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Precision Excavating Inc. is licensed and insured in Northern Westchester and Putnam counties, New York. We repair and install septic tanks and septic fields. Precision Excavating adheres to Board of Health requirements and we file all required paperwork.
Septic Systems Have a Limited Life and Eventually Fail
According to Cornell University, most septic systems last from 20 to 30 years and then need replacement.
The amount of time a septic system remains effective is based upon a number of factors including: 1) system maintenance; 2) soil conditions; 3) drainage; 4) seasonal high water table level; 5) size of the system; 6) and homeowner water output.
Signs of system failure include: 1) water backing up into the house; 2) water surfacing above the septic tank; 3) and/or water surfacing in the yard.
How Your Septic System Works – A septic system has two basic working parts:
Septic Tank Holds the Solids
It is important to understand that the septic tank is always full with wastewater. Every time you use water in your home it enters the tank and then exits the tank into the fields.
So the wastewater from your faucets, showers, toilets, washing machine, dishwasher, etc. flow from the house into the septic tank. The solids settle in the tank and are partially decomposed by bacteria to form sludge. Occasionally, this sludge or biomat exits the tank into the fields.
Septic Absorption Fields Handle all the Water
As we described above, the partially treated wastewater is discharged from the septic tank into the absorption fields every time you use water in your home. The absorption fields typically consists of perforated pipes and gravel (although other systems are sometimes used). As water goes through the fields it is purified by passing through the gravel around the pipe. Additionally, the soil acts as another layer of purification. This two-step purification system prevents polluted water from entering lakes, streams, and groundwater.
Biomat Build-up in Septic Fields
The sludge and waste (biomat) described above gradually escapes from the septic tank. The biomat clogs the fields and causes failure. The best and most appropriate solution is replacement of the fields. We repair/replace septic leaching fields with pipe and gravel fields, plastic chambers, tri-galley system, seepage pits or other alternative systems.
Credit to Cornell University Cooperative Extension, EPA Information