How Do Septic Systems Work?
Many homes in the area are in neighborhoods served by public sewer systems but those homes that aren’t must rely on an on-site septic system to treat and dispose of wastewater. Septic systems usually consist of a 1,000-gallon concrete holding tank and a drain field or leach field. Wastewater (toilet flushing, bathing, laundry, etc.) is released into the underground tank located on the property.
The solids and lighter wastes are separated, with the solids sinking to the bottom of the tank. There, bacteria help to break them down, creating sludge. The lighter waste like grease and oils floats to the top, creating scum. The water between those two layers (referred to as effluent) then flows from the tank into a drain field of underground pipes surrounded by gravel and soil. The effluent is slowly released and filtered through the gravel and soil before it reaches the groundwater.
The sludge and scum left behind in the septic tank must be pumped out on occasion. If not, the congealed sludges can flow back up in your pipes or overflow onto your lawn. Tanks should be evaluated every three years.
Prime Plumbing LLC is available for septic pumping services throughout the Nampa area. We are also proud to be certified and licensed to conduct septic inspections.
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