6 things you didn't know about your septic tank

When you hear “septic tank”, it is only natural to think “gross”; however, your septic tank is responsible for keeping all of that “gross” out of sight and out of mind. Your septic system’s main job is to collect and clear waste from your home. It additionally filters wastewater and keeps your groundwater sanitary. How does it do this?

​

Septic System Process

​

The main drain pipe in your home carries your wastewater into your septic tank, which is installed underground. Your septic tank then collects all of your wastewater and stores it until it is separated.

​

The Separation

Your water is separated into three layers—solids, water, and scum. These groups will naturally segregate, as scum float to the top and solids sink. The top and bottom layers will remain in the tank, and the water that lies between them will get pushed into the drain field.

​

The Drain Field & Filtration

Your overflow cesspool allows the discharge wastewater into your soil, which naturally rids the water of contaminants. Your filtered wastewater then returns to groundwater and is cycled back into your system.

​

6 Septic and Cesspool System Facts

Now that you understand how your septic tank works, here are some important septic tank tips!

​

Pumping Schedules Are Not Universal

The widespread consensus on the suggested frequency of septic and cesspool system pumping is every 2-3 years. However, depending on the size of your septic or cesspool system, the weather where you live, the age of your tank, and your usage, this timeframe will change. Know when your septic system needs pumping with Mangano Plumbing Sewer & Drain. One of our trained professionals will be able to assess your residential or commercial septic and cesspool systems and create an ideal pumping and service schedule, so your system stays well-maintained.

​

Your Toilet Is Not A Trash Can

When signs in restrooms respectfully ask you not to flush anything but toilet paper down their toilet, they mean it. This applies to all toilets, residential and commercial settings. Putting incompatible items down your toilet can, and most likely will, damage your septic or cesspool system. Flushing unapproved items, such as pet feces, feminine products, paper towels, toys, prophylactics, etc. will disrupt the bacteria balance in your tank or cesspool, and your waste will not be able to breakdown efficiently. Those products can also create blockages in your main and branch waste lines.

​

Don’t Use Store-Bought Drain Cleaners

When you use chemical cleaners on drain clogs, they interfere with the bacteria in your septic tank or cesspool, and your waste will be unable to properly decompose. Chemical drain cleaners also harm your piping, corroding your system, and you will need to replace your piping.

​

Your Septic Tank And Cesspool Is Part Of A System

Your septic system does not only consist of its tank. Your sinks, toilets, baths, and showers all attach to your septic tank and cesspool. So, when there is a problem—all of your plumbing is affected. That is why regular septic tank and cesspool maintenance is the best protocol to follow. If you notice slow draining, repetitive clogs, or foul odors in and around your toilets or sinks, contact Mangano Plumbing Sewer & Drain—you need septic tank or cesspool services.

​

Cold Weather Affects Your System

In the winter, your pipes are in danger of freezing. This can seriously damage your septic tank or cesspool system. And, when the weather drops, the ground gets almost impossible to dig, so we won’t be able to reach your tank or cesspool for pumping. Protect your septic tank during cold fronts by insulating your piping.

​

You Can Make Your System Eco-Friendly

We all want to be more green; and, believe it or not, your septic or cesspool system can be eco-friendly! Regular maintenance is the key here. When you avoid septic tank or cesspool repairs, contaminants are released into the environment, harming the local ecosystem. If you notice pooling water around your septic or cesspool system, this must be addressed immediately to hinder further damage to the environment.

​

For all of your residential and commercial septic tank and cesspool services contact Mangano Plumbing Sewer & Drain, at (631) 250-2556. We will keep your system running smoothly and stop costly backup from happening in your home or business.

​

Categories: 

• Plumbing,  

• Septic Tank