Septic 101

Belanger Septic Service

Demystifying Septic Systems: Your Essential Guide

At Belanger Septic Service, we're committed to helping you understand and maintain your septic system. With over 50 years of experience serving Northwest Michigan, we've compiled this comprehensive Septic 101 guide to answer your questions and provide valuable insights.


Let's dive into the world of septic systems and learn how to keep yours running smoothly. If you have any questions along the way, don't hesitate to contact our experienced team.


Septic Tanks

A septic tank is a key component of the septic system, a small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas with no connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations.


The term “septic” refers to the anaerobic bacterial environment that develops in the tank which decomposes or mineralizes the waste discharged into the tank. Septic tanks can be made of steel, concrete, or special long-lasting polymer plastic.


Grease Traps

Simply put, a grease trap is a receptacle that kitchen wastewater flows through before entering the sanitary sewer lines. This receptacle captures or “traps” grease. How? Grease, the industry term for animal fats and vegetable oils, is 10 to 15% lighter than water. Grease also does not mix with water. Therefore, grease and oils float on water.


When kitchen wastewater flows through a grease trap, the grease and oils rise to the surface and are trapped inside the receptacle using a system of baffles. The captured grease and oils fill the grease trap from the top down, displacing “clean” water out of the bottom of the trap and into the sanitary sewer line. This is why you see a grease “mat” when observing a grease trap. When a significant layer of grease has accumulated, the trap must be cleaned out.


Holding Tanks

A holding tank system is commonly used for homes that are built on a higher water table (ie: near lakes or rivers) that cannot have a drain field system. Holding tanks usually need to be pumped every 4 to 8 weeks.


Septic System Dos and Don'ts: Protecting Your Investment

Proper care of your septic system can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.


Here are the Septic System DO's:

  • Do spread laundry use over the week rather than many loads on one day. 
  • Do make a permanent record of where the key parts of your septic system are located for future maintenance (i.e. septic pumping service or field repairs). 
  • Do have septic pumping service regularly. 
  • Do keep the records of septic pumping service and septic system maintenance. 
  • Do use water-conserving devices where possible. Low flush toilets and showerheads are commonly available. 
  • Do have manually cleaned lint traps on your washing machine. 
  • Do check any pumps, siphons, or other moving parts of your system regularly. 
  • Do remove or prevent trees with large root systems growing near the leach field. 
  • Do keep surface water from upslope or from roof drains away from the leach field. 
  • Do check your interceptor drain regularly to ensure that it is free flowing. 
  • Run water regularly in seldom used drains such as sinks, tubs, showers, etc. to avoid noxious gases from building up and causing odors inside. 


See below for our septic system DON'Ts:

  • Don't overload the septic system with high volumes of water. 
  • Don't connect basement sump pumps to the on-site septic system. 
  • Don't connect backwash from water treatment devices directly to the on-site septic system without professional advice. 
  • Don't use a garbage disposal. Chopped up food particles do not break down in the septic tank and can make their way out into your leach field lines causing clogs. 
  • Don't allow large amounts of fats, chemicals, or solvents to enter the septic system; don't allow any plastics to enter. 
  • Don't enter a septic tank without proper ventilation. A second person is required to be present above ground and other requirements by law are met for confined spaces. Sewer gases can be fatal. 
  • Don't allow vehicles or heavy equipment to drive over or park on the leach field. This may compact the soil and crush the piping. 
  • Don't plant anything over the leach field except grass. Especially do not cover the septic tank or leach field with asphalt or concrete or other impermeable material. 
  • Don't put in a separate pipe to carry wash waters to a side ditch or woods. These "greywaters" also contain disease- carrying organisms. 
  • Above all else- DON'T wait for signs of failure. Check the septic system regularly.


The No-Flush List: Protecting Your Septic System

The best thing to do for your septic system is to be sure not to flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper (preferably 1 ply toilet paper). Even if items are marked as "septic safe" do not flush them. For example, some baby wipes and cat litter may be labeled this way. It is not good for your septic system to flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper because it does not break down in the septic system correctly. 

How Your Septic System Works: A Simple Overview

  1. As you introduce water into the tank, it fills until it reaches its proper level, which will be just below the inlet pipe
  2. As the level of water rises, it then leaves the tank at the outlet end of the septic
  3. The water then flows through the pipe into the drainfield, where it is filtered through sand and gravel, and reintroduced into the ground water 


  • All drains in your house lead to your septic system. Everything that releases water runs into your septic system (examples being: kitchen faucet, toilet, shower drain, and your washing machine).


Things can end up in the septic that shouldn't, like cigarette butts or baby wipes. Regardless of what you may find, just know that your septic tank should be pumped every 3-5 years depending on your household size.

  • For example, a family with 5 members or greater should think about every 2 years or sometimes every year.


Age of system also factors into your maintenance schedule. If your system is on the older side, you might want to consider pumping more often to help preserve your drainfield.


Drainfields, which typically have a 20-25 year life cycle, can have an extended lifespan with good maintenance. If you like to use more toilet paper than most, you might want to stay on a 2 year schedule.

Why Belanger Septic Service is Your Trusted Partner

When it comes to septic system care, experience and reliability matter.


Belanger Septic Service offers a range of benefits that set us apart:

  • Over 50 years of industry experience
  • 24/7 emergency septic services
  • Fully licensed and insured professionals
  • 1-Year warranty on lift station work
  • Military and neighborhood discounts available
  • Commitment to quality control and customer satisfaction


Our family-owned business takes pride in serving North West Michigan and surrounding areas with integrity and expertise. When you choose Belanger Septic Service, you're partnering with a team that truly cares about your septic system's health and your peace of mind.


Get Expert Septic Advice Today

Armed with this Septic 101 knowledge, you're better equipped to care for your septic system. But remember, you're not alone in this journey. The team at Belanger Septic Service is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need routine maintenance, emergency services, or just have a question about your septic system, we're ready to help. Reach out to us today and experience the difference that five decades of expertise can make for your septic system's health and longevity.

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