property separating neighbors from one another. However, in south Florida, they may be found in practically every city, which is a welcome relief. It is not possible to determine where to seek for them because there are no established restrictions, although they are generally located in lower-income regions where individuals do not want to spend the additional costs associated with having a public sewer system.

What Should Prospective Homeowners Know about Septic Tanks before Buying?

In the event that you’re considering purchasing a property that is equipped with a septic tank system, there are a few things you should know:

• It is necessary to have a septic system examination performed before a title may be transferred. Remember that septic tanks can live up to 40 years or longer, so check the tank’s age before buying
• It is possible that you may need to replace your system at some time during your homeownership, which can cost upwards of $7,000 for a traditional system. Alternatives may be more expensive. Investigate whether or not the septic tank system has ever failed or required repairs in the past. Septic tanks are frequently hidden behind concrete and are not properly maintained. Leaving a septic tank unattended for an extended period of time will result in irreversible damage to the drain field
• In this instance, the only option is to dig up the entire yard (about 2000 SF depending on the number of bedrooms) and replace the tank. This is an extremely expensive project

Want to Learn More? Contact Our Team.

If you have any questions concerning septic tank systems, sewer systems, or any of the various methods through which your house handles wastewater, please don’t hesitate to contact our staff at Watermen Plumbing. For further information, please contact us online or by phone at (954) 800-6364 right now.

What to know when buying a house with a septic tank

As a homeowner with a septic system, it is your obligation to keep it in good working order and to ensure that it is operating at peak performance. A well maintained septic system protects both the environment and the home, which is why it is recommended that homeowners examine and pump their tanks on a regular basis.

When properly maintained, and as long as the septic tank was constructed according to specifications, it should last for decades without failing. Some key considerations to consider when purchasing a home with a septic tank are summarized in the following section.

Know how the septic system works

A standard septic system is comprised of four components: the pipes leading from the home, the septic tank, the drain field, and the soil around the system. It is microbes in the soil and the septic tank that help to dissolve organic waste as well as to purify the water before it reaches the groundwater table. The piping’s primary duty is to transport wastewater from your home to the septic tank for treatment. Although concrete is the most often used material for septic tanks, other materials such as fiberglass and steel can also be utilized.

Tanks with risers are easier to identify, check, and pump than older tanks since they are easier to see.

It is possible that the drain field may flood if there is an excessive amount of water in it, and sewage may be visible on the ground surface, or that backups will occur in the septic tank and in the home.

Does the home use a conventional or an advanced system?

You can bet your bottom dollar that when you buy a house that comes equipped with a septic tank, it will be outfitted with a traditional septic system. Conventional systems treat wastewater using a mix of physical and biological processes, with the wastewater being treated in both the septic tank and the drain field as part of the treatment process. However, there are some instances in which a traditional system may not be possible to deploy for a variety of reasons. For example, if there is a lack of available area, it may not be possible to determine the recommended distance between the leach field and the drinking water well.

In this case, modern septic systems come into play.

Because these systems contain complex components, they may necessitate more attention and maintenance than their more traditional equivalents in the future.

It’s possible that you’ll have to replace some equipment as well.

In addition, you should inspect the pump for air bubbles. As you can expect, there will be an extra charge associated with this. The ability to determine if the property has a conventional or an advanced septic system will assist you in understanding what will be expected of you as a new homeowner.

Does the home use a cesspool?

A cesspool is a hole sunk into the earth for the purpose of storing wastewater from a home or business. The walls of this pit are normally constructed of concrete or bricks, and they are perforated to allow for the percolation of wastewater into the soil under the surface. In most cases, cesspools offer little to no treatment of wastewater, but relying instead on the ground surrounding them to treat the water as it seeps through. Because cesspools are not designed to handle wastewater, the government forbade their installation in any home built after 1970 on the grounds that they were a health hazard.

If you are purchasing an older home, it is critical to determine if the home is equipped with a cesspit or a septic system.

How to save money on maintenance after buying a house with a septic tank

As a homeowner who owns a home with a septic tank, you must do periodic maintenance on the system because, if you do not, the system will fail and have major repercussions on the surrounding environment. As a septic system owner, you should be aware of several crucial guidelines that can help you save money.

Do not skip scheduled pumping

Depending on where you live, you may be forced to pump your septic tank once every 2-5 years by the local government. If you fail to follow the pumping schedule, the tank may become overflowing and begin to back up. This type of failure is not only nasty, but it also ends up costing you extra money.

Watch the products you use

As a septic system owner, you must exercise extreme caution while selecting items for your system. The majority of commercial cleaning solutions that are used in homes are composed of chemicals that are extremely harmful to bacteria. Therefore, the efficacy of your septic system will be reduced as a result of using these types of items.

