Septic System Maintenance - General Information A topic of discussion not commonly brought up at the dinner table is septic systems and their maintenance. Homes and establishments not connected to a municipal sewage system, commonly have either a standard septic system or aerobic (oxygen-using) arrangement. Both types are worry free, but do require routine maintenance and inspection to remain that way. Septic Tank Septic tank systems have been around for a long time. Proper size and installation ensures an efficient waste management system, with little maintenance. A general understanding of how this system works will help in keeping it working effectively. A septic tank installation today will typically be a 1,000-gallon or more fiberglass tank. The underground tank is at least 6-feet from the house. Waste and greywater (water from sinks and appliances) flow into the tank where they separate themselves. Solid, heavier waste will sink to the bottom of the tank forming sludge. Light oils and greases will accumulate at the top of the septic tank. The remaining greywater will flow out of the discharge and into a leach field, or its equivalent. The leach field, also known as a drain field, consists of several feet of perforated pipe buried in gravel. From here, the greywater seeps out into the ground, where the surrounding soil gradually filters it. When all is working as designed, a homeowner will easily forget they even have a septic tank. However, when things go wrong, they symptoms are obvious. System Problems If the solid material in the tank fills to the point that it flows out along with the greywater, it will quickly plug up the buried drainpipe in the field. At first, the results may be unnoticeable. If left, the homeowner will have a mess on her hands (pun intended). Microbes working in the septic tank help to keep the solid waste under control. Normally, this system works a lot like a digestive system with most waste eaten away over time. Nevertheless, harmful chemicals such as bleach and caustic fluids will kill off these helpful little fellas. Once gone, there is nothing to prevent the solid waste from building up. Additionally,introducing more waste into the septic tank than is manageable, will quickly overflow and send solid waste down the drain line. Prevention A standing recommendation for both septic and aerobic tanks is that they be pumped out and cleaned every three to five years. This will help prevent the build-up of solid waste, and keep the bad stuff from backing up. Also, preventing hard liquids such as paint thinner, automotive fluids, excessive amounts of bleach and other type cleaners, from entering the system, will ensure the next holiday is spent cooking out, and not digging out. Tulsa has several tank cleaning services that specialize in pumping and cleaning septic tanks. Anytime Septic Inc. is a highly rated local service who obviously does not mind getting dirty. There are many others - the important point is to clean the system preemptively. For more information on septic systems, visit Oklahoma State University's, "Septic Systems and Other Treatment Methods".