Keeping Septic Systems Functioning With Regular Septic Pumping

Septic tanks are essentially a mini-water treatment system for residential properties without a connection to a municipal sewer system. The tanks, which are underground, hold the wastewater coming from the home. In most homes, this includes what is known as the “black water” which is typically water from toilets and sinks, as this water contains organic materials.

This water travels through the sewer pipes in the home and runs into the septic tank. There are bacteria living in the tank that break down the solid material, which sinks to the bottom of the tank. The grease and lighter materials stay on the top, but there is also some breakdown of this light, floating layer.

While the solid materials at the bottom are broken down, there is still residual matter. Over time, this layer of sludge at the bottom of the tank, and the floating layer on the top get thicker, which limits the amount of wastewater from the house the tank can process.