When a septic tank fails doesn’t, sewage backs up into the home or leach field. This sewage carries dangerous pathogens that can make people sick.
It’s important to clean your septic tank regularly to prevent these problems. Generally, a septic tank needs to be cleaned when the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the preventative outlet tee or when the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches. Contact Septic Tank Cleaning Perth now!
Septic tanks are an important part of many homes and help dispose of waste in areas without public sewer lines. However, they must be cleaned and inspected regularly to maintain proper function. If not, they can cause various issues, including backups and costly repairs. Fortunately, these tanks can be easily maintained and cleaned with proper care. Looking at how the process works can be helpful for those who may need to learn what to expect.
To begin with, a professional will locate the tank and its access points. These are typically found on the top of the tank and marked by circular or rectangular covers. Care should be taken when opening these, as they can be heavy and may contain toxic gasses. Once the septic tank is located, it is necessary to clean out any debris that has accumulated around the outside of the tank. This is done by using a hose with high-pressure water to remove any solids or sludge.
Once the septic tank is emptied, the next step in the process is to locate any other potential issues. This can be done by locating the septic tank vent and by looking for any other potential problems such as cracks or leaks. It is also a good idea to have a soil test performed in order to see if the tank will need any additional cleaning or pumping in the future.
A septic system is a complex network of pipes and components that must be properly maintained in order to work efficiently. Using this system correctly will not only help to extend the life of your septic tank but can also protect you and your family from harmful bacteria that may be present in the groundwater.
In order to avoid clogs and other problems, it is recommended that you follow the advice of your septic service expert as well as keep up with your regular septic tank pumping schedule. The frequency of septic tank pumping will depend on the size of the tank, how much waste is produced, and the number of people living in the home.
Sludge Removal
Once the heavier waste particles have settled to the bottom of your tank, a layer known as sludge will form. The bacteria within this layer work nonstop to break down and digest these solids. In turn, they will create liquids and gases that will flow into the next treatment component of your septic system – the drain field or soil absorption field (SAF).
The job of these bacteria is made much easier when the septic tank is regularly cleaned and pumped. This keeps the sludge layer in check, and prevents a build-up that will eventually interfere with the functioning of your entire system.
If a septic tank isn’t pumped out for a long period of time, the sludge layer will increase in volume to the point that it fills the whole tank and prevents the pumps from working properly. It’s important to schedule a pumping service once the sludge level reaches 25% of the tank depth.
To get your septic tank cleaned, professionals will need to dig a hole large enough for them to remove the lid from the top of the tank. They will then uncover the septic tank inlet and outlet sides.
The septic tank cleaning process involves the use of special equipment to pump out the sludge and scum layers. The septic tank will then be cleaned and disinfected using special chemicals.
A professional septic tank cleaner can also recommend the use of a natural bacterial additive for the septic system to help maintain healthy bacteria and prevent the build-up of organic waste. The products that are available from Organica Biotech are highly effective and safe for the environment.
You can also reduce the amount of waste that is sent to your septic system by limiting water usage. This can be done by reducing your shower and laundry loads, by taking shorter showers, and by spreading out laundry load times throughout the week. You can also install low-flow toilets and showerheads and by making sure downspouts are pointing away from the septic system.
Inspection
Getting your septic system inspected and cleaned on a regular basis is essential to keeping it running well. It also helps you avoid costly repairs and protects the health of your family, pets and the environment. You should also have it inspected when you notice foul odors coming from your drains, slow flushing toilets and standing water in the yard. Sewage smells are caused by a build-up of bacterial waste that hasn’t had time to break down.
When you schedule a septic tank cleaning, the technician will start by locating your septic tank. They will use a map that came with your homeowner’s documents or they can contact your local health and zoning departments to get a drawing of the tank’s location. Then, they will open the access lid to the septic tank.
Next, the septic service provider will assess the liquid levels in the septic tank to determine whether or not a pumping is needed. General guidelines state that the scum layer should be no more than six inches thick and the sludge should be no higher than the septic tank’s preventative baffles.
The septic tank will be pumped using a large truck equipped with a vacuum equipment and a large hose. The technician will stir the contents of the tank to help break up the solids and mix them with the liquids. This process will also help to eliminate any cracks or leaks in the septic tank.
You should never attempt to inspect a septic tank on your own. The interior of the tank is extremely dirty and dangerous to enter. If a crack is found, it could cause wastewater to leak out of the tank into the drainfield, damaging your home and harming the environment.
You can extend the amount of time between septic tank cleanings by following proper waste disposal practices. Only bath tissue should be flushed, and other items such as tampons, paper towels, condoms, dental floss, coffee grounds and grease should go into the garbage. Additionally, you should not plant trees or shrubs over the drain field and avoid driving on it with vehicles. These activities can damage the bacteria that breaks down the septic system waste and clog the drainfield.
Drain Cleaning
A septic system requires a healthy population of bacteria to break down waste and convert it into liquid effluent that joins the stream of wastewater, eventually dissipating through your septic field or soil. This is why your septic tank needs to be pumped and cleaned regularly. If you don’t, solid waste will build up in your septic system and clog drains in the home. If this happens, you may notice that your toilets and sinks take longer to flush or that your backyard is flooded with sewage.
To prevent this from happening, have a professional perform regular maintenance on your septic system and clean the septic tank on a regular basis. During the septic tank cleaning process, your technician will use a vacuum truck to remove all solid waste from the tank. This includes the sludge, scum and sewage. Then, they will stir the contents of the septic tank to combine solids and liquids for easy pumping and removal.
Then, they will check the septic tank for any cracks or leaks in the tank and baffles and filters. If a septic tank clog is detected, the pros will use a three-prong rake to clear out the clog. Then, they will rinse the inside of the tank with fresh water to remove any remaining waste and debris. This is also a great time for the pro to inspect your septic tank for any signs of physical damage or wear.
Beware of DIY septic tank cleaning, as harsh cleaners can kill the beneficial bacteria that are critical to your septic system’s operation. If you have to use a chemical cleaner, choose septic-safe or all-natural products.
Unpleasant odors around your toilet, backed-up sewage in the house or leach field and slow drains are all signs that it’s time to have your septic tank cleaned. If you’re due for a septic tank cleaning, contact your local septic service for a free quote. They will also recommend a maintenance schedule based on your household usage and tank size to ensure it remains in good condition.