Trusted Excavation Services in Babylon, NY

A septic system is a wastewater treatment system that consists of a septic tank and a drain field, while a cesspool is an older type of system where all the wastewater is collected in a single underground pit without a separate drain field.

Proper maintenance is key to a healthy septic system. Some essential tips include conserving water, avoiding flushing non-biodegradable items, using septic-safe cleaning products, and having regular inspections and maintenance performed by a professional.

If the amount of wastewater entering the system is more than the system can handle, the wastewater backs up into the house or yard and creates a health hazard. You can suspect a system failure not only when a foul odor is emitted but also when partially treated wastewater flows up to the ground surface. By the time you can smell or see a problem, however, the damage might already be done. By limiting your water use, you can reduce the amount of wastewater your system must treat. When you have your system inspected and pumped as needed, you reduce the chance of system failure. A system installed in unsuitable soils can also fail. Other failure risks include tanks that are inaccessible for maintenance, drain fields that are paved or parked on, and tree roots or defective components that interfere with the treatment process.