Taking Care of Your Septic Tank 

Why Is a Septic Tank Important?

The septic tank is an often-forgotten device that plays a role in the household’s day-to-day routine. Its job is to separate sewage from the waste that enters it from the house drains. Both solid and liquid waste enter the tank; solid waste falls as sludge to the bottom, while light waste becomes oil and rests on top as a scum layer. The pipes in the center remove the light waste and push it out of the tank. The solid waste, however, remains inside because of the harmful bacteria it contains.

Keeping up With Inspections

It is common for homeowners to overlook the care and maintenance septic systems need due to their concealed location underground. Inspection is key to minimizing or eliminating costly issues that can stem from neglected systems. Failure to be proactive about getting the proper inspections can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs, and in some cases total system failure. Although a septic system inspection is required at the time a home is being sold, it is just as important to maintain during the time the homeowner resides in the home.

Timing Is Everything

As a general rule, the homeowner should have the septic tank checked every three to five years as the tank can only contain a certain amount of sewage. However, it really depends on how many people are living in the home. Larger households may need to be checked more frequently than smaller ones, sometimes as often as every two years. If a septic tank goes unchecked and not cleaned for a long time period, it will begin backing up into the house drains. Common signs of septic tank backups are clogging toilets, slow drainage, leaks, gurgling noises in the pipes, and undesirable, pungent smells.

Emerald Coast Wastewater Solutions offers a team of experienced septic and sewer technicians to remedy various septic system issues in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties. For more information or questions regarding inspecting your septic system or other septic system services, please contact us today to make an appointment and get a free quote.