A septic tank acts not only as a holding area for residential waste, but will also decompose the human and organic waste that enters it. That waste can consist of “gray water” (detergent water), garbage disposal contents, and human waste. Once the waste enters the tank via the property’s sewer service line, naturally residing bacteria within the tank will begin the biological digestion and decomposition process of the incoming waste.
Each time you run water, empty your sink, or flush your toilet, that water acts as a vehicle carrying any residing solid material to your septic tank. The weighty materials will settle to the bottom of the tank, while any grease and lighter materials will rise to the surface of the water and form a thin “skin”. The bacteria will decompose the contents into smaller particles which will eventually settle to the bottom of the tank.
How often should you have your tank professionally emptied?
This will depend upon many factors, but not limited to the following:
- Number of Tanks in your system
- Size of Tanks in your system
- Number of people using the facility
- Habits of residents
- Residential vs. commercial property
- Condition of your absorption area
- Type of soil of your absorption area
- Climate, Precipitation
- Existence of Garbage disposals and water softeners
Busscher’s recommends pumping your tank every 3 year to 4 years, based on average household usage. We can customize a service schedule for your property if we find the recommended frequency of pumping does not fit the profile of your property.
What would prevent your system from preforming sufficiently?
- Your existing absorption (Drain field) area is too small
- Pores in the solid bank of the absorption are have become blocked, due to not cleaning the tank at recommended intervals.
- An excessive amount of rain or surface flooding
- The build up of septic tank contents have sealed off the inlet to the septic tank