Septic maintenance firm in Arnold, CA? First we need to explain the reason for pumping the septic tank or tanks. The normal riding level of waste water in a tank is approximately 4 feet deep, with a floating scum layer and a bottom solids layer. If a tank is not pumped prior to inspection, a proper visual inspection cannot be performed as no one can see through 4 feet of waste water. The tank floor & sidewalls, the tank center seam/seal, the tank baffle and the complete inlet/outlet sanitary tees are not visible for inspection and system evaluation without pumping the tank first.
Repair leaky faucets. Water that is wasted through leaky taps puts a strain on your septic tank system (not to mention, it also increases your water bill!). Be sure to repair leaky tap right away. Don’t pour household chemicals down the drain. Dispose of motor oil, antifreeze, paint, pesticides and potent cleaners properly. They should never be poured down the drain because they kill bacteria that breaks down solids in your septic tank.
For homes where the drainfield is located upslope from the septic tank, a pump tank is added to move effluent out of the septic tank and into the drainfield, otherwise, the effluent flows using gravity into a series of perforated pipes buried in the drainfield. Slowly, the effluent is released into the soil where harmful coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients are naturally removed, then it percolates through the soil, ultimately discharging to groundwater.
There are several different types of septic systems in use today. The characteristics of your property determined what type of septic system was installed. The soil conditions; such as absorption rate, type of soil and how much soil is present, were a major factor in deciding what type of system was installed. In addition, the water table level and the grade elevations of the property also played a role in that decision. Knowing what type of septic system you have, as well as it’s location is an important part in your responsibility to keep the septic system running efficiently and effectively. Following the “Septic Dos & Don’ts and performing the “Maintenance and Pumping” at the appropriate intervals, will reduce the chances of septic system failure which can be very costly. See extra info on Types of Septic Systems.
Water from your garbage disposal, dishwasher, sinks, toilets, showers and washing machine all enter the septic system. Therefore, it is crucial to watch what you flush or pour down your drains. Never put any of the following items into your plumbing system: Cooking fats or other grease, Disposal wipes (even the ones labeled flushable), Disposable diapers, Coffee grounds, eggshells, or nutshells, Sanitary napkins, tampons or condoms, Paper towels or rags, Paints or chemicals. Another important factor in maintaining the life of your septic system is the amount of water entering the tank each day. Too much water entering the septic system on a daily basis will not allow enough time for solids to separate properly and for the soil in the drain field to absorb all of the water.
Foothill Sanitary started in 2001. A family owned business with a strong work ethic and true integrity. Our desire is to help our customers with their septic and portable toilet needs. We take the time to educate our customers about their septic systems so that they understand its function and how to prolong its life span. Our portable toilets are cleaned and disinfected very well so that you always have a nice usable unit.
The wastewater your home produces is referred to as ‘effluent’ and consists of blackwater (toilet and garbage disposal waste) and greywater (shower, sink and laundry waste). Effluent flows directly from your household plumbing into a watertight, underground, two compartment septic tank. Solid waste settles into a sludge layer on the bottom and fats float to the top of the first compartment. Between these two scum layers is a zone of clarified liquid effluent which is internally piped to the second compartment of the septic tank for additional settling. Find even more information at https://www.foothillsanitary.com/.