It consists of a large septic tank, distribution box, baffles, and drainfield that are buried underground. The wastewater from your home—from toilets, sinks, showers, and appliances—exits the house through the pipes into the tank. Once in the tank, the solid matter also known as sludge settles to the bottom. The buildup over time provides a luxurious home for beneficial anaerobic bacteria, which work to break down the solids and release the grease, oil, and fats the scum. The byproducts rise to the top, where they hang out in the tank, kept separate by a set of baffles.
Meanwhile, the remaining wastewater also called effluent flows through outlet pipes into the disposal bed or drainfield, where it is slowly and safely filtered by the soil.
There are many misunderstandings even myths about septic systems that can give someone pause when considering buying a home that has one. Septic systems require attention and maintenance to keep running smoothly. The good news is that maintaining a septic system is rather simple.
When placing an offer on a home, that offer is almost always contingent on the results of a full inspection of the property—including the septic system.
If there are hidden problems, the homeowner might not be aware of them. A general home inspection will evaluate the home itself, the systems within the home such as plumbing and electrical , the condition of the roof, and possibly some of the exterior areas.
A thorough look at the septic system often requires training that a general home inspector might not have. Therefore, always go to a septic system professional to get the inspection. Your neighbors and your realtor may be able to offer a few good leads. Call each potential inspector and ask questions about how they handle the job; for instance, some might use cameras to look at the distribution box and drainfield , while others might dig to do their inspection.
Inspectors use the following steps to perform a home septic tank inspection: — Flush all the toilets and run all the water in the house to assess water pressure and drainage. The inspector may use a dye to help determine how much water enters the septic tank.
Septic System Tips If you purchase a house with a septic system it is important to be mindful of the following: — Use the toilet and sinks for human waste and toilet paper only. Avoid flushing anything that will not break down into organic material. Garbage disposals are not recommended if you are on a septic system. Reduce your water usage and save energy at home by using low-flow showerheads and fixing leaks immediately upon discovery. It is more cost-effective to inspect , pump, and maintain a septic system than it is to make repairs to a neglected system.
Signs of septic system failure include: — Foul odors around the septic tank and drain field — Wastewater back up in your house — Liquid seepage in your basement or around the septic system — Grass that is greener and mushy ground around the drain field Septic System Services If you are purchasing a home with a septic system and are interested in an inspection or repair, ask your Realtor for a referral for a local contractor that they know and trust.
Write a Reply or Comment Cancel reply. All Rights Reserved. Site by LDM. Alternative systems use pumps or gravity to help septic tank effluent trickle through sand, organic matter e.
Some alternative systems are designed to evaporate wastewater or disinfect it before it is discharged to the soil. View an animated, interactive model of how a household septic system works created by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority.
You may already know you have a septic system. If you do not know, here are tell-tale signs that you probably do:. A foul odor is not always the first sign of a malfunctioning septic system. Call a septic professional if you notice any of the following:. Skip to main content. Septic Systems. Contact Us. How Your Septic System Works. A typical septic system consists of a septic tank and a drainfield, or soil absorption field.
Specifically, this is how a typical conventional septic system works: All water runs out of your house from one main drainage pipe into a septic tank. The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene.
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