If you have recently purchased a home with a septic tank, there are some things you may not know. You may be wondering what certain terms mean and what you need to know about each one. Here are a few of the terms associated with septic tanks that you should know before you order septic services.

Septic Additive

One of the first terms you will hear as a new septic tank owner is septic additive. The concept is to help build and maintain the microorganisms in the tank. The microorganisms allow materials to break down such as toilet paper and waste. The additive helps boost these microorganisms to keep the tank functioning. The additive forms include crystals, powders, and tablets.

Septic Pumping

When you first have an issue with your tank, it will likely lead to needing a septic pumping or cleaning. You may be confused by the terms septic pumping versus septic cleaning. The first thing to know about septic pumping is that it is a term used with cleaning. The septic company will come to your location and dig up the ground over your septic tank. They will remove the lid of the tank or access the port into the tank. A hose that leads to the vacuum trunk pumps out the waste and clear the tank for you.

Grease Trap

One of the terms that you may not have heard of is a grease trap. The grease trap is what catches kitchen wastewater. The purpose of this trap is to grab and filter out the grease that could be coming through the water. The grease hardens or separates from the water, and the can be caught by the grease trap.

The grease will remain in the grease trap and collect over time. You will need to have the grease trap cleaned out by a septic service on a routine basis. This routine is determined by the septic company based on the size of the tank and the amount of water flow you have into the tank area. This is determined during the first cleaning and pumping service.

These are just a few of the most common terms you will encounter as a septic tank owner. If you need septic services, or you want to set up a septic tank scheduled maintenance plan, contact your local septic tank services. They can answer pricing questions and schedule an appointment for the pumping and cleaning of your septic system.