American Sewer Specialist

What Is a Septic Tank and How Does it Function?

Septic tanks play a primary role in septic systems, which are used for homes and buildings that don’t connect to central sewer systems. In other words, your home’s septic tank determines how well your family’s water-related needs are served, and this makes turning to the plumbing professionals at a Loyalhanna, PA, sewer specialist company for the help you need well-advised.

Your Property’s Septic System

Standard septic systems include a septic tank as well as a drainfield – or a field used for absorption. The septic tank itself digests the organic matter that feeds into it, and in the process, it separates out solids and floatable materials like oil and grease from the wastewater.

The tank then discharges the effluent – or the liquid – through perforated pipes that run through a leach field or another kind of specially designed system. In the process, the wastewater is slowly released into the drainfield’s soil.

How the Septic Tank Works

All the water that runs through your home or building flows through a primary drainage pipe that leads to your septic tank. Septic tanks are water-tight containers that are typically made of fiberglass, polyethylene, or concrete, and they hold the wastewater long enough for the solids in it to settle into a sludge at the bottom and for the floatable oils and grease to rise to the top in what’s called scum.

Your septic tank has special compartments as well as a T-shaped outlet that is designed to prevent both the sludge and the scum from exiting the tank and reaching your drain field.

Signs that Repair or Replacement Is Required

If you have your septic tank pumped regularly and are still experiencing any of the following problems, it’s time to call in sewer professionals:

If you have questions or concerns about your septic tank, it’s in your best interest to reach out for the expertise of a well-established sewer repair company sooner rather than later.

Experiencing a Septic System Problem? Don’t Wait to Consult with a Loyalhanna Sewer Specialist

At American Sewer Specialist – proudly serving Loyalhanna, Pennsylvania, for more than 30 years – we offer a wide range of plumbing services, have earned a solid reputation for excellent results, and are committed to resolving your plumbing issues effectively, efficiently, and on-budget. Plumbing plays a critical role in how well your home or business runs, so please don’t delay reaching out by contacting us online or calling us at 724-879-8130 for more information about what we can do to help you today.

Happy Clients

Browse through some reviews from happy customers and clients.

  • "When American Sewer Specialist arrived to our home, we were so relieved. Not only because they showed up so quickly, but because they were able to figure out the problem with our leaky basement within a half hour. I have recommended American Sewer Specialist to our family and friends and will continue to do so.…"

    Dan D.
  • "Deal directly with the owner, Kurt! Excellent work, reliable, and great quote. I highly recommend! Comes right out while the others make you wait."

    Justin N.
  • "I was recommended American Sewer Specialist by my co-worker. We had quite the emergency with our sewer line, and they helped us right away! I’ll definitely call American Sewer Specialist if I am ever in need of their services again."

    Jessica L.
  • "Rick and his team did some extensive work on my property, relining and fixing the 75-year-old system. They did a great job at a fair price and cleaned up nicely after the project. You need a sewer system checked out or repaired? Do not hesitate to call Rick, he is honest, upfront and will take care of the job from start to finish. Just a great family owned company."

    Howard Effron
  • "We used American Sewer Specialist to divert a natural spring away from the house and into the storm drain. We had two other companies come out to try and fix our water drainage problem but they were unsuccessful. Rick was very professional and did a great job. He answered all of my questions and fixed our water problem! I highly recommend Rick and American Sewer Specialist!"

    Brianna
  • "We owned a property in Latrobe that was under contract. The dye test failed and Rick was there the next day. He worked on our fairly massive problem and we closed on the property without a delay. He was so patient with us as we were so panicked and living 70 miles away. Big problem-big job...BUT fair price!! Many thanks Michelle and Rick!!!!!!"

    Christine DiVecchio
  • A collection of plumbing tools and copper pipes, including a wrench, fittings, and valves, arranged on a textured dark surface.
  • A close-up view of a construction site showing an excavated hole with plumbing equipment and orange hoses, alongside a backhoe..
  • A spacious basement with a vintage air compressor on wheels, stairs leading up, and construction materials scattered across the concrete floor.
  • A snow-covered outdoor scene featuring a white pressure tank, colorful traffic cones, and a festive candy cane decoration on a brick wall.
  • A construction site showing a variety of pipes and hoses, a white bucket with a red handle, and tools on a wooden surface.
  • A worker in a camouflage hat operates a large machine on a grassy hillside, with hoses and buckets around, under a clear blue sky.
  • A worker connects colorful hoses to a machine beside an open excavation, with an orange pipe extending into the ground.
  • A large, hollow pipeline lies in a sandy trench, with another pipe visible in the background, indicating construction work in progress.
  • Two workers in safety attire operate a machine with colorful hoses in a construction area, surrounded by materials and tools.
  • A partially excavated trench filled with gravel, bordered by mounds of dirt, with construction equipment visible in the foreground.
  • Construction site with a excavator, a red spray machine, and construction materials against a clear blue sky.
  • A red and black portable machine sits on a gravel driveway in front of a brick house, surrounded by construction materials and tools.
  • A worker stands at a garage entrance surrounded by construction equipment, hoses, and tools on a sunny day. Safety cone nearby.
  • A concrete trench reveals a blue water pipe, surrounded by tools and a fan, in a construction corridor.
  • A deep hole filled with water in a basement, featuring red and black hoses linked to plumbing equipment against a concrete wall.
  • A trench with exposed pipes and tools outside a house, surrounded by orange cones and construction materials.

Do you have a cracked or clogged sewer or water line?

Call us now and we’ll fix any sewer or water line problem.

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