Floyd Bryanton Septic Services

How many of us know how our septic system works, or think we know? We expect our septic systems to handle whatever we put into them, a never ending deluge of waste, cleaners, soap, grease, papers and water, water, water.

As water use has changed over the years septic systems have been expected to process much greater volume. The increased use of antibacterial cleaners and
the huge array of shampoos, laundry detergent, bleaches, paper products, etc. gives homeowners an amazing opportunity to overburden and 'mess up' their septic systems!

A septic system functions on the principal of natural digestion of organic materials by bacteria. In the septic tank enzymes break the bonds of compounds, resulting in a more simple and soluble feed that the bacteria then metabolize, converting the waste into mostly water, carbon dioxide, and mineral ash. Clean, clear effluent then flows out of the tank and into the tile bed (leaching field) where final treatment is completed. The more efficient the system operates the less pollution goes into the environment. The more bacteriological activity in the septic tank; the better the treatment of the waste in the tank; and longer life of your tile bed.

Main Causes of Septic System Problems - Causes of Septic System Failure and Malfunctions

1. Improper Septic System Installation & missing baffles.

2. Chemicals Sanitizers and chlorine kill and/or inhibit bacteria in the septic tank preventing digestion of waste. Many household cleaning and laundry chemicals inhibit or kill bacteria in the septic tank.

3. Hydraulic Overload (too much water flowing into the septic tank) Hydraulic overload creates a situation where the waste does not get a chance to be broken down and metabolized by the bacteria. This volume of water pushes solids out of the tank and into the leach field causing many problems.

4. Build up of hard to degrade materials (Fats, Oils, Grease and Other Organic Materials) Fats, Oils and Grease are very slow & difficult for bacteria to break down. Often combining with soaps and detergents, Fats & soap scum clog up tanks, lines and leach fields as do other organic materials such as hair and toilet paper.