Muskegon, Michigan Septic System Faq

By Author: West Michigan Septice Sewer and Drain
Total Articles: 13
Comment this article

Moving to Muskegon with a new municipal sewer system can be quite intimidating especially if you don’t use one before. Probably you might hear a lot of myth’s about the do’s and don’ts of septic tanks, to clear up things once and for all check out below some of our fundamental Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) with answers to help you out:

What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is a large container usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic that collects all of the home’s wastewater. Septic tank systems are like a simple onsite sewage facility where solid wastes settle at the bottom and lighter solids float on the top.

Where is the septic tank located?
Septic tanks usually are buried near your home commonly at the back of the house. The sewer pipes, usually 3 to 4 inches in diameter, connect to the indoor plumbing and its location can be estimated by probing carefully using a shovel or soil probe where the four corners of the septic tank lid and its probable depth.

How long does a septic system last?
Most septic systems will last between 25 to 30 years ...
... if they are well- maintained. Replacing a septic system is not an easy task, but fortunately, they are designed to last for a long time. If you really want to know how old your septic tank in order to approximate its lifespan and avoid any future hassles, you can let the professionals check it up for you.

What items should and should not go into my septic tank?
To lengthen the lifespan of your septic tank, put only human wastewater into the tank which includes proper toilet tissue and bathroom sink waste.

In moderation items or things like laundry soaps, kitchen wastes, some biodegradable detergents, and biodegradable household chemicals can be handled by septic tanks.

However, there are items or things that should not be disposed into the septic tanks such as:
sanitary napkins
cigarette butts
disposable diapers
plastics
high levels of cleaning agents or chemicals
other items do not readily decompose

Why don’t septic systems eventually contaminate the groundwater?
The septic systems do not eventually contaminate the groundwater since the tank is a concrete container that accepts wastewater from a bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room.

It permits heavy particles, to settle and light materials, and or float. In the tank, microbes break down waste products, permitting liquids to flow into the absorption system.

Does a septic system contaminate plants near it?
Despite a lot of misapprehensions, installing a septic treatment system on your property does not mean that you can’t grow anything over it.

Well, truth and in fact, it’s actually very helpful to have a garden growing over your septic tank once it has been installed, as it will help with evaporation in the drain field area - therefore prohibiting erosion, collapse, or other problems caused by excess moisture.

Is cat litter bad for septic systems?
The best flushable cat litter is one that has been tested, proven, and approved for both septic and sewer systems.

Flushable cat litter classifies in a variety of types, but one quality is universal: they do not consist of sodium bentonite clay. Almost all litter marketed as an environmentally safe and natural substitute to traditional clay is flushable. Common flushable litter types incorporate newspaper, corn, wood, and wheat.

How often do septic systems need to be replaced?
The intervals between the servicing, replacing and pumping of your septic tank system will vary on its size and usage, but the following is a general rule and guideline:
A 1,500-liter septic tank used by 4 persons needs to be replaced every 4 years, every 6 years if used by 3 people and every 9 years if used by 2 people.

A 1,000-liter septic tank needs to be replaced every 2-3 years if used by 4 persons, every 3-4 years if used by 3, every 5-6 years if used by 2 and every 10-12 years if used by only one.

A 750-liter tank needs to be replaced every 2 years if used by 4, every 3 years if used by 3, every 4 years if used by and every 9 years if used by one.

A 500-liter septic tank needs to be replaced yearly if used by 4, every 2 years if used by 3, every 3-4 years if used by 2 and every 5 years if only used by one.

What is considered proper maintenance of my septic system?
There are things to consider in keeping your septic system running efficiently. It is recommended having a service professional inspect your septic system every year. Professionals of septic system maintenance should be able to tell you how often your septic system needs to pump.

To keep your drain field, prohibit planting gardens and trees nearby. This will inhibit roots from growing and bumping against your septic system. The more rubbish you dispose of down the garbage disposal, the more likely you are to devastate your septic system.

Inspections should comprise well-thorough reports on potential or existing leaks, as well as scum levels and inevitable damage. If devastation is reported, then you should appoint an experienced repairman such as septic system maintenance Muskegon to fix it as soon as possible.

If you are in doubt about your septic tank’s condition, or you just want to know more about your septic tank in order to avoid future problems to occur, contact the Muskegon’s Septic Tank Experts- West Michigan Septic Sewer and Drain Service, offers a full line of Septic Tank Services and can tell you everything you need to know about septic tanks.

West Michigan Septic Sewer and Drain Service are committed to providing you with exceptional service, the highest quality products, and results that will stand the test of time.
Our services include:
Muskegon Septic Tank Cleanings
http://bit.ly/wmssd-septic-maintenance
Muskegon Grease Trap Cleanings and Video Inspections
http://bit.ly/wmssd-grease-trap-cleaning
Muskegon Lift Pump Repairs for Elevated Drain Fields
http://bit.ly/wmssd-lift-pump-repair
Muskegon Septic Inspections
(Reports Included for Homeowners only, No Home Sale Inspections)
Pump Repair and Replacement
Muskegon Filter Cleanings

We offer a complete line of services from drain cleaning to sewer line installation and everything in between. Our professional Septic System Maintenance Muskegon technicians can cover all your needs for sewer systems, septic systems, and excavation.

Call to Action (Phone Numbers, email):
Muskegon: 231-739-7423
Grand Haven: 616-847-1072
Whitehall: 231-893-4252
Holland: 616-392-8988
Coopersville: 616-837-1800
Allendale: 616-895-9080
Twin Lake: 231-828-5595

To know about us, check us out at http://bit.ly/WMSSDContactUs, or you can visit our Service Areas: Muskegon, Grand Haven, Whitehall, Holland, Coopersville, Allendale, and Twin Lake