Best septic tank pros near Boyce, LA

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), septic tanks must be located a decent distance from places subject to flooding or surface ponding. Additionally, septic tanks should be installed on level ground so that the waste can properly settle in the tank. Most tanks are located 10 to 20 feet away from the home. More specific requirements vary by location, so call a local septic pro or your local health department for more information.

There are a couple of ways you can determine the depth of your well. One method is to use a device called a well sounder. This tool has a long measuring tape containing a sensor to alert you once the end reaches the water. 

Or you can DIY it by using a long tape measure with a half-filled bottle of water attached to it. Lower the tape measure into your well. Once you feel tension on the tape, you’ll know the bottle has reached your static water level. This will give you an approximate idea of your well’s depth.

You may want to increase the size of your leach field, for instance, if you add on to your home or install more bathrooms in your house. You can make your leach field larger by installing more pipes or expanding the area of the field itself. Improving the soil quality in the drain field can also make it more effective without increasing the area.

Yes, shower water goes into the septic tank. Shower water is a type of greywater, and in fact, all water used in a home with a septic system—including water from sinks, toilets, the dishwasher, and the washing machine—drains into the tank. When shower water enters the tank, debris like soap and hair travels with it. The solid debris sinks to the bottom to become sludge, while soap residue joins the scum layer at the top. The remaining water is treated in the tank before moving to the drain field for further treatment and dispersal. It is important to avoid putting oil or harsh chemicals down any drain, as they can cause clogs or disrupt the beneficial bacteria required for proper wastewater management in the septic system.