Private wells and wastewater collection and treatment systems are common denominators for communities away from major distribution networks. According to the EPA, more than 13 million houses rely on private wells for drinking water. At the same time, another source reports that at least 20% of American households use septic tanks to dispose of sewage water. Can an unkept septic system harm freshwater’s quality? Flush & Go Drain Cleaning LLC, the septic tank cleaning specialist from Orlando, will clarify the potential safety concerns you need to look after and how to address them.
How Does a Septic System Work
A septic system is a three-phase gravity separator chamber installed underground to collect, treat, and store sewage water from households. The size of the system mainly depends on the number of users to serve in order to achieve hydraulic stability.
The sewage water feeding the system comes from faucets, washing machines, sinks, toilets, bathrooms, and drains. Once the residence time in the tank is completed:
- Heavy solids settle to the bottom of the tank, forming a layer of sludge.
- Lighter fats, oils, and solids can float to the surface, creating a layer of dirt.
- Water stays in the central compartment.
Inside the tank, anaerobic bacteria feed on the solids, producing gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, among others. The gas exit the chamber through a conduit placed in the roof of the tank.
Septic systems aren’t stand-alone services. Over time, users must pump the tank to avoid clogging and further collapse. The complete system and its maintenance procedure should meet local sewage water handling and disposal regulations.
Impacts on Well Water Safety
When septic systems aren’t used properly and fail to be regularly inspected and maintained, the risks of polluting nearby well water sources grow exponentially. How does it happen?
Water wells are holes drilled underground, dug into groundwater levels to facilitate surface pumping and distribution. When located in the same path as the septic system, any leakage can permeate the soil, reaching the well and polluting drinking water. This contamination is harmful to health, causing severe illness.
Tips to Protect Your Water Systems
- Built drinking water-septic systems at a safe distance from each other.
- Get regular inspection and maintenance services.
- Pump the system periodically. Typically once every three years for a four-person household is standard.
- Learn how to use the system properly (don’t exceed the limits).
- Have a separate disposal outlet for classified materials that shouldn’t be poured down the drain.
- Detect odor escapes. Act on it.
- Test the quality of drinking water.
Contact Us
Looking for professional septic tank cleaning services in Orlando? Contact Flush & Go Drain Cleaning LLC, the #1 company in the area. With expertise expanding for more than two decades, we offer 24/7 assistance, emergency services, and guaranteed client satisfaction in septic system installation, cleaning, and pumping. We use advanced technologies and follow the latest standards to ensure our clients’ full compliance and sharp solutions at fair prices. It’s our pleasure to serve you!