Maintaining a Safe Septic System

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What You Need To Know About Septic Tanks And A Nearby Water Supply

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With many homes in rural areas not having sewer service or a municipal water source, it requires having both a septic tank and well for the household. Septic tanks are an efficient way to remove waste from a home and make sure that nearby water sources aren't contaminated. It requires having the septic tank placed in the proper location with drainage and filtration so it doesn't go into nearby water sources. These are the things you need to know when you have both a septic tank and well water.

Determine The Kind of Septic Tank You Need

There are several kinds of septic tanks, known as alternative or conventional systems. It's important to have your soil tested to determine what kind of septic tank you will need. The test will help you figure out what kind of soil you have, and how deep the local water table goes. Those with a higher water table or poor soil will need an alternative system, such as a mound or aerobic septic tank, which help avoid contaminating the ground water.

Determine The Placement of Your Home's Septic Tank

It's equally important to determine where your septic tank is going to be located. For homes that have both a well and septic tank, you should separate these two things as far as possible from each other. If it is possible, make sure the septic tank's drain field drains away from the well's location. It will help reduce the chance of the waste from the septic tank contaminating the water in the well.

When using both a well and septic tank, be sure to have the well regularly sanitized, and consider the use of a filter that will treat all water before it enters your home. Treating just the water used for drinking and cooking is not enough, since water for bathing and bathroom sinks can also become contaminated.

Determine The Maintenance Schedule of Your Home's Septic Tank

You do not want to run into a problem with the septic tank becoming too full, so stay on top of how often the tank needs to be pumped. There are pumping schedules that help you determine this, based on how many people are in your home and how big of a septic tank you have.

When dealing with things as important as your sewage and water, always consult with a professional, like one from DAN'S ALL AMERICAN PLUMBING LLC, when it comes to the installation and maintenance of these critical household features.


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