If you have septic tanks https://www.septictankhotline.com at home, chances are you know a bit of what a septic tank hotline is! The number is called because all septic tanks contain a septic tank that is pumped out into the soil every time a person takes out a fresh pot of water or one of the many other functions it performs. The tank’s capacity to store sewage is designed to handle the large tons of dirt that the typical septic-rejection system can dispose of for a typical home sewage-treatment facility. Sometimes, though, an exception happens when septic tank areas are located in clay or sandy soils adjacent to a freshwater body of water.
These types of tanks are called open tanks and they pose a special septic system threat because open tanks Leach into groundwater and also can be difficult to clean up. In fact, a report prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found, “A significant connection has been identified between the frequent dumping of untreated waste in rural areas and the increased risk of contamination of drinking water”. For these reasons, many counties across Pennsylvania and New York to conduct regular inspections of septic tanks and pumping stations to make sure that the systems are up to code.
There are many different types of septic tanks depending on the location of the home and the drainage needs of the property. The two most common types are open and closed. Closed tanks are designed to trap solids and liquids that cannot pass through biological or mechanical means. Open tanks are more commonly used for domestic use and have a sludge pump to dispose of solid wastes, although they do not have a pump. Closed septic tanks are designed to prevent solids from draining but do not have a sump pump or other filtering device.
Many people incorrectly believe that their septic system is properly tested on a regular basis. In fact, only about half of all tanks are tested at any given time. If your sewage-disposal tank is not inspected at least once a year, you could be putting your family at risk. Septic tanks must be carefully maintained, both to make sure that they are working properly and to ensure that they are safe from contamination.
If you suspect that your sewage-disposal tanks are leaking, you should contact your local authority and ask for assistance. Your local authorities can perform tank inspections and will also inspect your septic system for leaks. They may even suggest solutions to help resolve the problem. Once the inspectors detect an issue with your septic system, they will usually recommend that you have the tanks repaired or replaced before any major leaks are noticed.
Some older homes or apartments may have older septic tanks. If this is the case, you may not have an off-mains drainage system and the sewage could be backing up into your basement. In this case, there are several options to consider. You can use an off-mains drainage system to prevent excess water from backing up, but this will often be very costly. Another option is to have your sewage tanks professionally cleaned.