Septic Tank
Your home or business Septic Tank is the fundamental component of a Septic System, which also contains an inlet, a drain and possibly a septic pump, filter or alarm. Within the United States, approximately 25% of people rely on septic tanks, which are found in the small towns, rural areas and even some suburban areas. In fact, in Indianapolis many of the neighborhoods still rely on septic systems.
On average, a septic tank is 1000 to 2000 gallons in size. While septic tanks are designed to percolate and evaporate water and digest waste, over time waste will build up and require septic tank pumping, or septic tank cleaning. The average home should have their septic tank pumped every 4-5 years; however, it is recommended to contact a local Septic Tank Cleaning service to determine the proper maintenance for your specific region, town or neighborhood.
Septic Tank Don'ts
- Do not put cooking oils or grease down your drains as they can block the inlet drain to the septic tank.
- Do not flush non-biodegradable products, such as cotton swabs, facial tissues, paper towels, etc. These items go in the trash!
- Homes with a garbage disposal (and that put food down the garbage disposal) may have their septic tanks fill up faster than normal - requiring a septic tank cleaning or pump earlier than the average 4-5 years.
- Try to avoid putting inorganic chemicals down your drains. Some store-bought "drain cleaners" can actually harm your septic tank. Also, ensure that your Septic Tank cleaning service or plumber is using an organic and bio-degradable drain cleaner.
- Septic tanks and the pipes that go to and from them can be damaged by tree roots. Homes or businesses with large trees near their septic system's pipes should consider removing the trees or scheduling routine video inspections with their local septic tank service.
- Finally, excessive water entering your septic tank can cause the tank to overflow. Practice water conservation! Aside from lowering your water bill and potentially saving your septic tank, low flush or dual flush toilets and low pressure shower heads and faucets are a great way to save water.
Sewer Gas Smell
If you have a sewer gas smell coming from your yard or home, you should take immediate precautions. Sewer gas can be very dangerous and even deadly. Hire a professional to find the leak. Leak detection specialists have leak detection equipment to accurately find the leak.