Most rural homes are not connected to a mains sewage system; therefore, septic tanks are used at many rural homes in Warrenton, VA.
How Septic Tanks in Warrenton, VA Work
A septic tank takes the sewage from the house, the solids settle out and grease floats to the top. Between the two layers is a clear watery layer that is piped away to an absorption area where it is allowed to percolate away, through the soil. Soil bacteria break down any nutrients before the sewage reaches the water-bearing rocks, or any streams.
Septic tanks are usually buried in the ground. There are three main types, all of which cause different concerns.
Steel tanks rust, especially when buried in the ground. A steel septic tank can be so corroded that it can lead to someone walking over it falling through and into the tank. The hapless person is suffocated by the methane generated in the tank, or drowns.
Concrete tanks may be damaged internally, leading to permanent and expensive to rectify damage to the absorption drainfield.
The worst tanks are those built from concrete blocks on site. Sometimes the blocks are just laid and not cemented together. Even if they are cemented together years of attack from acidic sewage will dissolve the mortar. These tanks can collapse without warning and probably fail to meet local planning and environmental protection regulations.
Danger Signs
If there are ANY areas of sunken ground around it STAY AWAY. Call in a contractor immediately. If you step on these areas you could fall through, into the septic tank and die.
Check for signs of solid sewage material in the drainfield area. If the drainfield has been contaminated because the septic tank has not been pumped out regularly, this can be very expensive to rectify. This a health hazard for many reasons, not the least of which is that it may have contaminated the ground water.
For more information on septic tanks in Warrenton, VA, please contact SES Mid Atlantic LLC. Serving Warrenton, Northern Virginia, and the Washington DC residential and commercial markets since 1987, SES Mid Atlantic LLC specializes in soil, petroleum, septic, and water services, as well as environmental assessments.