Municipal sewer systems often do not extend to suburban or rural areas. In those locations, residents normally rely on individual disposal units made of concrete, fiberglass, metal or resistant plastics. They must be emptied periodically, and Washington septic tank pumping companies help homeowners avoid problems related to malfunctioning systems.
Contaminated waste water flows directly into these vessels, which hold at least 1,000 gallons. Inside, heavy particles fall to the bottom, while lighter materials form a top scum layer. The relatively clean water sandwiched in between exits into a drain field, where it slowly percolates into the ground. Over time, sludge accumulates inside.
When sludge reaches the top, the tank must be pumped dry. If that task is ignored, sewage flows directly into the drain field, which cannot handle the excess liquid. Instead of filtering slowly downward, surface water accumulates, and releases unpleasant-smelling decomposition gases. In some cases, the home plumbing system becomes dysfunctional.
That unpleasant scenario can be prevented through scheduled maintenance, which is best performed by a service equipped to both pump and discard sludge in an environmentally safe manner. Emptying as often as once a year is necessary when garbage disposals are used regularly, but that timetable depends on individual use patterns.
Most systems eventually deteriorate. Containers are eroded by household chemicals and salts, causing them to crack and leak. New tanks manufactured from sturdy polymers have longer lives, and can give extra years of trouble-free service. When sewage problems become an everyday occurrence, finding a better option makes good economic sense.
A new system installed by the same company that performs maintenance can handle nearly any appliance or fixture, and will be more energy efficient. Unpleasant odors associated with overflow disappear, as do the potential health hazards of raw surface sewage. Eliminating the underlying reasons for poor drainage also supports better property values.
