About your septic tank

What it does...

Septic Tanks are buried, watertight receptacles designed to receive waste water from your home, to separate the solids from the liquid, provide LIMITED digestion of organic matter, and allow the relatively clear liquid to discharge into your drain field. Solids and partially decomposed sludge settles to the bottom of the tank and accumulates. A scum of lightweight material (including greases and fats) rises to the top. At best a septic tank is only 85% effective in retaining solids.

The Problems...

As the scum and the sludge depth increase the effective liquid and retention time decrease. As this occurs, treatment efficiency falls off, and more solids escape through the outlet, and begin to clog your drain field. The only way to prevent this is by periodic pumping of the tank. Annual pumping of your tank will prolong the life of your septic system.

Additional Protection...

New technology has recently developed an effluent filter that can be added to your septic tank. A septic tank with a quality effluent filter will retain over 92% of the solids. With proper maintenance, a septic system equipped with an effluent filter can 40% longer than a system with a conventional baffle. For more information on effluent filters click here.

What you can do...

Have your septic system inspected and cleaned once a year to detect problems before they become severe.
Space your washing machine loads out throughout the week.
Practice water conservation.
Do not put additives into your septic tank. They are not approved by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation). They are not recommended by the EPA, the PA-DEP or your local municipality.
Do not let facial tissues, paper towels, disposable diapers, tampons, sanitary napkins, cigarette butts or anything that doesn't readily decompose enter your septic system.

Grease Traps

Restaurant and Foodservice kitchens produce a lot of waste grease which is present in the drain lines from the various sinks dishwashers and cooking equipment . If not removed the grease will congeal within the sewer and cause blockages and back-ups. For this reason, depending on the township, nearly all municipalities require commercial kitchen operations to fit some kind of interceptor device to collect the grease before it enters the sewer. Having the grease trap cleaned on a regular maintenance schedule will help eliminate odors and clogged lines. Steve Eldredge Sanitation can help to keep your business in compliance with local ordinances, reduce your risk of backups in the kitchen/facility and allow you to be environmentally friendly by disposing of the waste in the proper manor.

Holding Tanks

Holding Tanks typically require a permit and a high level alarm to comply with the township or county Health codes. Steve Eldredge Sanitation can provide Installation of Holding tanks, permitting, alarm setup and HAULING of the Wastewater for proper disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is an on-lot sewage system?

On-lot sewage systems are composed of two primary parts: (1) septic tanks or an aerobic tank, and (2) an absorption area. The septic tanks separate solids from the wastewater. The heavy solids settle at the bottom of the tank and the lighter solids float on top of the wastewater. The aerobic tank acting in place of the septic tanks utilizes air pumped into the tank in addition to the settling action of the septic tank. The absorption area then utilizes the ability of the soil to filter and treat the remaining effluent before it reaches the water table. By separating the solids, the septic tanks and/or aerobic tank protect the absorption area from becoming clogged. Proper maintenance of the septic tank and/or the aerobic tank will prevent more costly problems with the absorption area.

What is a cesspool or seepage pit?

Many older homes with systems installed prior to 1970 may have these systems presently in use. Cesspools are constructed of open-jointed walls (concrete block or stone) and open bottoms. The solids in the wastewater settle in the bottom of the cesspool, while the effluent seeps through the jointed walls and bottom. If the cesspool is not properly cared for, the sidewalls and bottom tend to plug up with solids. This may result in sewage backing up into the house or being discharge to the ground surface. Seepage pits are simply cesspools proceeded by a septic tank.

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How often should I have my septic tank or cesspool cleaned and inspected?

Septic Tanks:
If there are 4 or More Residents the System should be Cleaned/Pumped and Inspected on a Yearly Basis.

If there are 3 or Less Residents the System should be Cleaned/Pumped and Inspected every Two Years.

Other:
If you have a Garbage Disposal, Filter, Cesspool or Seepage Pit the System should be Cleaned/Pumped and Inspected on a Yearly Basis. Having your System Serviced on this Schedule Will Make Your System Last Longer.

Is there anything else I can do to prolong the life of my septic system?

Yes. Install an effluent filter on the outlet baffle of your septic tank. A quality filter will increase the efficiency of your septic tank by 40%. Septic tank effluent filters provide a relatively inexpensive means of preventing solids discharge. They are usually installed at the outlet of the septic tank, collecting solids that may be discharged from the tank. Generally this filter needs to be cleaned once a year. Sometimes it needs to be cleaned more often. It's easy to clean. You can do it yourself or we can clean it for you.

Are there any additives I should be putting into my septic system?

No. Neither your township, the PA-DEP, nor the EPA recommend putting additives into your septic system.

How can I eliminate a septic odor problem?

There are many causes of septic odors, however a common solution is to have a trap installed between your house and your septic tank

If a homeowner has never had their septic system pumped, should they assume everything is working fine?

No. Just the opposite is true. A septic tank that has never been cleaned is like a car that has never had its oil changed. A septic system will fail prematurely if it is not properly maintained.

Is Jeremiah Eldredge Septic Management Services PSMA-Certified?

Yes, we are a certified member of the Pennsylvania Septic Management Association.