Kulp and Sons Inc.

Concrete septic tanks are usually quite reliable and durable. However, shifting soils can cause them to crack, or their covers can come loose. If the cover is loose, have it repaired or replaced immediately before it leads to other problems.

Never work around a septic tank alone. In addition, make sure that all covers and hinges are not damaged and in proper working order so that they will not collapse in order to prevent people and pets from falling in.

In general, there are three issues that create problems with the leach field of your septic system: the septic tank needs has overfilled and needs to be pumped, a pipe is blocked causing a backup of effluent, or the drainage field is clogged.

The septic distribution box (aka D-box) connects the effluent line to the network of leach lines in the absorption system, or to seepage galleys or pits, and is used to regulate the rate of flow to the lines.

Ever wonder what happens to the stuff from the septic tank? After we pump it out, we take the waste to a proper treatment facility where it is safely processed according to local and EPA guidelines.

In a properly working septic tank, there are three levels; on top is the scum grease, oils, other materials lighter than water; a clear effluent in the middle; and solid waste on the bottom. Only the effluent should be exiting the tank.

Garbage disposals are not recommended for homes with septic systems. The finely ground products will float on the surface of the water and make their way into and clog lines. Consider composting vegetable matter and disposing of animal by-products.

According to the USDA, the main reason a drainage bed fails is because of improper septic tank maintenance. This, in turn, causes the soil absorption system to clog because of a buildup of solids throughout the system.

As important as trees and shrubs are for the environment and for your home’s look, their roots can wreak havoc with septic systems. Before planting, locate the tank and lines. Then consider the species being planted and locate them far enough away from the system so its roots do not invade it.

Because an inlet tee slows water when it enters in order to prevent agitation and disruption of the three layers in the tank, it is best to set the depth of the bottom of the pipe to just short of halfway into the tank. This should clear the scum layer yet not stir up the bottom sludge.

According to the USDA, the main reason a drainage bed fails is because of improper maintenance and cleaning of the tank. This, in turn, causes the soil absorption system to clog because of a buildup of solids throughout the system.

If your septic system has flooded, regardless of the cause, it needs to be pumped out, inspected and any necessary repairs made. If this is neglected, the risk of contamination is high, and personal and public health are at-risk.

Before hosting a large party, have the septic tank pumped out, especially if it has been a while since it has been done. This will help prevent an accident as well as avoiding inadvertently overloading the system.

Contrary to myth and misunderstanding, the purpose of a septic system is not to dispose of waste materials. Its purpose is to treat contaminated water before it reenters the water system. If a system malfunctions, it cannot perform the job for which it was designed.

If your septic tank is constantly filled to within a foot of the top, it may be time to consider replacement. Cleaning it out is only a temporary fix and, besides delaying the inevitable, more serious problems could arise.

After your septic tank is cleaned, you may want to ask the person doing the work to perform an inspection as well to make sure that there are no clogs, cracks, leaks or any other damage that may cause problems in the future.

Corroded, damaged, or failing baffle systems in septic tanks can contribute to other problems in the septic system since they will no longer prevent solids from flowing out into the septic absorption field.

If you are putting your home on the market, it is always a good idea to have the septic tank pumped before you begin showing the house. Not only does this prevent back up or overflow issues, it is also a good time to check for any problems the system may have.

If you have faucets that drip or toilet tanks that leak, you will need your septic system pumped more frequently. These seemingly minor problems add to daily water usage and contribute to more rapid filling of the tank.

For added protection to your drain field, as well as providing peace of mind, your septic system may benefit by installing a filter to the outlet tee in the system in order to reduce the amount of suspended solids leaving the tank.

While there may be a generally recommended pumping interval, that is not an absolute; the number of people in the household and the tank size determine how often the system needs to be pumped out.

A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a drainfield, and the soil. Microbes in the soil digest or remove most contaminants from wastewater before it eventually reaches groundwater.

One of the worst things that could happen in your home is for the septic system to back up. As such, it would be a good idea to have the septic tank cleaned regularly and avoid flushing things that can potentially clog the sewer lines.

If you're buying a home that's not connected to a municipal sewer system, you're going to want to ask the seller about the location of septic tank. Also have it inspected and cleaned prior to settlement.

If your septic tank fills with silt after a heavy flood, you're going to want to have it cleaned out as soon as possible. Using it in that state is definitely something you shouldn't do as its significantly reduced capacity may cause wastewater to back up and overflow.

Plant trees the appropriate distance from your drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. Trees and other shrubs roots are always looking for water sources. The roots and can clog and even break your drainfield pipes creating over flowing and backing up of your septic system.

Periodic inspection and cleaning of your septic tank will ensure that it always works as it should. As such, it should be part and parcel of the upkeep of your home and not just something to attend to when problems arise.

In a properly working septic tank, there are three levels: on top is the scum grease, oils, other materials lighter than water; a clear effluent in the middle; and solid waste on the bottom. Only the effluent should be exiting the tank.

How is a septic tank cleaned? This job is handled by a septic cleaning company and is done with the use of a vacuum tanker truck. The process typically suctioning the sludge into the truck's storage tank and back washing to get all sediments out.

Did you know that grease can cause backup? When grease is poured down the drain, grease can prevent the soil around the drain field to absorb liquids.

If you are selling your home, don't let your septic system get in the way. Have it inspected then bring it up to code, if necessary, by making needed improvements and changes.

To figure out the schedule for having your septic tank emptied, multiply the number of people in your household by 90 (this is the average number of gallons of water used each day), then divide the capacity of your septic tank by that number to arrive at how many days it takes to fill the tank.

Did you know that common food items like coffee grounds, fats, oils, and grease must never be put down the sink? These items cause additional buildup of sludge that will require the tank to be pumped more often.