Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I have my septic tanks pumped?
Pumping frequencies are determined by the size of the tank and the number of people using the system. Most systems need to be pumped every 1-5 years depending on whether they are aerobic or conventional systems. The most accurate way to determine if your septic or aerobic system needs pumped is to have a qualified company with trained personnel, like
Brannon Septic, come out to your home or business to inspect and measure
the sludge level in the septic tank, the aeration tank and pump tank,
if so equipped. We thoroughly check your entire system. Typically, if the sludge level is within a foot of the bottom your septic or aerobic system needs pumped. We recommend staying on a routine pumping schedule to ensure the optimal performance of your system.
2. Why should I have my septic tanks pumped and cleaned?
Over time solid materials build up in your septic tank(s). It forms a semi-hard, thick layer at the top of the tank known as the crust or scum, and a soft dense layer on the bottom of the tank known as sludge. As these layers build up, the critical space in your septic tank that allows solids to settle to the bottom and food, grease and lint to float to the top disappears. With no space remaining to settle to the the bottom or float to the top, the remains will flow into your
drain field, clogging it up and causing failure. Drain fields, laterals, and sprinkler heads are not designed to take solid material and will clog up, causing expensive repairs and replacement. We recommend staying on a routine pumping schedule to maximize the life of your septic system.
3. What is a Conventional System, and how does it work?
A conventional Septic System consists of a Septic Tank or more typically standardized Septic
Tanks with a drain field. The septic tanks are located in the ground near the house to provide
primary treatment of the waste water. Waste water flows from the house into the tanks. The solid waste material settles from the water and falls to the bottom forming a layer of sludge. The grease and lighter materials form a scum layer on top of the waste water. The clarified waste water in the middle enters the drain field through a watertight pipe. The liquid then passes through a perforated pipe for absorption into an engineered river-rock bed trenching system and thence into the soil, as well evaporated into the atmosphere.
4. What is an Aerobic System, and how does it work?
Waste water flows from the edifice, structure or house into the pretreatment Rubbish
Chamber. The waste is septic at this point as the material is anaerobic this stage of the journey. The waste water then filter transfers into the aeration chamber where the liquid is aspirated, thus the sewage is aerated; churning into a frothy mixture. From that stage of transformation it enters the clarify chamber where the clear odorless effluent rises and passes through the chlorinate chamber for disinfection. The disinfected waste water remains in the end stage effluent discharge chamber until a predetermined and engineered waste water level erects a floating device that stimulates an on/off switch for the hydraulic discharge to above ground methodically calculated and hydraulically activated spray heads.
5. What are the Pros and Cons of both?
A Conventional System naturally requires the least amount of service, that is, if they
thoroughly cleaned every year and initially installed by a highly competent technician in good
soil. However, they do not work in all conditions, and thus the need for an Aerobic System.
6. What should I do if my Septic Alarm is sounding on my Aerobic System?
The alarm may be the high water alarm sounding, indicating a problem in the final chamber.
It may be a problem with the effluent pump, its switching device, wiring, or perhaps the aerator. The alarm may be the aeration chamber alarm sounding. This indicates a problem with the aerator. It may be the effluent pump discharge chamber. It may be a wiring issue or malfunction.
7. What products can and cannot be flushed into my system?
Only bodily excretions and lavatory or toilette paper should be flushed. Anything other; such as feminine products, condoms, plastics, paper towels, pharmaceutical products , etc., must never be flushed.