Regular inspections

Regular inspections will assist you in staying on top of things at all times. It is preferable, like with most other systems, to identify problem areas and correct them before it is too late.

Repair any damages

As soon as you spot any damage, get it repaired as quickly as possible. When there are cracks or any other defects that are not corrected, the problem will worsen with time, eventually rendering the system inoperable. In addition to the environmental risks associated with a neglected system, an ineffective septic system will significantly reduce the value of your home.

Use biological additives

The septic tank relies on bacteria in the tank to liquefy organic waste, which is done by the bacteria in the tank. However, as a result of the dangerous items that most homeowners inadvertently flush down the toilet, the quantity of bacteria in the drain decreases significantly over time. Biological additions can assist in reversing this trend. For example, Bio-biological Sol’s additives enrich septic tanks by introducing billions of bacteria and enzymes into the system.

Ask for records of maintenance

A smart suggestion is to keep track of the maintenance performed on your septic tank on an ongoing basis. A comprehensive record should include all pertinent information and dates, such as the history of pumping operations, the inspection record, the location of the drain field, and any other concerns that the property owner may have encountered.

This record will assist you in determining where to pick up your system as a new owner, and it will also provide you with an indication of the overall health of the system you are purchasing.

Carry out an independent inspection

You shouldn’t take the seller’s word for it — the only way to be totally certain about the condition of the septic system is to have it inspected by a third party. Do not make a purchase commitment for a home that contains a septic tank unless a trained inspector has inspected the system and given it a clean report. The majority of homeowners make the mistake of merely examining their system once, right after it is installed, and then never bother to do so again after that. This is why you must insist on having a qualified professional inspect the system.

The inspection report may even be required by some institutions before they would accept a mortgage application.

• You shouldn’t take the seller’s word for it — the only way to be totally certain about the condition of the septic system is to have it inspected by a third-party. You should not commit to purchasing a home that includes a septic tank unless a trained inspector has inspected it and given it a clean bill of health. When it comes to HVAC systems, the majority of homeowners make the error of simply examining them once during the installation process and never again. This is why you must insist on having a qualified professional inspect the equipment. A request for an inspection should be met with no resistance by your realtor, who is well aware of the potential influence on the property’s value. The inspection report may even be required by some institutions before approving a mortgage application. Following are the items that should be checked during a septic system inspection.

In addition, utilizing bio-low-cost sol’s tracer dye tablets, you may check on the overall health of the system. You may just flush the pills down the toilet, and if there is a problem with your septic system, you will see an unusually bright green hue surrounding the leach field after 2 days. This process, albeit basic in appearance, has been shown to be the most successful in terms of determining the overall health of the septic system. The truth is that this is the test that inspectors use to figure out whether or not the septic system has failed.

Demand a septic system examination before you make a decision on whether or not to purchase a home.

It is possible that you could wind up acquiring a house that has a broken septic system, and you will be compelled to replace the entire system if you neglect this step.

What can make your septic system to fail?

The last thing you want to find in your new home is a septic system that has failed. Knowing what causes a septic system failure is essential in order to avoid this situation. You will then be able to determine what you need to do in order to avoid this failure. The following are some of the most common reasons for a septic system to fail.

Toxic products

Using an antibacterial soap in the shower or washing paint rollers in the sink are examples of what is meant by this phrase. To get a more in-depth list of all the goods you should avoid using in your new home, download our free eBook.

Hydraulic overload

The septic system was not intended to handle a large amount of water at one time. This is due to the fact that if the tank receives an excessive amount of water, it will force some of the water out of the tank to create way for the incoming water. It is possible that the wastewater that exits the septic tank as a result of hydraulic overflow has not been effectively treated, which might result in difficulties.

As a result, avoid flooding your bathtub with water and space out your washing rather than doing large loads of laundry at the same time as possible.

Garbage disposal

When it comes to homes with septic systems, garbage disposal should be avoided at all costs. The use of these products will only result in clogged systems as a result of the excessive amount of organic and inorganic waste that is introduced into the system. Using a trash disposal is a certain method to create a significant amount of scum and sludge in a short period of time.

Improper design

It is quite easy for a septic tank to fail if it is not properly constructed or installed. Some of the soils will be outstanding at wastewater treatment, but others will be less effective at it. The design that will be employed on a site must thus be determined after conducting soil analysis and a percolation test on the land. When choosing the size of the septic tank and the drain field, the number of bedrooms in the home must be taken into consideration.

