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 What is a septic tank?
Why do septic systems fail?
How long does a septic system last?
What does a septic tank look like?
Can I install my own septic tank?
Do septic systems perform as well as a centralized sewer system?
How do I maintain my septic system?
What is a car wash pit?
Why would someone get a portable toilet?
What is a grease trap?
What is a holding tank?
What is grey water?
What is the primary function of a catch basin?
How long has A-1 Septic Tank Service been in business?
What is a septic tank?
The typical septic tank is a large buried rectangular or cylindrical container made of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene. Wastewater from your toilet, bath, kitchen, and laundry flows into the tank. Heavy solids settle to the bottom where bacterial action partially decomposes them to digested sludge and gases. Most of the lighter solids, such as fats and grease, rise to the top and form a scum layer.
Septic tanks may have one or two compartments. Two compartment tanks do a better job of settling solids and are required for new systems. Tees or baffles are provided at the tank's inlet and outlet pipes. The inlet tee slows the incoming wastes and reduces the disturbance of the settled sludge. The outlet tee keeps the solids or scum in the tank. All tanks should have accessible covers for checking the condition of the baffles and for pumping both compartments. If risers extend from the tank to or above the ground surface, they should be secure to prevent accidental entry into the tank.
Solids that are not decomposed remain in the septic tank. If not removed by periodic pumping, solids will accumulate until they eventually overflow into the drain field. Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 3 to 5 years, depending on the tank size, the number of people using the system, and the amount and type of solids entering the tank.
Why do septic systems fail?
If the liquid effluent cannot soak into the soil surrounding the leach field, sewage may back up into the system and overflow into the house or puddle on the surface of the ground. There are several possible causes for this problem.
How long does a septic system last?
You can expect a conventional septic system to last about 20 to 25 years. Some systems last much longer and some systems can fail earlier for various reasons.
What does a septic tank look like?
Can I install by own septic tank?
System tank performance depends on proper installation of both the septic tank and field. A septic tank professional can recommend the best system for your site and your usage requirements. A professional that has experience installing these systems should do the installation.
Do septic systems perform as well as a centralized sewer system?
A properly installed and maintained septic system constructed from high quality products is an efficient, safe and effective method of purifying wastewater.
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.
What is a carwash pit?
A car wash pit is a sunken area below a car wash stall with a grated cover that catches excess dirt and grime. Car wash pits need to be regularly serviced.
Why would someone get a portable toilet?
Using porta potties is the easiest solution when an area's immobile washrooms will not cover the expected headcount. Portable toilets are seen at wedding receptions, concerts, and sports events.
What is a grease trap?
A grease trap is a small reservoir built into the wastewater piping a short distance from the grease producing area. Baffles in the reservoir retain the wastewater long enough for the grease to coagulate and rise to the surface. The grease can then be removed and disposed of properly.
What is a holding tank?
A holding tank is a closed watertight structure, designed and used to receive, and store wastewater. A holding tank does not discharge wastewater to surface or ground water or onto the surface of the ground. Holding tanks are designed and constructed to facilitate ultimate disposal of wastewater at another site.
What is grey water?
Grey water is wastewater other than sewage, such as sink, shower, or washing machine drainage.
What is the primary function of a catch basin?
Catch basins carry storm water runoff from the surface to the underground storm sewer system, where the sewers then transport the water to tributaries. Catch basins also intercept grit (such as rocks, sand and gravel), and keep such materials from entering and plugging the storm sewer system. There is a sump at the bottom of each catch basin. Heavy grit material collects in the sump, while storm water flows into the main sewer line. A-1 Septic Tank Service personnel inspect catch basin sumps, and use vacuum trucks to remove the collected debris when the sump is full.
How long has A-1 Septic Tank Service been in service?
53 years and counting!
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