How Septic Systems Work

AFFORDABLE SEPTIC PUMPING FOR THE BOULDER CREEK, CA, AREA

The septic system is a method of treatment and disposal of household wastes for those who are not part of a municipal sewage system. The most common septic system is comprised of a septic tank and a soil absorption area, or drainage system.

When waste material enters a tank, several processes occur. Waste water separates into layers and begins to decompose. Organic solid material floats to the surface and forms a layer of what is commonly called "scum". Bacteria in the septic tank biologically convert this material into liquids and gases. Inorganic or inert solid materials and the by-products of bacterial digestion sink to the bottom of the tank and form a layer commonly called "sludge". Existing between the scum and sludge layers is a fairly clear liquid. It is this clear liquid, and only this clear liquid, that should overflow into the soil absorption area. When liquids in the tank rise to the level of the outflow pipe, they enter the drainage system where enzymes take over and complete the break down process, resulting in harmless material.

Regular septic tank maintenance should be performed. Your family size, tank capacity, the type of use it gets and the condition of your system will determine how often your tank should be pumped. The general recommendation is every 3 to 5 years for a family of 4 with a 1500-gallon septic tank.

The purpose of septic tank maintenance is to periodically remove the sludge and scum that accumulates in the tank. We believe that most additives do not offer much help in the breakdown process of solids in your tank. Other than natural enzymes, which are safe, additives can cause harm to the natural biological processes that need to take place. We offer expert septic pumping services in Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz, and surrounding areas.

It is inevitable, all septic tanks MUST be pumped out to prevent solids from building up and overflowing into the soil absorption area. This will clog the system and block the soil from absorbing until there is no more drainage possible. This is called drain field failure, and if this occurs, your drain field will need to be replaced at great expense and inconvenience to you. Remember, a neglected system will get blocked. It will overflow, have an obnoxious odor and will contaminate and pollute our environment…not to mention drastically reduce the life span of the entire septic system.

Don't forget … a flush is better than a full house!