A home's septic tank is the main component of the septic system. Septic tanks in Calgary are most often found in rural settings, because the septic system needs a large area of land, not areas densely populated with homes and buildings. Septic systems require periodic, preventative maintenance to help break down any solids that are not reduced and begin to fill the tank. With proper care and maintenance a homeowner's septic system can last a lifetime. Calgary septic tanks are plastic, fiberglass or concrete tanks placed underground. This tank has leach lines that run from the septic tank, which take waste water underground to drain through rocks and other underground materials that purify the waste water once it has left the tank. The tank is made up of two chambers. The first septic tank chamber is largest and is where solids, known as sludge, settle. The other chamber is smaller and the area where waste water if purified. The sewer system collects all the waste water from the shower, bathroom and sinks in the home. There are Calgary septic tanks that use a pump to help move water, but the need for a pump depends on the layout of the land. Regular maintenance of the septic tank is extremely important. Many times when the septic system fails, it is not the tank, but the pipes that are clogged. Many things can cause clogged septic pipes, including flushing tampons, cotton balls and other non-biodegradable items down the toilet; excessively dumping cooking oils down the kitchen drain; the use of garbage disposals; and chemicals that can destroy septic bacteria. A plugged septic system means that the soils are full of solids, preventing water from flowing through. There are measures homeowners can take to keep their Calgary septic tanks working properly. The first is to perform regular maintenance and have your system pumped out regularly. For a family of four, it is recommending to pump out the septic tank every three to five years. Dispose of chemicals and other hazardous materials properly. Gasoline, paint thinners, varnish and motor oils are not only hazardous to your water source, but can also harm the walls of your septic tank. Make sure you dispose of these materials away from the septic system. Do not dispose of any type of grease by flushing it down the toilet or sending it down the kitchen drain. Some items clog the septic systems easily and should be disposed of in a trash bin. This includes cigarette butts, paper towels, coffee grounds, facial tissues and disposable diapers and cat litter. Using the garbage disposal wisely can also help keep the septic system working smoothly. Choosing a disposal that grinds the food into the tiniest particles possible is best, so buy a top-line disposal that grinds the foot small enough for the septic tank digest easily. This helps keep the septic system working because garbage disposal food can quickly clog a septic system. Excessive use of heavy cleaners can also cause problems. The chemicals in harsh cleaners can kill the good bacteria that live in the septic system that is useful in breaking down solids. It is important to never drive over the drain field. If it is an area where you will drive over it, build a structure over the area or cover it with concrete. Planting grass over the area will help minimize soil erosion. Following a regular maintenance schedule and regularly pumping out a septic tank can help last for a lifetime. However, if you do not take care of the septic system and the tank can crack, which leads to very messy and expensive repairs.
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