Many people do not spend a lot of time thinking about septic tanks. After all, it is not the most pleasant topic. However, it is certainly an important topic. If something goes wrong with your septic tank, this can lead to disaster and a huge sanitation hazard in your home. This is why it is a good idea to be familiar with how your septic tank works and what you need to do when there are problems with it. You should also be able to recognize signs of problems with a septic tank.
There are many questions that you might have about septic tanks. For example, you might wonder, what does it cost to have a septic tank cleaning process done? What does the average above ground septic cost and above ground septic tank cost? How do I need to maintain an above-ground septic tank system? What do I need to know when it comes to active septic procedures? Any of these questions can probably be answered by a professional, or alternatively, you might want to do the research on your own. Either way, it is definitely worth knowing, as the more you know about your septic tank, the better able you will be to take care of it.
Clean, freshwater is a luxury many of us enjoy without overthinking. In reality, the availability of clean water to our homes is an innovation that developed over the course of hundreds of years. The innovation of aqueducts and pipes by the Roman Empire laid the groundwork for today’s modern plumbing. Like the Romans, the issue of wastewater is a pertinent one that requires constant analysis and countermeasures in order to protect the environment from our waste.
Water Use
A breakdown found that the general water use for a home typically is composed of 45% toilet use, 30% bathing, 20% for laundry and dishes, and around 5% for drinking or cooking. The average single family home will use approximately 70 gallons of water per person in a given day. Many households end up overpaying on their water bills thanks to a number of easy-to-fix issues. A single dripping faucet for instance has the capacity to waste hundreds of gallons over the course of a single year. Leaking pipes caused from constant freezing and thawing cycles are to blame for a majority of household leaks. Having a qualified plumbing service perform yearly inspections is a good way to ensure that your home isn’t costing you extra money.
The Dangers of Wastewater
Leaking pipes is one of the biggest causes for ground pollution thanks to wastewater. The Environmental Protection Agency states that over 4 billion gallons of wastewater is dispersed below the ground surface every day. The harmful contaminates in our wastewater has the potential to leak into the subterranean aquifers that many communities get their drinking water from. Tree roots are notorious for bursting pipes in their constant quest for water; these roots can grow to enormous sizes and have been known to burst old clay pipes — if your sewer line is over 40 years old, consider having it inspected and replaced if tree roots are present. In addition to these sewer lines, the septic tank of a home may be the cause for groundwater pollution. As solids accumulate in these tanks, there is an increased chance of a burst or backflow — just having a garbage disposal alone can increase the amount of solids in the septic tank by up to 50%.
The Need for Septic Services
Studies show that one out of every four homes in the United States has a septic tank. The average septic tank ought to be big enough to hold at least two days worth of wastewater — this is typically the time it takes for solids to settle out in the tank. For example, a four person, two bedroom household will require a 1,000 gallon tank as the minimum for the amount of wastewater that is likely to be produced. Having a septic tank serviced by a professional septic service ought to be done regularly every three years with a septic tank pumping done every three to five years — these figures will vary based on the age of usage of the unit. In some cases, simply replacing the septic tank may be cheaper than pricy septic tank repairs. By ensuring that your septic tank is free of leaks by a certified septic service, you can protect your home and the environment from harmful pathogens and contaminates.
