Sonora, CA portable potty rental firm? What Is a Septic System? A septic system is an on-site sewage treatment and disposal system that is usually buried underground. Septic systems consist of two main parts: a septic tank and a drain field. The septic tank is a watertight box, usually made of concrete or fiberglass, with an inlet and outlet pipe. All wastewater flows from the home to the septic tank through the sewer pipe. Septic tanks take wastewater and separate solid matter from it, which settles at the bottom of the septic tank. Once in the septic tank, heavy solids sink to the bottom, and bacteria reduces them to sludge and gases.
First we need to explain the reason for pumping the septic tank or tanks. The normal riding level of waste water in a tank is approximately 4 feet deep, with a floating scum layer and a bottom solids layer. If a tank is not pumped prior to inspection, a proper visual inspection cannot be performed as no one can see through 4 feet of waste water. The tank floor & sidewalls, the tank center seam/seal, the tank baffle and the complete inlet/outlet sanitary tees are not visible for inspection and system evaluation without pumping the tank first.
The most common cause of a failed system is overloading it. This can be caused by the consecutive use of high-volume activities such as laundry, showering, and running the dishwasher. Space out their usage as well as follow water conservation efforts year round. If your drainfield is flooded, your first step should be to drastically reduce water use in the house until you notice it is dry at the surface. Pumping the septic tank may be an option, however should be considered after the area above it is dry, otherwise it could cause the tank to float out of the ground, damaging the inlet and outlet pipes. Consult a professional septic service provider for advice. Read even more details on portable restrooms.
Best practice is to install a 1500 gallon effective net-volume two-compartment septic tank. Even when you are allowed to install a smaller tank, it will save money in the long run by having the septic tank pumped less often and a much smaller chance of eventual bio-mat formation in the leach field. Larger tanks retain effluent for a longer time, allowing solids to settle on the bottom and grease to float to the top. Plus, a larger tank will allow for adding of bedrooms later without the county requiring a larger septic tank. Every county has its own unique regulations with equations and definitions that can change yearly and always are open for interpretation.
We at Foothill Sanitary and Foothill Portable’s “Stand” for our Flag and kneel for our fallen. My family has a very strong military background with family members serving in every branch of the military. This is why we at Foothill Sanitary and Foothill Portable’s offer a 5% Military discount to all of our vet’s as a small way to say Thank you for “your” service. My motto is from the branch that I served in “Semper Fidelis” meaning always faithful, a motto that we will bring to you. Find even more information at foothillsanitary.com.