How do septic tanks work?

Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures, commonly used in rural areas without centralized sewer systems. They use a combination of nature and proven technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry.  A typical septic system consists of a septic tank and a drainfield, or soil absorption field.  The septic tank digests organic matter and separates floatable matter (e.g., oils and grease) and solids from the wastewater.  Soil-based systems discharge the liquid (known as effluent) from the septic tank into a series of perforated pipes buried in a leach field, chambers, or other special units designed to slowly release the effluent into the soil.

It is recommended that you have your septic tank system pumped out every 3-5 years.  A septic system requires the pump out service because of solids which accumulate and begin to fill up the tank.  The tank should be pumped when the solid waste line reaches 30%-50% capacity.

We recommend the 3-5 year time frame, along with the Georgia Department of Public Health, for a very important reason: the overall health of your system! Septic tanks needs to be emptied periodically because of sludge build up, this is a byproduct of the tanks bacteria which breaks down all of the solids that are introduced to the tank. This buildup will not disappear over time but can actually build up so high that it will be introduced into the drain field, making them completely useless. 

If you see liquid bubbling out of your tank lid, if your toilets gurgle when flushed, or if your fixtures are slow to drain, your septic tank could be flooded or the filter in the tank could be clogged.  In either case, you should contact Coastal Georgia Septic right away.