Structural damage

Putting too much strain on the septic tank might result in the pipes collapsing and the tank breaking open. As a result of these damages, the effluent will escape into the environment in its unprocessed state, resulting in environmental degradation. As a result, you should avoid driving or moving large machines and things, as well as constructing over the septic tank, if possible. CAUTION: Never wipe off paint with water from the faucet! After you have finished painting the home, make sure to dispose of any remaining paint and brushes in a hazardous waste facility that is close by.

Renovating a house with a septic tank

If you want to perform any repairs after purchasing a home with a septic tank, you should be aware that some of these modifications may necessitate the modification of the septic system as part of the process. For example, the size of a septic tank is decided by the number of bedrooms in a building. If you are considering adding an additional bedroom to your home, you may be compelled by law to construct a larger septic tank if the one you already have on the site is not sufficient to handle the additional demand.

Number of bedrooms	Minimum number of tanks (in gallons)
1-2	750
3	1,000
4	1,250
5	1,250
6	1,400

Also worth mentioning is the importance of exercising extreme caution when building on the land in order to prevent causing damage to the septic system in any manner. As a starting point, driving earthmovers or any other heavy gear over the septic tank is not suggested since it might cause structural damage to the septic tank. Additionally, paint and other solvents that may have been used during the repairs should not have been allowed to enter the septic tank since they can cause the septic system to malfunction.

Does the home have a private well?

Private wells are installed in the majority of residences that have a septic system. As a result, it is critical that you test the well to check that the water has not been contaminated by the septic system before proceeding. Before acquiring a home with a private well, contact your local health authority, which should be able to provide you with a free or low-cost test to determine the water quality. You may also wish to test the water for other foreign things such as metals and chemicals, just to be on the safe side.

Additionally, as the new homeowner, it will be your obligation to keep the well in good condition and to guarantee that it is not contaminated by your system.

Beyond keeping you and your family safe from disease-causing microorganisms, keeping track of your annual testing might be useful if you ever need to sue someone who polluted your well and seek compensation.

Conclusion

Purchasing a new house is a significant choice and a significant commitment from which you are unlikely to want to back out in the near future. As a result, it is one of those judgments that should not be made hastily. Take the time to check the septic system on the property so that you don’t have any unpleasant surprises when you move in. The condition of the septic tank should be considered one of the most important considerations in determining the price of your new home. Along with inspecting to confirm that the septic tank is in proper functioning order, you should also test the water to ensure that the well has not been contaminated by the septic system.

Your knowledge of how the septic system operates, as well as your familiarity with its maintenance procedures, will be required for this position.

What You Need to Know About Septic Systems

When you purchase a new home, you are making a significant decision and committing to a long-term commitment from which you do not intend to back out anytime soon. In order to avoid making a hasty decision, it is best to take your time with this one. If you are purchasing a home, take the time to evaluate the septic system on the property to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you move in. Septic tank condition should be considered as one of the most important variables in determining the purchase price of your new home.

Lastly, but certainly not least, you should prepare yourself to operate the system properly and to keep it in good working order.

You will get a house with a good septic system that will serve you and your family for decades without failing if you perform your due research before purchasing the house.

What’s a septic system?

Those who live in homes that are not served by a centralized public sewer system must have a way of disposing of their wastewater. A septic system is responsible for disposing of and treating wastewater from toilets, showers, sinks, laundry, and other sources. A conventional septic tank will retain and biologically treat solid waste using both technological and biological processes, while the wastewater will be treated by being slowly leached through underground perforated pipes and then transferred into the soil.

Septic systems are installed in around 20% of American households.

How does a septic system work?

Every time you flush the toilet or wash the dishes, the wastewater leaves your home through a single main pipe and drains into an underground septic tank, which is typically located some distance away from your home. The septic tank itself is nothing more than a waterproof container, which is often constructed of concrete or fiberglass. It naturally separates wastewater and waste materials, with solids sinking to the bottom to create “sludge” and greases float to the top to form “scum.” It retains wastewater and waste materials in natural separation.

The water filters via pipelines and porous earth layers, where it is further treated before it is absorbed into the groundwater. Bacteria and viruses are removed from the environment by the soil layers, which function as organic filters.

How do you know if you have a septic system?

Most homeowners aren’t even aware of the existence of their septic system until they have difficulties or decide to sell their property. In addition, because septic systems require frequent maintenance, now is a good time to find out whether or not you have one on your property. The following are some indicators that you may have a septic system:

• Most homeowners aren’t even aware of the existence of their septic system until they have issues or are forced to sell their property, respectively. In addition, because septic systems require frequent maintenance, now is a great time to check out whether or not you have one. A septic system is indicated by the presence of the following indicators.

How do I find the septic tank?

