A Few Things To Know About The Septic System For Your Newly Built Home
When you build a house with a septic system, you'll want to pump the tank regularly and learn how to take good care of the system. If you don't, you could face expensive repair work in years to come if the drainfield fails. Here are some things to know about a septic system and how often you may need to have the tank cleaned out.
The New Tank Fills With Water Fast
When a septic tank is new or after it's been pumped out, the tank fills up with water fairly fast. It does this because the outlet pipe to the drainfield is in the middle of the tank instead of the bottom. This is normal and not a sign of a septic tank problem. However, if the drainfield ever fails, water can back into the tank from the outlet lines, and that is a sign of trouble. Septic pumping includes checking for backflow and other problems. This is one reason regular visits from a septic contractor are important for protecting your septic system.
Local Codes May Require Periodic Inspections
Your local codes may require septic inspections on a set schedule whether the tank needs to be pumped out or not. This ensures the tank isn't leaking toxic waste into the groundwater. You may want to sync the inspections with pumping out your tank, but if your tank isn't full, you can wait until septic pumping is needed. Your contractor can help you determine a good schedule for pumping since several factors affect how fast your tank fills.
Tree Roots Can Harm Your System
Since your home is newly built, there may not be trees close to the tank or drainfield. Keep in mind as the years pass that trees and shrubs should not be planted close to your system or the roots could cause clogs with pipes, damage to the tank, or damage to the drainfield.
Mark The Tank Lids For Future Visits
Since it might be a few years before your tank has to be inspected or pumped out, be sure to mark the location of the tank and lids so the septic pumping contractor can find the tank when it needs to be serviced. Finding the tank isn't difficult, but it could result in extra fees if the contractor has to search for it. By marking the tank, you'll remember where it is, and that reminds you not to drive over the tank and drainfield or build a shed or deck too close to the tank.
Keep records of all the septic pumping visits and your inspections so you'll have documentation for your local codes office and the state. Plus, you'll have documents needed for the buyers of your home if you sell your property in the future. Reach out to a septic pumping service to learn more.
Share