Guide to Your Septic System
About Your Septic System
Generally a tank should be pumped every 2 to 3 years. The size of the tank and water consumption will also help determine this. Wisconsin code dictates the tank should be pumped when the sludge/scum layers reach 1/3 of the total capacity. The service technician can evaluate your tank and recommend a pumping schedule based on his observation.
An alarm sounding indicates either a clogged filter or a mechanical failure or the pump or switches. In some cases a failing or saturated system can cause a high-water condition in the tank.
Typical signs of a failing system are plumbing backups, sluggish drains, outdoor odor, and soggy ground in the area of the septic system.
The septic tank always looks full. This is how it is supposed to be working. If the level is over the pipe then it indicates a blockage or saturated condition. It should then be pumped out and problem diagnosed before anything more costly occurs.
Residential septage is recycled in two ways. The first is at a local Municipal Waste Water Treatment Plant and the second is to be land applied after screening and adjusting PH levels.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Septic System
Remember, your drains are not trash cans. Flush only human waste, a moderate amount of toilet paper, and bath, dish, and clothes washing water. Don’t dump grease, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, sanitary products, chemicals, medications, inert materials (carpet lint, wrappers, etc.), or toxic substances down the drain.
Use water efficiently. Use water-saving shower heads, low flow toilets, and front loading washers. Repair leaking fixtures and make sure your sump pit is not connected to the septic system.
Have your tank pumped every three years.
Don’t drive on or build over any part of your system.
