Thorough Guide to Installation, Care, and Troubleshooting
Jan 20, 2024

Septic tanks play a crucial role in household waste management in areas without access to a centralized sewage system; hence, their installation, care, and troubleshooting must be done well.  There are several things that one must look at while doing the various processes to ensure that everything gets done right to meet the objective of the septic tank installation. The process doesn't end with the installation since proper system care must be done to achieve the desired efficiency. Through regular inspection, the state of the septic tank can be ascertained, taking note of the various faulty points or areas for repairs before they grow into serious situations that can affect the durability of the entire system.

If properly designed, constructed, and maintained, your septic system can provide long-term, effective treatment of household wastewater. If your septic system isn’t maintained, you might need to replace it, costing you thousands of dollars. A malfunctioning system can contaminate groundwater, which might be a source of drinking water. And if you sell your home, your septic system must be in good working order. (1)

Installation Guide

Site Selection

Site selection is the first step in the septic tank installation process and a very important step. Consider factors such as soil type, groundwater level, and proximity to water sources. Also, Ensure complete compliance with local regulations and obtain necessary permits for the installation to avoid any legal problems. Also, choose a place where vehicles and animals won’t pose a threat to the structure.

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Excavation and Tank Placement

Once you have taken the necessary steps for the site selection, the next process is to excavate the land to create room for the septic tank pumping Chattanooga installation. Excavate the designated area to accommodate the septic tank entirely, then install it at the recommended depth, ensuring it remains level. The septic tank has a manufacturer's guideline to take you through the tank placement process to prevent future problems arising from the excavation and placement process.  Backfill the area securely once the tank fits well in the excavated space to the right level.

Inlet and Outlet Installation

The next step is to connect the building to the septic tank, and this is done using the inlet and outlet of the plumbing system. Connect the building's plumbing system to the septic tank inlet and install a baffle to prevent solids from entering the tank, which could clog the septic tank, leading to its overflow and causing further damage. Connect the outlet to the drain field, and while selecting the septic tank pumping companies in the Chattanooga area drain field, ensure proper slope and alignment for efficient wastewater flow. The inlet and outlet installation marks the end of the installation process, and with everything done right, your septic tank is ready to serve you.

Care and Maintenance

It isn't enough to install the septic tank; you need to take very good care of it to enable it to serve you well to meet the goal of its installation. Below are a few care practices to get the best out of your septic tank. 

Regular Pumping

There are a few factors you need to consider when scheduling the septic tank pumping in Chattanooga, and they include the family size, the size of the septic tank and the water usage. Schedule routine septic tank pumping every 3-5 years to prevent the accumulation of scum layers and sludge, which affect the effective performance of the septic tank.

Water Conservation

Water conservation helps reduce the load on the septic tank, which can be achieved through fixing leaks and installing low-flow water fixtures. Additionally, you can minimize excess water usage, resulting in a balanced microbial environment in the tank.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals like excessive grease interfere with the microbial environment in the septic tank, making it not perform as expected. It would help if you refrained from using harsh chemicals, antibacterial soaps, and excessive amounts of detergents, as they can disrupt the microbial balance in the septic tank. Instead, you should choose septic-safe products to promote a healthy ecosystem within the tank. Healthy ecosystems enable the septic tank pumping in Chattanooga, TN, to perform efficiently.

Inspections

Inspections help determine the septic tank's exact state, taking note of any leakages or cracks in the septic tank structure.  You must regularly inspect the septic tank, capture the various problems, and resolve them before they become serious and unbearable. A professional Chattanooga septic tank pumping contractor can help you look for signs of leakage, settling, or damage, which indicates that the tanks have problems that must be addressed urgently to guarantee the tanks' durability.

Troubleshooting

Several signs indicate that the septic tank is faulty and needs urgent attention, and they include the following:

Foul Odors

Foul odours are an indication that the septic tank has ventilation or blockage issues, and you need to check the pipes for any blockages and correct any defects within the cost of pumping the septic tank in the Chattanooga, TN, plumbing system.

Slow Drains

Slow drains could signify a clogged drain field or inlet/outlet pipes. You can use enzyme-based additives to break down organic matter, causing blockages within the system and leading to slow drains. Alternatively, you can consult a professional if the issue persists to get a long-term solution to the problem.

Standing Water

The very green and healthy vegetation around your septic tank isn’t a good sign as it could signify spillages and water pools.  This indicates a leak, and you need to Inspect the system for visible cracks or signs of damage to ascertain the leaking points. Also, you can consult a septic professional for repairs.

Conclusion

Proper installation, regular care, and effective troubleshooting are essential for septic tank use and ownership. Strictly following the guidelines mentioned above enables you to benefit greatly from the installed septic tank, saving costs in repairs that are minimized due to the proper system care. Additionally, you must do regular inspections to capture the different signs that you need to repair cracks and leakages, which, if left over, might be catastrophic. Septic tank professionals are always at your disposal to ensure that your property doesn't suffer from septic tank setbacks. 


For more information on Flush Fellas Septic & Excavating and our services, feel free to reach us via phone today: (423) 498-9839.


About the author

Charles Chandler

Charles Chandler is the founder of Flush Fellas, a septic and excavating company based in Chattanooga, TN. With a passion for providing top-notch services to his clients, Charles has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. He has extensive knowledge of septic systems, excavation, and drainage solutions, which he uses to offer customized services that meet the specific needs of his clients. Charles is committed to providing exceptional customer service and building long-term relationships with his clients. He is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and innovations to ensure that Flush Fellas continues to offer the best services possible.

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