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How Do Septic Systems Work?

Waste water leaves your home through a pipeline called the main line, then enters the septic tank (primary receiver). The septic holds the waste for primary treatment where solids and liquids are separated by gravity. The heavy digested solids called sludge accumulate at the bottom of the tank. The lighter materials (grease and oils) are called a scum layer that floats to the top of the liquid. Natural bacteria generated by the solid waste partially decomposes the waste in the septic tank and reduces the amount of solid material by as much as 60%. In addition by using the Automatic Liquid Septic Dissolving System it will increase the breakdown of solid material.

The septic tank is only one part of your system. It is designed to remove the solids from your waste water as shown above, prior to the waste water entering the cesspool (drainage area). Solids and sludge should be pumped from the septic tank every 2 years (as recommended by the county health licensed septic hauler to prevent solid material from entering the cesspool). This will avoid costly repairs to the cesspool drainage area commonly referred to as the overflow.

What Is An Overflow?

The cesspool (drainage area) commonly referred to as an overflow is designed to leach water only.

The cesspool should receive water only - solid waste will clog the drainage area.
The home owner should have A-1 Sewer & Drain inspect the overflow system when the solids and sludge are pumped from the septic tank to insure proper drainage. If it is determined that the overflow requires service the home owner may elect pumping, aeration and application of drainage additives to the overflow to restore drainage.

Why Do Septic Systems Fail?

Generally, systems fail due to the lack of maintenance. When the septic tank is not pumped on a regular basis it will become overloaded with solid waste. This overloading will cause the solid waste to enter the cess pool (drainage area). The cesspool will become clogged as it is not designed to handle solid matter. This will cause the system to overfill leading to the possibility of waste backing up into the household.

How Long Should A Septic System Last?

A properly installed septic system with proper maintenance will provide many years of trouble free service in most cases.

What Are The Signs Of A Failing System?

• Sluggishness when flushing toilet.
• Plumbing back ups in sinks, bathtubs, showers, etc.
• Gurgling sound in the plumbing.
• Grass in the yard growing faster and greener in one particular area.
• Ground mushy underfoot.
• Obnoxious odors inside or outside your home.
• Low spots beginning to appear in the yard, whether or not any of the above systems have occurred.

How To Maintain A Septic System?

A failing septic system is not like your car when it is low on oil, NO RED LIGHT will go on to warn you of a problem. The U.S. Dept. of Health, Education and Public Health states: "A septic system will serve a home satisfactorily only if it is properly designed, installed, and adequately maintained. Even a good system which does not have proper care and attention may become a nuisance and a burdensome expense. Remember, a septic tank-soil-absorption system which does not function properly frequently becomes a neighborhood health hazard". Pollutants from a poorly functioning system can cause very serious damage to the environment and our drinking water supplies. It is very important to have A-1 Sewer & Drain remove the buildup of solids before they reach the level of the outlet piping. Solids entering and clogging the soil absorption area is the number one reason of system failure.

Why Use An Automatic System?

The liquid Septic Dissolving System is your 24/7 helper. You lead a busy and active life. With the many stresses and events you deal with daily, you will probably forget to treat your septic system on a regular basis. No worries, you have the automatic Septic Dissolving System doing all the work for you. It automatically injects a preset treatment amount of our highly concentrated microorganisms into your drain line leading to your septic tank. Consistent treatment is very important for the health of your wastewater treatment system. Every day harmful cleaners and anti-bacterial soaps are entering your septic system which can have a negative effect on how well your septic system operates. You need consistent and powerful treatment to counteract the harmful effects of these normal everyday household cleaners and personal care items that get into your system. The Septic Dissolving System is convenient for you, and also provides effective treatment for your wastewater treatment system!

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FAQs

About Septic Systems

Septic Systems have been installed since the late 1800's replacing the old outside facility commonly known as the outhouse.

A septic system is a mini-on-site sewage treatment system used when municipal sewers are not available.

Septic Systems on Long Island usually consist of a primary receive (septic tank) and a drainage area (cesspool or drainage field). Homes constructed after 1972 will have a septic tank as the primary receiver. Some homes built prior to 1972 will have a cesspool as a primary receiver and a cesspool or multiple cesspools serving as the drainage area. If properly installed and maintained on a regular basis, your septic system will provide many years of trouble free service.