A septic tank is where the main part of water treatment begins. The condition within the tank is great for development of bacteria. The organisms will use natural waste as a way to eat. After the microbes take what they need, it will settle at the bottom of the tank and is called slop. None of the cleansers, oils and fats are eaten as they are lighter than water and they float on top. This is called rubbish. The range between slop and rubbish is called the unmistakable zone. Zones that are treated waste water will be transported out of the tank and then transferred. Gases that are produced are vented out through pipe vents.

You should pump it every 3 to 5 years. This is part of the guide from the Department of Environmental Quality. Heavier use, flawed spigots or toilets, remote objects or using non-septic safe chemicals may impact that timeframe, which means it is important to keep the system working right.

Keep a record of where your tank is: You or a septic expert can draw your septic system and show you the area where your tank connects to your house.

Note how the tank is covered: For less adjusting, add risers. They will pay for themselves in the long run when you may be charged for digging.

Note the volume and size of your tank: You should know the size of the septic tank in gallons which will tell the septic services how much to charge you. You will be charged by volume. Keep records of the size as it will help to find the cost of service. Remember to measure the material that is pumped out of the tank can be more than the actual limit of the tank. What is being pumped out may not be how much is actually in the tank, but everything in there.

Keep record of the tank condition:  Ask the technician how the tank looks. Ask if it is okay? Is everything set up correctly and what is the condition? Are there any issues that need to be corrected? Preventative upkeep isn’t really costly, but it is great if something happens.

Yes! Your maintenance states that you should pump it every 3 to 5 years, as it could lengthen the life of your septic system. When your tank is pumped out, your tank gets a break from breaking down your waste. You may also need to ask if you should have the system cleaned during your pumping.

A smell from your septic system doesn’t really tell you that its time to pump your tank.

If the smell is inside, make sure that your P traps have water in them. A sink, toilet, shower, or washer drain that hasn’t been used in a while can cause septic gases to enter your house through the P trap. The P trap is mean to hold water, which keeps the smell out. Run water in the drain for a few minutes to purge the trap. You may need to check the gasket seal around the toilets. A broken seal can also cause smells. You can replace the seal yourself or have a handyman do it for you. Smells could also be coming from rooftop vents. If this is the case, simply purchase and install charcoal channels.

If the smell is outside could be from your vent pipe, roof, or tank near the end of your filter field if you have one. Septic gas normally happens from the water treatment in the tank. The gas may escape out of any opening. To remove the smell, put some dirt over the cover near the channel. Smells may be coming from the vent pipe over your bathroom. This pipe vents out septic gases from your house to the roof. A charcoal channel will remove the smell.

If the smell is just starting and the ground is wet, looks dark, or there is a lot of growth near your pit or tank zone, you may need to talk to a septic specialist soon. There may be an issue.

You should ask a septic technician about using treatments for your septic system. A bacterial treatment may be used to help maintain live bacteria levels monthly. The treatments are simple because you just flush a packet of chemicals. If anyone has been using bleach, cleansers, or prescription medications that have been flushed into the drain then live bacteria will help. Never put solvents or paint thinner in your drains or septic system.

Call A-American Septic first. We can help you to find out if there are pipe issues or if your septic system is having issues. Many plumbers have no septic experience, so you can just blow money by calling a plumber first. We get a lot of service calls from plumbers who can’t fix the issue.

County health departments will inspect and issue permits whenever a septic system is placed. If your system has been placed within the last 20 years, you may find out where your system is. You may ask for a permit search by submitting a form from Maricopa County Environmental Services. A-American Septic can also help you to outline your system free of charge.