What is a septic system?
A septic system processes and purifies household and commercial waste
(effluent). A standard septic system is typically installed on-site and has two
components: a septic tank and a drainfield. The effluent consists of blackwater
(toilet wastes) and graywater (kitchen sink, bathtub and laundry wastes).
Primary treatment occurs in the septic tank, where helpful bacteria digest
organic matter in the wastewater. The effluent then flows into the drainfield for
secondary treatment. Here, bacteria complete the digestion and purification
process as the wastewater slowly leaches into the soil (septic sand).
How do I maintain my septic system?
The most important step in proper septic system maintenance is to be sure to
schedule regular service calls by a septic professional. Have the system
checked and the tank pumped every three to five years. We offer a 3 or 5 year
service plan to help homeowners with maintaining their septic systems
properly.
How often do I need to pump my septic tank?
This depends on water usage and the amount of waste entering the system.
Generally, systems need to be maintained by a septic professional every three
to five years. It is also important to have your effluent filter cleaned and
maintained.
How do I know what size tank and drainfield I need?
This depends on expected usage, local codes, and your individual site. When a
septic permit is issued for your property it will have the minimum sizes provided
by the local Health Department. As septic professionals we can talk to you
about what we think would work best for your needs and give you the most life
span of your septic system. We recommend 100 sq. ft. per resident plus, 100
sq. ft. for your washing machine.
Will commercial or homemade additives improve my septic system's
performance?
Commercial products or home made additives usually do not help
performance. In fact, some can actually hurt long-term performance by
destroying the billions of good bacteria that make your septic system operate
properly. We do not recommend the use of homemade or commercial
additives into your septic system. Instead, ask us about our chemical-free, all
natural Septic Klean III.
Can I install my own septic system and drainfield?
System performance depends on proper installation of both the septic tank and
the drainfield. A septic professional who can recommend the best system for
your site and your usage requirements and has experience installing these
systems should do the installation. But, if you insist, we will be happy to answer
any questions you have about it.
Can I use a garbage disposal with my septic system?
As honest septic professionals, we are anti-garbage disposals with septic
systems. That is because heavy garbage disposal use introduces large
quantities of solids into the system, which can stress the system's
performance. Please use your disposal with moderation.
Can I landscape over my septic system?
It is beneficial to grow grass or ground covers over your septic system to
prevent soil erosion. Evergreens such as pines planted near the drainfield
absorb excess water, and are beneficial. Avoid water-loving trees such as
willows, poplars, swamp maples, or cypress. Be sure to map where you septic
system is for easy access when needed. Please keep oak trees as far away as
possible.
Can I pave or install driveway over my septic system?
This would be a no. Covering the drainfield area will eventually cause
saturation, which will lead to septic failure. Your drainfield needs the sun and
driving or parking on your drainfield will crush your system and your drainfield
will need to be repaired.
Is there a warranty with the work you provide?
Yes. We provide a 1 year warranty with all of our new or repaired installations. If
there is an installation problem causing septic trouble, you will notice it within
the first 6 months of installation. Any problems you may have after a year will
more than likely be from the way the system has been treated. We highly
recommend that with new or repaired systems that our customers purchase
our Septic Klean III product so it can help you help your system stay on track.
Modern day septic systems need maintenance.
A septic system processes and purifies household and commercial waste
(effluent). A standard septic system is typically installed on-site and has two
components: a septic tank and a drainfield. The effluent consists of blackwater
(toilet wastes) and graywater (kitchen sink, bathtub and laundry wastes).
Primary treatment occurs in the septic tank, where helpful bacteria digest
organic matter in the wastewater. The effluent then flows into the drainfield for
secondary treatment. Here, bacteria complete the digestion and purification
process as the wastewater slowly leaches into the soil (septic sand).
How do I maintain my septic system?
The most important step in proper septic system maintenance is to be sure to
schedule regular service calls by a septic professional. Have the system
checked and the tank pumped every three to five years. We offer a 3 or 5 year
service plan to help homeowners with maintaining their septic systems
properly.
How often do I need to pump my septic tank?
This depends on water usage and the amount of waste entering the system.
Generally, systems need to be maintained by a septic professional every three
to five years. It is also important to have your effluent filter cleaned and
maintained.
How do I know what size tank and drainfield I need?
This depends on expected usage, local codes, and your individual site. When a
septic permit is issued for your property it will have the minimum sizes provided
by the local Health Department. As septic professionals we can talk to you
about what we think would work best for your needs and give you the most life
span of your septic system. We recommend 100 sq. ft. per resident plus, 100
sq. ft. for your washing machine.
Will commercial or homemade additives improve my septic system's
performance?
Commercial products or home made additives usually do not help
performance. In fact, some can actually hurt long-term performance by
destroying the billions of good bacteria that make your septic system operate
properly. We do not recommend the use of homemade or commercial
additives into your septic system. Instead, ask us about our chemical-free, all
natural Septic Klean III.
Can I install my own septic system and drainfield?
System performance depends on proper installation of both the septic tank and
the drainfield. A septic professional who can recommend the best system for
your site and your usage requirements and has experience installing these
systems should do the installation. But, if you insist, we will be happy to answer
any questions you have about it.
Can I use a garbage disposal with my septic system?
As honest septic professionals, we are anti-garbage disposals with septic
systems. That is because heavy garbage disposal use introduces large
quantities of solids into the system, which can stress the system's
performance. Please use your disposal with moderation.
Can I landscape over my septic system?
It is beneficial to grow grass or ground covers over your septic system to
prevent soil erosion. Evergreens such as pines planted near the drainfield
absorb excess water, and are beneficial. Avoid water-loving trees such as
willows, poplars, swamp maples, or cypress. Be sure to map where you septic
system is for easy access when needed. Please keep oak trees as far away as
possible.
Can I pave or install driveway over my septic system?
This would be a no. Covering the drainfield area will eventually cause
saturation, which will lead to septic failure. Your drainfield needs the sun and
driving or parking on your drainfield will crush your system and your drainfield
will need to be repaired.
Is there a warranty with the work you provide?
Yes. We provide a 1 year warranty with all of our new or repaired installations. If
there is an installation problem causing septic trouble, you will notice it within
the first 6 months of installation. Any problems you may have after a year will
more than likely be from the way the system has been treated. We highly
recommend that with new or repaired systems that our customers purchase
our Septic Klean III product so it can help you help your system stay on track.
Modern day septic systems need maintenance.
| Austin Sewer & Septic, Inc. 673 State Road 78 West Okeechobee, FL. 34974-7729 (863) 357-0918 |
Complete Septic Services Install New Systems Repair existing systems Septic Pumping Hoot Systems Culverts Hauling Septic Products ...and more! Licensed and Insured Family Owned and Operated |
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