Get matched with top septic tank pros in Drayton, ND

A septic tank always has some amount of liquid in it—which should usually be 8 to 12 inches from the top of the tank. If the liquid level is higher than that or is overflowing the drainage pipe that leads out to the leach field, the tank may be too full and in need of pumping.

Septic tanks can clog if they aren’t pumped every few years since solid waste accumulates inside of them. Your tank might also clog if you have a habit of flushing anything other than human waste or toilet paper. Items like diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, cat litter, and personal hygiene products should never go down your pipes.

The efficacy of a drain field depends on a wide variety of factors, though a well-maintained one can last as long as 40 or 50 years. Of the different types of septic tanks on the market, concrete and plastic tanks tend to last the longest—upwards of 40 years if they’re pumped regularly—while steel tanks have a tendency to rust over time and may need to be replaced after 15 or 20 years.

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.