How Does Your Septic System Work?
Septic systems are comprised of two major components: a receiving tank and a leaching system. A sewage line carries wastewater from the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room to your underground septic tank where heavy particles settle out of the liquid and form a layer of sludge on the bottom of the tank while lighter materials float, forming a layer of scum on top of the water in the tank. Micro-organisms, or good bacteria, that live within the tank liquefy waste products and help to eliminate toxins, viruses, and bad bacteria from the wastewater that is then passed through the leaching system into the surrounding soil.
Image by: EPA
The Dangers of a Failing Septic System
Septic systems will operate effectively if, and only if, they are designed properly, situated in areas that allow proper operation, used only for the purposes for which they were designed, and given periodic maintenance. An improperly maintained or failing system will discharge an unsafe amount of contaminants to the groundwater and could include bacteria that cause dysentery, hepatitis, and typhoid fever.
Additionally, a failing septic system may release increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus into groundwater which contaminates drinking water supplies, and also is a source of pollution to bodies of water such as ponds and streams, damaging the ecosystems within them.
How Does Your Septic System Protect the Environment?
To protect public health, it is important to minimize the number of harmful organisms and nutrients that reach the surface or groundwater. Fortunately, the bacteria that live in your septic system can effectively remove most disease-causing microorganisms from wastewater treated in a properly functioning septic system.
Proper maintenance and regular inspection of your septic system ensure that the system not only functions as it should and keeps your household comfortable, but it ensures the safety of you, your family, and future generations by protecting our surface and groundwater.
JT SEPTIC CO, SAFER SEPTIC SOLUTIONS FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW
At JT Septic Co, we pride ourselves on our dedication to superior service and customer satisfaction as well as our passion for protecting the environment in hopes that we’ll ensure a brighter future for our children and yours. While there are many septic companies who are content to operate under the state of Oklahoma’s minimum safety requirements, we hold our technicians to a higher level of excellence, certifying each of them beyond state requirements to ensure that your septic installations, repairs, and maintenance are done in the safest way possible.
Learn more about Oklahoma’s Rules and Regulations for On-site Wastewater Systems
Learn more about Oklahoma’s Rules and Regulations for On-site Wastewater Systems
