If you are used to living in a home that is on sewer and now you have moved into one on septic, then you are going to want to make sure you are familiar with the way things work when you have a septic system instead of a sewer connection. Here is a helpful guide to the basics of septic systems.
Understand how septic works
When on sewer, the sewer line takes the water that has been used in your home and has gone down the drains or been flushed down the toilets and takes it away in the sewer line, where it will make its way into the sewer main where it will be directed to the wastewater treatment plant. When your home is on sewer, this doesn't happen. Instead, the water makes its way into the septic that is on your own property.
The wastewater from your home will go into the septic tank in one end and exit out the other end. There are three layers. The layer of waste that ends up floating on the top is known as the scum layer. Then, there is the heavy stuff that sinks to the bottom and this is known as the sludge layer. There is also the layer in the middle and this is known as the effluent layer. The effluent layer is the one that contains the chemicals and bacteria that break things down. Once broken down, the water will get forced out as more water comes in from the home. The water that is forced out gets sent to the drain field. Your septic system runs on gravity.
Understand more about the bacteria in the septic tank
The bacteria in the septic tank are very important to your system, it is what will break the waste down. There are things that can negatively affect the bacteria and a few of the examples include things like harsh chemicals and cleaners and medications. This is why it is important for you to watch what you put down the toilets and drains. You also have to be careful not to put anything down the toilet that shouldn't be flushed, such as cotton balls or wipes because they can clog the plumbing and they can also cause problems in the septic system.
Know about pumping
Septic systems need to be pumped when they are getting full. There is a limited amount of space in the tank and if it isn't pumped, then it can even back up into the house via the drains and toilets. More people using the plumbing in the home means the sooner you will need to have it pumped.
For more information, contact a company like LP Murray.
When you build a home or make a large addition to the home, you will hire a general contractor to oversee the project and do the majority of the work. This individual may subcontract some small tasks to specialists, such as window installers and HVAC techs, but for the most part, it is their responsibility to ensure everything is built according to plan.
As you can imagine, general contractors have very varied jobs. No two days are alike! On this website, you will learn more about what general contractors do, which will come in handy the next time you need to hire one.