A septic tank is a buried, watertight container that collects all wastewater from your home. It separates solids from liquids and partially treats the waste using natural bacteria before ultimately sending the liquid out to a drain field.
Now, most homeowners who struggle with water drainage issues don’t know whether they should hire septic draining services or go with septic tank installation first. In today’s article, we’ll be clearly explaining the difference between the two so you can make an informed decision. Let’s get started.
Septic Tank Services
A septic tank service basically involves installing a physical unit made of concrete or plastic underground. The purpose is to collect wastewater from your home and smoothly discharge the effluent into a drain field.
The container is privately owned and managed by the property owners. These tanks come in different types. For example, the concrete ones are extremely durable and can last for decades. The fiberglass ones are lighter than concrete but more expensive than plastic.
Now, how they function also differs a lot. For example, Conventional Gravity-Based systems rely on natural slope and gravity to separate solids. Then the Aerobic Treatment Units use electricity and injected oxygen to rapidly break down waste. They are ideal for small lots with poor soil.
Septic Draining Services
It’s basically the process of pumping out accumulated sludge, scum, or wastewater using a specialized vacuum truck. The purpose of getting this service is preventing solid waste from overflowing into and destroying your property’s drain field.
During septic draining services, the provider will first open the heavy lids to find tank access ports. They then check the fluid levels and look for obvious structural damage. They also use a sophisticated pump to suck out all liquid and solid sludge layers from every compartment. If necessary, the interior walls are also flushed down.
It is required every 2-5 years, depending on your tank size and household usage.
Why Timely Intervention Matters
It’s important that you hire a contractor quickly to prevent a small issue from becoming a bigger one. For example, early pumping will prevent the sludge from overflowing into your yard or your home’s pipes. Similarly, routine service also costs less than fixing a failed tank or replacing a soggy drain field.
Lastly, clear tanks also last for decades without breaking down. On your part, never flush grease or harsh chemicals, as they may get trapped in pipes and cause blockage issues.
Who Should Be Hired for These Services
No matter what kind of service you need, always hire a specialized, licensed liquid waste pumper or hauler. A standard indoor plumber may fix indoor pipes, but they don’t have the heavy excavation equipment and the necessary permits to address issues with tanks/drain fields.
Now, never forget to check the valid license and insurance. They must carry state or local environmental health certification. Workers’ compensation coverage will protect you if an injury happens during the work. They must also legally haul waste to approved municipal plants.
