Septic Systems, Service, and Finding the Right Contractor

What does a septic tank service professional do and how do you hire the best contractor in your area? Your new home has a septic system, and this is your first experience with underground wastewater treatment tanks, drainfields, and soil absorption fields. Take a look at what you need to know about septic systems and the professionals who maintain, treat, and repair them. 

Why Do Septic Systems Need Professional Services?

Your home's septic system takes the place of a conventional municipal sewer setup. If you're not already familiar with how this wastewater system works, the wastewater from your home's plumbing fixtures (such as the toilet or the kitchen sink) flows into one main drain. This pipe empties into a septic tank that is located underground in your yard. 

The tank holds the water as the solids in the wastewater start to settle into the bottom of this container. Liquids in the tank flow out of the container and into a drainfield. The drainfield filters the liquid wastewater, which allows it to move back into the natural groundwater. 

If the system works perfectly, the septic tank, drainfield, and soil absorption field can effectively remove waste from your plumbing system in a safe, healthy way. But if the tank fails or the drainfield overflows, the septic system could back up into your yard or your home. 

Three primary septic services may call for a professional. These include installation, routine maintenance, and repairs. Without the expertise and experience of a professional, you could put your system at risk. Not only could septic tank and drainfield damage result in problems with the system itself, improper maintenance or the wrong repairs could cause home- or property-wide plumbing problems. 

What Does a Septic System Contractor Do?

Again, these plumbing professionals install, maintain, and repair septic systems. But these general services may include more complex or targeted types of treatments.

If you need to install or replace a system, you need a specialized contractor who can make sure the tank and drainfield's locations have the best placement possible, complete the excavation necessary, prepare the interior plumbing components, and connect your fixtures and their drains to the rest of the system.

Along with installations and existing system replacements, the septic contractor can also inspect the tank and exterior components. This professional can look for signs of wear or damage or assess the system for potential failures. This can help you to stop a problem before it starts and prevent messy (and costly) wastewater backups.

The contractor can inspect your home's system when they provide routine pump out or cleaning services. If you need help maintaining a clean tank that flows freely and a drainfield that doesn't have an offensive odor, a septic tank professional can recommend and help you to use treatment products. 

The specific cleaning product your system needs depends on the contractor's recommendations and your preferences. If you don't like the idea of chemicals, talk to your septic tank contractor about non-toxic treatments that use bacteria as cleaning agents. 

How Can You Find and Hire a Septic System Contractor?

Start with the people who you trust most. Ask your friends, family members, and neighbors for referrals. If you don't know anyone else with a septic system, explore local social media groups in your community or look for genuine online reviews from real customers.

The contractor who you choose should have extensive experience servicing septic systems in your area, top-notch references, and the right insurance for the job. A quality contractor should use effective products to keep your system clean and know how to pump the tank and dispose of the waste safely.

Do you need to hire a septic tank contractor? Contact  Bowen's Septic Tank  for more information.