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Is your property connected to a septic or sewer line? Have you maintained a septic system in the past? If you\u2019re not familiar with the difference or have never maintained a septic system, then understanding septic system basics can help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We rarely think twice about the water and waste exiting our homes; especially if connected to a municipal sewer system which magically takes away all the outgoing material. A septic system, however, requires consideration in terms of costs and maintenance, and the need for landlords and tenants to work together to share in the care of the system.<\/span><\/p>\n Unlike a municipal sewer system that transports waste and wastewater offsite to a centralized location for processing, a septic system processes the exiting material on the property.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are at least 10 types of <\/span>septic system designs and configurations<\/span><\/a>, namely: More information about the above septic system types and a comprehensive septic system guide from the EPA can be found here: Learn About Septic Systems | EPA<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Although they may have different configurations, all septic processes have the same basic characteristics (pipes, tanks, prepared soil) and purpose: to dispose of waste and wastewater in an efficient and ecologically friendly manner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n All waste and wastewater exit the property from the main drainage pipe to a buried septic tank. The tank may have one or multiple chambers but all tanks are designed to hold the incoming material safely while it separates — the solids fall to the bottom (sludge), grease and oily material (referred to as scum) float to the top, and wastewater (also called effluents) leave the tank.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The wastewater makes its way through exit pipes from the septic tank to a leach field or drain field where it filters down into the soil. That filtering process naturally removes the bacteria and viruses before it discharges into the water table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The solids and scum will need to be periodically pumped out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Without proper care, a small septic issue can turn into a catastrophe that consumes your time and eats away at your profits. Here are the main septic maintenance tasks to add to your maintenance plans:<\/span><\/p>\n Inspections<\/strong> Pumping and cleaning Repairs Inspections and cleaning are within your control but there are other factors to maintaining a healthy and working system that we\u2019ll address below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Septic tank service or septic tank pumping requires certified technicians to come out. To find the best septic tank service quickly on the internet try one or all four of these search terms and be sure to read their reviews when choosing the right septic system service provider:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Just as you might not have been familiar with septic systems, it\u2019s likely your tenants may not be familiar as well. One way to evade repairs is to communicate the best practices of living in a property with a septic system with your tenants often.\u00a0<\/span>This list is not exhaustive but here are some common tips to share with your tenants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The general rule of thumb: if it\u2019s not quickly biodegradable, don\u2019t put it in the septic system (drains, toilets, or garbage disposals).\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Other factors can cause a septic system failure besides grease and non-biodegradable items being sent through the septic system, such as extreme weather conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is a Septic System<\/span><\/h2>\n
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How a Conventional Septic System Operates<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nWhy Septic Maintenance is Important<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n<\/span>Routine inspections inform you when there are concerns that need to be addressed such as pumping, cleaning, or repairs before they become a serious problem costing you thousands to tens of thousands to correct.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>There are many factors that determine when your septic tank pumping will be required. According to <\/span>inspectapedia.com<\/span><\/a> these are the factors inspectors will note to help <\/span>determine the septic pumping timing <\/span><\/a>recommendation:<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\n<\/strong>The best practice is to always jump on minor repairs before they become a large calamity. Hopefully, if you\u2019ve followed routine inspections and pumping and cleaning you can avoid repairs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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<\/p>\nTenants and a Septic System<\/span><\/h2>\n
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What Can Cause a Septic System Failure<\/span><\/h2>\n