Although you rely on your septic system to dispose of household waste, you probably don’t give it much thought unless it isn’t working properly. That’s understandable, but the septic maintenance experts at Queen’s Septic Tank Service in High Point, NC, want to stress how important it is to have a basic understanding of the unit’s functionality. Below, the team explains precisely how the system operates.

The System Parts

The septic system is composed of three main components: the pipes, tank, and drain field. The pipes are designed to filter wastewater away from the home and directly into the tank. The tank is buried underground and is watertight to prevent any leakage. In the tank are three layers: thick sludge at the top, solids at the bottom, and water in the middle. As more contents enter the septic tank, wastewater exits through a separate pipe and is dispersed into the drain field.

The drain field, sometimes referred to as the leach field, contains soil formulated to treat the wastewater that arrives through the pipe. When the wastewater percolates here, the soil removes harmful contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, and the water is dispersed in the ground.

Maintenance

Although it’s unusual to encounter problems with the septic system, they occur without proper maintenance. Annual inspections are one part of the process. During the examination, your technician will take a close look at the drain field to make sure there isn’t too much water in the area or damage to the tank. This could lead to a backup and cause serious household plumbing issues. Septic pumping is also required at least once every three years. This prevents blockages that might affect the flow of wastewater into and out of the system.

When you need to schedule routine septic maintenance, get in touch with the team at Queen’s Septic Tank Service. From inspections to pumping, they’ll keep your septic system in top condition for years to come. The family-owned and -operated company has served Guilford, Randolph, Davidson, Forsyth counties since 1986. Visit their website for details on their services, or give them a call at (336) 434-1260 to schedule an appointment.