Every homeowner knows that the plumbing system is a key component of a house. Many households rely on septic services to keep their plumbing systems in proper working order. Whether you're moving to a new home that uses a septic system or building a brand-new building with this sort of plumbing, it's important to know the basics of how the system functions. What can you expect from your new septic tank? Continue with the rest of this article to learn more about how septic tanks work and their required maintenance.

How Does a Septic Tank Work?

To get started, let’s first understand how septic tanks do their job. According to the EPA, a septic tank is a watertight container situated underground. Typically, septic tanks are made using concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene.

A single drainage pipe connects your home’s plumbing system to your septic tank. Whenever water goes down one of your drains, it enters that drainage pipe and settles in your septic tank for a while. Both solid pieces of debris and fats separate from the water while it sits in the septic tank. Once those particles have been removed from the wastewater, they will move into your septic system’s drain field.

The wastewater is then treated by the drain field and eventually released via pipes in your septic system. The surrounding soil will also process the wastewater before it becomes suitable groundwater. Even though a septic tank releases groundwater, it should not impact your lawn's appearance. In fact, the appearance of noticeably greener and taller blades of grass over your septic tank is a potential sign that it is having issues.

How Do You Maintain a Septic Tank?

Proper septic tank maintenance involves segregating your waste. Instead of dumping everything down your toilets and drains, you need to dispose of certain types of waste differently. Grease, oil, and hygiene products belong in garbage containers. If it doesn’t seem like a particular substance will move smoothly through your plumbing, you should avoid dumping it down your drains.

You can also keep your septic system in good shape by removing obstacles from your drain field. Remember where your drain field is located and avoid setting plants near it. The area immediately above your drain field should also be off-limits for parking purposes because the weight of your vehicle can damage it.

Why Should You Invest in Septic Services?

Homeowners should also request septic services frequently. With our over 10 years of experience, we recommend that you invest in a septic tank inspection every three years. That same timeline also works for pumping, but you can wait a bit longer if you don’t have a crowded household. Having a professional septic company out to check on your system periodically will help to ensure that your system is working perfectly for many years to come.

Keeping your septic tank in good condition will help prevent persistent plumbing issues throughout your home. Septic services provided by professionals are also critical for maintenance. Contact Hodnett Septic Tank Cleaning today.