Sanitizing the Easy Way

A Homeowner's Guide To Frequently Used Terms Associated With Septic Waste

Posted on: 7 June 2015

Moving out of city limits for most homeowners will mean that they also move away from a public sewer system to rely on a private septic system. If this will be your first time living in a home that has its own septic tank, you may not know a great deal about it. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that even though you no longer have to pay a sewer bill, you will still have to be responsible for sewer and septic tank repair and maintenance. Part of being a responsible homeowner is becoming familiar with the septic system you have in place and how to communicate problems to a professional. Here are a few of the most frequently used terms associated with septic waste that you should know.

Effluent - The septic tank works to filter out solid waste matter and eliminate liquid. The liquid that is left over after this process is referred to as effluent. Effluent is often leeched out and distributed slowly into a drainage field that is located away from the house. In some cases, an older home will see issues with effluent waste not draining as it should, which will mean you must call on a professional for help.

Septage - This term is used in the industry in place of wastewater or sewage and simply refers to the waste that enters the tank from the home. This could include waste from flushed toilets, drainage systems, and even your washing machine. If septage is not appropriately routed through the system, it can produce a biological threat to your property and your family that inhabits it.

Septic Sludge - As wastewater moves into the septic tank and is slowly treated through the natural breakdown process, a firm layer of solid matter will start to build up along the base of the tank. This mostly solid material is often referred to as sludge and must be removed through septic tank pumping on occasion. There is no set schedule for pumping a septic tank for sludge as it can differ depending on the size of your home, the efficiency of the system, and how large the tank itself is.

When you have to call in for repair or maintenance of your septic system, it will definitely help if you know how to get across what the problem is and understand what the professional has to say about an issue. Understanding these three terms will help get you on your way, but it is also a good idea to ask questions about terms you hear that you do not understand. To find out more about septic tanks, contact someone like Mr Bob.

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