Mahopac, NY Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Pumping And Excavation

Many of us forget that a septic tank needs to be properly maintained on a regular basis in order to perform its mission effectively and in an environmentally responsible manner. If a septic tank is disregarded or unmaintained for an extended period of time, the system may suffer irreparable damages, as well as cause harm to the local underground environment.
The most common septic tank maintenance is to have a septic pumping company regularly pump out the tank. The recommended schedule for your system will vary depending upon the size of septic tank, the number of people that use it, and the soil condition at the leach field, among other factors. Sandy soils tend to last longer than clay soils. Most experts recommend that you have your septic tank pumped about once every 4 years. This is very cost effective and far less expensive than a city sewer service. We also recommend having your tank pumped out at least once every 4 years, if not more, depending upon usage and a variety of other factors. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about septic systems and proper maintenance procedures. We hope this is helpful for you.

Frequently Asked Questions
 

• Q. How do septic systems work?
  • A. A septic system functions first and foremost as a "holding Tank" where natural bacterial action decomposes human waste products into environmentally acceptable components. The major end-component after decomposition is water, which is also mixed with some other components that are not readily consumed by the bacterial action, gases, and undigested solids. The end products, except the undigested solids, are then discharged to the on-site environment. If maintained properly, septic systems cause no harm to the local underground environment.
• Q. What are the parts of a septic tank system?
  • A. A conventional septic system has two primary components: a tank (typically 750 to 2000 gallons) and a leach field (perforated pipe buried shallow in an extended area).
• Q. What are septic tanks made of?
  • A.  Concrete, fiberglass or a plastic.
• Q. What is a mound system?
  • A. A mound system is used for situations where the ground permeability is not suitable for a traditional leach field.
• Q. What causes septic system failure?
  • A. There are many causes. The most common cause of system failure is when the pores of undisturbed soil surrounding the leach field clog, preventing the effluent from seeping into the ground.  
• Q. What are the symptoms of septic tank failure?
  • A. There are many possible symptoms that will become noticeable. The most commons symptoms are a stinky area of wet, soggy soil, sometimes with visible water, as well as sewage backing up into the house. Sometimes, toilets may not flush properly if there has been septic tank failure.
• Q. How long does a septic system last?
  • A. This varies upon the degree of proper maintenance put into the system. Some can last for decades. Others, only 5 – 10 years of less.

Contact Evans Septic Tank Service, Inc. today at 914-962-2090 for a free estimate, or browse the website for more information about excavation or septic pumping.