Septic systems and cesspools are autonomous waste disposal systems, widely used in areas lacking centralized sewage systems. For homeowners in South Jersey and New Jersey who rely on these systems, regular and professional maintenance becomes critically important to ensure their smooth and efficient operation, prevent costly breakdowns, and protect the environment.
Before delving into maintenance, it's important to understand how these systems function:
1. Septic System: This is an underground, sealed tank where all wastewater from the house - from toilets, showers, kitchen sinks, and washing machines - flows. Inside the tank, waste separates into three layers:
• Solids: Settle at the bottom of the tank.
• Grease, oils, and fats: Rise to the surface.
• Clarified liquid: Remains between these layers.
2. The clarified liquid then flows to a drain field (also known as a leach field), where further purification occurs through filtration through the soil.
3. Cesspool: This is a simpler system compared to a septic system. It's essentially an underground tank, often lined with brick or stone and containing holes, where all wastewater is collected. Unlike a septic system, a cesspool provides less waste separation, and the liquid simply seeps into the surrounding soil. Cesspools are less effective at cleaning wastewater and pose a greater risk of groundwater contamination.
Regular pumping of septic systems and cesspools is crucial for several reasons:
• Preventing Overflow: Over time, solids and grease accumulate in the tank, taking up more and more space. If the tank isn't pumped, it will overflow, and wastewater can back up into the house, creating unsanitary conditions and posing a health hazard.
• Protecting the Drain Field: Overflow from a septic tank can cause untreated wastewater, containing a high concentration of solids, to enter the drain field. This can clog the soil, impeding proper filtration and leading to its failure. Replacing a drain field is an expensive repair.
• Preventing Environmental Contamination: Improperly functioning septic systems and cesspools can lead to the contamination of groundwater, rivers, and other bodies of water. This can harm wildlife, pollute drinking water sources, and create public health issues.
• Extending System Lifespan: Regular maintenance, including pumping, helps extend the lifespan of your septic system or cesspool, delaying the need for costly replacement.
• Compliance with Regulations: In many jurisdictions, including South Jersey and New Jersey, there are regulations requiring regular inspection and cleaning of septic systems and cesspools. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines.
The frequency of emptying depends on several factors, including:
• Tank Size: The larger the tank, the less often it needs to be emptied.
• Number of Occupants: The more people living in the home, the more wastewater is produced.
• Water Usage Habits: Conserving water can extend the intervals between emptying.
• Type of Household Cleaning Products Used: Using a lot of harsh chemicals can disrupt the bacterial balance in the tank, leading to more frequent emptying.
It is recommended to inspect your septic tank at least once every three years and have it emptied every 3-5 years. Cesspools typically require more frequent emptying, usually every 1-3 years, due to their less efficient filtration system.
The process of emptying a septic tank or cesspool involves several steps:
1. Inspection: A Drain Care Advocate technician will inspect the system to determine its condition and identify any potential problems.
2. Location: The technician will locate the tank and ensure access to it.
3. Pumping: Using a vacuum truck, the technician will remove all contents of the tank, including solids, grease, and liquid.
4. Inspection: After emptying, the tank will be inspected for cracks, leaks, or other damage.
5. Waste Disposal: The collected waste will be transported to a licensed treatment facility for proper processing and disposal in accordance with local and state regulations.
Drain Care Advocate is a trusted and experienced provider of private waste system disposal services in South Jersey and New Jersey. Here are some reasons to choose us:
• Experience and Professionalism: We have years of experience in servicing septic systems and cesspools. Our technicians are highly skilled and trained professionals with expertise in all aspects of these systems.
• State-of-the-Art Equipment: We use state-of-the-art equipment, including powerful vacuum trucks, to efficiently and safely clean your septic tanks and cesspools.
• Comprehensive Services: We offer a wide range of services, including septic tank and cesspool emptying, inspections, repairs, and maintenance.
• Competitive Pricing: We offer competitive prices on all our services, providing excellent value for your money.
• Prompt Service: We understand that septic and cesspool problems can arise unexpectedly. We offer prompt and reliable service to address your concerns in a timely manner.
• Environmental Commitment: We adhere to strict regulations and standards to ensure proper waste disposal and protect the environment.
• Excellent Customer Service: Our goal is to provide exceptional customer service. We are always ready to answer your questions and provide expert advice.
• Full South Jersey and New Jersey Coverage: We serve all counties in South Jersey and New Jersey, making our services accessible to a wide range of customers.
Beyond regular pumping, there are several steps you can take to maintain the health of your septic system or cesspool and extend its lifespan:
• Conserve Water: Use water-efficient plumbing fixtures and make an effort to reduce your overall water consumption.
• Avoid Flushing Non-Biodegradable Items: Never flush diapers, feminine hygiene products, wipes, cotton swabs, medications, or other non-biodegradable items down the toilet.
• Avoid Excessive Use of Harsh Chemicals: Use eco-friendly cleaning products and avoid using excessive amounts of bleach, disinfectants, and other harsh chemicals.
• Don’t Park on the Drain Field: Avoid parking or driving on the drain field, as this can compact the soil and hinder proper filtration.
• Regularly Inspect the System: Regularly inspect your septic system or cesspool for signs of problems, such as slow drains, foul odors, or soggy soil over the drain field.
Septic and cesspool maintenance is a vital task for homeowners in South Jersey and New Jersey who rely on these systems. Regular pumping, inspections, and maintenance can help prevent costly breakdowns, protect the environment, and extend the life of your system. Drain Care Advocate is your trusted partner for private waste disposal systems, offering the wide range of services and expertise you need to keep your system in top condition. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or pumping and ensure your septic system or cesspool is running smoothly and efficiently. We service all of South Jersey and New Jersey to provide you with quality and reliable services.