Your septic tank is approximately 10 to 25 feet away from your home and is connected to your home by a sewer line that runs through your yard. Septic tanks are connected to the sewer line, which is normally a 4-inch pipe that protrudes from your home (often from a basement area) and runs underground to the tank. Because you can’t see the line, it might be difficult to find your septic tank in this situation. There are tools known as “soil probes” that may be used to trace the pipe by sticking them into the ground every foot or so.

Your property’s as-built blueprints may even be available for download online, depending on where you reside.

What is septic tank maintenance?

Your septic tank system, like any other system, will survive longer if you maintain it properly. Remember that you should never flush anything other than toilet paper down a toilet, as you probably already know. This is especially important when it comes to septic systems. Periodontal products like tampons and baby wipes; paper towels; grease; dental floss; cigarette butts; chemicals; and drugs may all cause damage to your septic system by clogging pipes and interfering with the purifying operations of the system.

It’s critical to remember to get your septic system evaluated every few years to see whether or not it has to be drained out completely.

How often should you get a septic inspection?

Septic tanks should be drained at least once every three to five years. Some homeowners are more comfortable with a one-time payment of a few hundred dollars each year rather of a recurring payment. However, a checkup every three years will most likely be sufficient to ensure your safety. If you haven’t had your septic system tested in more than five years, don’t make the mistake of waiting any longer. The frequency with which your septic tank should be pumped may also be determined by the size of your tank, the number of people living in your home, the appliances you use, and the behaviors of the individuals who live there.

Fees of $250 to $500 every three to five years are a better value than rebuilding a septic system that costs 10 times as much.

What is a septic system inspection?

It is always best to have a trained expert perform your septic system inspections. There is an online tool provided by the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) that allows you to search for qualified inspectors in your local region. A normal septic examination will include the following steps:

• Identifying the system’s location
• Remove the manhole cover from the manhole
• Performing routine checks on toilets, sinks, and appliances to ensure that water is flowing through the system Taking measurements of the scum and sludge layers to assess whether or not pumping is required
• Examining the tank and the drain field for structural integrity

Does a home inspection include a septic system inspection?

When compared to a conventional home inspection, a septic system examination by a qualified wastewater specialist is an additional cost. A visual examination is typically all that a home inspector will do when inspecting a house for sale. A home inspector may examine the flow and pressure of water coming from faucets, toilets, and other appliances. The inspector will also investigate the drain field for symptoms of septic system problems, such as pooled water, and will report his findings.

A house inspector, on the other hand, will not dig up a septic tank, measure its contents, or check any of its components. This is something that only a qualified septic system specialist can do.

Signs of a failing septic system

Despite the fact that you cannot see your septic tank, you may be able to determine if it is not functioning properly. If your septic system isn’t capable of processing your water waste, it will emit various warning indications to alert you. The following are signs of a malfunctioning septic system:

• Sinks, toilets, and drains that are blocked up or draining extremely slowly
• Strange gurgling noises coming from the plumbing system
• Water accumulating in locations close to the home, septic tank, or drain field
• Noxious scents
• In specific spots surrounding your home, there is lush, vibrant green grass sprouting

If you have a septic system and see any of these indicators, it’s important to take precautions and get it inspected.

How long do septic systems last?

While it is widely understood that a septic system has a lifespan of 25-30 years, the length of time a system will endure is closely connected to how effectively it is maintained. With annual inspections, a traditional septic system may survive as long as a home if cared for properly.

Tips for home sellers with a septic system

Keep meticulous records: Keep track of any inspections, pumps, repairs, and other pertinent information in conjunction with your septic system’s diagram (property as-built). Not only will you be able to remain on top of the health of your septic system, but it will also be that much simpler for your agent to demonstrate this to the agents representing the purchasers. Pump at the appropriate time: The buyer will almost certainly want an inspection of the septic system. Your septic system will need to be examined and flushed prior to the buyer’s visit.

If the inspection reveals issues, you must report them to the buyer before the sale may proceed.

Tips for home buyers with a septic system

If you’re really contemplating purchasing a home with a septic system, the only way to ensure that the system is in good working order is to have the system examined. In addition to your usual home inspection, a septic system examination will be performed. An experienced agent has a trusted network of industry specialists and will know the correct questions to ask about the status of a septic system, such as the system’s age, size, type, and inspection and repair history, among other information.

Make certain that you use the most qualified realtor to handle your transaction.

There are two major types of septic systems: the conventional and the alternative system.

What is the operation of a septic system?

Solids settle to the bottom of the container, where microbes breakdown them. In the drainage field, the middle layer of effluent leaves the tank and goes through an underground network of perforated pipes to the drainage field.