Lots of homeowners don’t think about their septic tank until they need to install one. This lack of attention means there are many myths and misconceptions about septic tanks and how to install them. So today, the expert team at Priority Plumbing is here to debunk these common myths of septic tank installation and usage.
Contact Priority Pumping today to discuss septic tank installation in Mesa!
You Can Build On Top of a Tank
Many homeowners think they can build construction on top of the septic tank to maximize land usage. After all, positioning the tank below the building means you don’t need a separate stretch of land to place the tank.
However, the building on top of the tank is a big construction faux pas. It can make the tank very difficult to access if there is damage, and tank malfunctions may affect your building’s foundation. Additionally, the septic tank might compromise the building’s integrity.
What about if the construction is temporary? Even if construction is temporary, you shouldn’t place it over the septic tank. Any construction can block airflow to the system, negatively affecting how it drains.
You Can Build a Septic Tank Anywhere on Your Property
Many homeowners neglect to place their septic tanks when creating plans for house construction. The rationale is they can just add the tank wherever is convenient after the house is complete.
However, you can’t build a septic tank just anywhere. You need the right soil type and consistency to ensure proper draining. Professional septic tank contractors can test your soil’s absorption rate to determine the most sanitary and effective spot to place your septic tank.
You also need to apply for a permit from your county to approve septic tank installation. The permit application process involves determining tank size, material, and orientation.
Additives Are Necessary for Your Tank
Lots of homeowners add enzymes like yeast and bacteria to their septic tanks to accelerate waste breakdown. While some additives can speed up the breakdown of liquid wastes, they are not necessary at all. Anaerobic systems, like human waste itself, contain enzymes and bacteria to break down sewage. So you don’t need additional enzymes for your tank to work properly.
In fact, these additives can often be harmful to the environment. They can leak out of your tank and contaminate nearby soil and water sources. Enzymes won’t be able to break down non-organic waste in your tank, either.
You Need to Replace Your Tank After 20 Years
Many websites say the average lifespan for a septic tank is 20 years. However, you may not need septic tank installation if your existing tank is still in good condition. You can significantly extend your septic tank’s lifespan with regular cleaning, inspections, and pumping sessions.
Septic tank longevity also depends on tank size and materials. Concrete is one of the most common types of septic tank materials and can easily last upwards of 40 years. There are some examples of septic systems lasting 100 years or longer.
So if your septic tank is old, you don’t necessarily need replacement. Regular inspections can keep tabs on your tank condition and let you know when you need septic tank installation.
Tanks Need Pumping When Full
If you inspect your tank and the liquid levels are high, you might think you need to pump it. However, just because a tank looks full doesn’t necessarily mean you need to pump it immediately. Whether or not you need pumping doesn’t just depend on how full the tank is but on the proportion of solid waste in the tank.
Pumping is only necessary when solid sludge levels are high. Wastewater will drain naturally out of the tank into the leach field. You need to call a professional once every three to five years to remove solid waste from your septic tank.
You Can Put Most Substances In Your Tank
Although the actual septic tank material can handle most substances, lots of things can cause biological imbalances in your septic tank and negatively affect waste treatment. For example, putting bleach in your toilet can kill beneficial bacteria that break down waste. Other cleaning products, such as Draino, can have similar effects.
In general, the only things that should go into your tank are wastewater and sewage. Anything else can potentially affect sewage treatment and the leach field.
Clogged Tanks Need Replacement
If you figure out your system is clogged, you might immediately panic, thinking you’ll need an expensive replacement. The good news is that, depending on where the clog is, it may be possible to remove it and restore system functionality.
Septic tank contractors can use a pressure-washing technique known as “hydro jetting” to blast away clogs and clear your system’s pipes. Unfortunately, they won’t be able to remove all types of clogs, and some pipe materials, such as clay, are not suitable for pressure washing.
Septic Tank Installation in Mesa
Fully licensed and insured. Priority Pumping has several years of experience providing septic tank installation in Mesa and surrounding areas. Our experts can help you choose a septic tank option that fits your needs and budget. We also work with both commercial and residential clients!
If you would like to discuss septic tank installation in Mesa or Phoenix, contact Priority Pumping online or give us a call at (602) 601-5751 today to schedule an appointment!
