Septic tanks are a great option for rural homeowners who don't have access to a sewage system. If you want to learn more about your septic tank and how septic pumping works, keep reading.

Separating Scum and Sludge

The first step in the septic tank process is separating the different types of solid materials that make their way into your septic tank. The material inside your septic tank is separated into two separate layers, which are known as the sludge and the scum. The scum is a thin layer of lighter materials that float on the top of your septic tank, while the heavier materials sink to the bottom and become sludge. Separating these two materials is arguably the most important step in treating waste in a septic system.

Removing Liquid

Once the sludge and scum have been separated, there's a layer of water left between the two. This liquid is removed from your septic tank by a pump, which pumps the water away from your septic system and your home so you can continue accumulating wastewater. If the pump that removes liquid from your septic tank breaks, you've got a big problem.

The Leach Field

All the water that's removed from your septic tank is pumped away from the septic system and into something called the leach field. This leach field allows the water to spread out and dissipate, so you don't have to worry about water pooling up in your yard as a result of your septic system. However, your septic tank may eventually become clogged, at which point it becomes difficult to move water to the leach field.

Pumping Your Septic Tank

Every once in a while, you need to have your septic tank pumped to remove the solids from the tank. Septic pumping is the most important maintenance you need to keep up with when it comes to your septic tank. According to The Pennsylvania State University, a family of four could fill a septic tank in about a year and a half, so routine pumping is crucial.

Septic tank problems can cost you a lot of time and money, which is why routine septic pumping is so important. If you haven't had your septic tank pumped in a while, call A-1 Services Inc. to get it done today.