Septic systems are designed to sort household waste, but they can’t work without a little help. Getting septic tanks pumped on a regular basis prevents solids from entering the absorption field.
To get a good idea of how full your tank is, you can use a measuring stick with a velcro strip on it. Lower the velcro end of the stick into your septic tank to measure the dark thick sludge. Contact Septic Tank Pump Out Perth now!
If your sinks are draining slower than usual, this is probably a sign that the septic tank needs to be pumped. Similarly, if your toilets are overflowing frequently, this could also be a symptom that the septic tank is full or has failed.
The septic system is designed to remove solid waste from household wastewater before it enters the soil absorption field. This prevents the soil from becoming clogged with debris, and it ensures that the wastewater is properly treated. Ideally, the solid waste will be converted into harmless material by microbes in the soil.
Over time, bacteria will break down about half of the solid material that ends up in the septic tank. However, the rest of the solids will accumulate over time and need to be pumped out.
If the solid waste and sludge build up to high levels within the tank, they can block up the drainage pipes and cause plumbing issues throughout the home. These problems are not easy to fix, and you will need to call in a professional.
To have the septic tank emptied, the professionals will first need to locate it and dig up some of the yard around it. They will then start pumping the waste out of the septic tank using a vacuum system. They will begin at the septic tank lid, which is heavy and should be removed with care. They will then begin the process of removing the solid waste, sludge, and scum from the entire septic system.
As they pump the waste out of the septic tank, the workers will check the condition of the tank and drainage pipe. They will look for cracks and other signs of damage and will repair them as necessary. They will also inspect the septic tank inlet and outlet pipes for leaks and blockages and will seal any that are found. They will also determine if the baffles are in good condition and properly installed.
The septic system works best when the homeowners are careful about what they put down the drains. Avoid flushing paper towels, tissues, kitty litter, diapers, sanitary products, and left over medications down the drains. These items can kill the bacteria that are responsible for breaking down these solids. You should also never pour cooking oils, grease, solvents, paint, or toxic cleaners down the drain. These chemicals can also contaminate your drinking water supply.
Sickly Odor
Septic tanks are essential for homes without centralized sewer systems, especially in rural locales. Unfortunately, these underground structures can be the source of unpleasant odors inside the home and around the yard.
When solid materials settle to the bottom of your septic tank, it creates a layer of sludge that needs to be regularly pumped. Grease and other lightweight materials float to the top of the septic tank, creating a layer of scum that also needs to be pumped out. If you are experiencing a foul smell in and around your home, it may be time to have your septic tank pumped out.
As septic systems decompose, they produce gases. The most prevalent gas is methane, but other toxic gases include hydrogen sulphide, ammonia and carbon dioxide. When septic systems aren’t maintained properly, clogs can occur, allowing these dangerous gases to enter the house and cause a terrible odor.
The location of your septic system is important, as is the surrounding ground water. If your septic system is located in an area that experiences a lot of rain, ground water levels can rise to the point where they seep into septic systems and drainage pipes. This can lead to the septic tank filling up and leaking sewage into the surrounding soil or groundwater. If this happens, you can experience health problems like hepatitis and cholera.
Another reason that septic systems can smell is when there’s a clog in the plumbing vent. Clogs allow septic gases to escape into your home, and can be caused by a number of things including rodents, small animals, plant roots or frost. A professional plumber will be able to inspect the vent and determine the best solution to stop these smelly gases from entering your home.
It’s also a good idea to use your toilets sparingly and never flush anything other than human waste, pee and poop. Items like paper towels, tissues, kitty litter, diapers and sanitary products can all cause blockages and clogs that will lead to a foul odor. If you have a garbage disposal, be sure to use it sparingly as well.
High Water Bills
Many homeowners assume that they can go years without having their septic tank pumped, but the longer you wait, the more solid material will accumulate. This material will then be transported to your drain field and cause blockages in the absorption system, resulting in expensive and inconvenient repairs.
It is also important to have your septic system inspected annually to prevent any problems that may occur. The inspector will look for any cracks or damage to the septic tank, check the inlet and outlet pipes for leaks and ensure the baffles are properly installed. He or she will also check the drain field for any signs of clogs, erosion or surface water running off the property.
Septic systems are complex, and it is important to have a professional service them on a regular basis. It is a good idea to find a reputable service through referrals or by searching online for reviews and experiences. Once you have a list of companies to contact, make a phone call to ask about their experience and to get a quote.
When a professional septic tank pumper comes to your home, they will remove the liquid and floating sludge and scum from the septic tank. The sludge and scum will be deposited in a waste management system, which may include landfills or other waste management facilities. Before federal regulations restricted septic sludge dumping, waste companies would often bury the septic sludge on private property. This is a very hazardous and unsanitary process.
If you want to extend the time between pumpings, there are a number of products on the market that claim to speed up or hasten the decomposition of solids in septic tanks. These products can be harmful to the primordial ecosystem that has developed in your septic tank and can throw it out of balance. In addition, these additives can re-suspend solids and move them into the drain field, where they can clog lines and lead to septic system failure.
To help extend the period between septic tank pumpings, use only septic-safe toilet paper and limit other waste to what will easily break down in your septic system. Plant grass and other shallow-rooted plants in the area of your septic tank and absorption system. Avoid planting trees, shrubs and vegetable gardens in the drainfield area, as their roots can ensnarl and damage absorption system pipes.
Septic System Failure
Septic system failure can be quite costly and can pollute groundwater if the sewage isn’t contained properly. Failing to have the septic tank pumped on a regular basis will eventually cause the solids to clog the drain field lines, resulting in the system failing completely and potentially contaminating local water supplies.
The septic system’s natural anaerobic bacteria break down roughly half of the waste that enters the tank each time a toilet is flushed. However, the septic tank must be emptied on a regular basis to prevent the solids from building up in the sludge and scum layers. When the tank is full, solids are unable to exit the tank and will travel to the septic system’s drain field and clog the leach line.
Those who use biological septic tank additives claim they can extend the time between pump outs. However, septic tank additives typically only re-suspend the existing solids in the septic tank rather than breaking them down. Moreover, septic tank additives may compete with anaerobic bacteria, causing the bacterial populations to overpopulate and not function effectively.
It is important to note that septic systems are designed only to handle human waste and household water. Adding non-biodegradable materials such as napkins, paper towels, oily wastes, and sanitary products to the system will lead to a clogged septic tank and system failure.
If a homeowner notices that the septic tank is full, they should call a professional to have it pumped immediately. They should also schedule routine inspections of the septic system to ensure that it is functioning properly. Lastly, homeowners should make sure to clear a pathway for the septic tank service company’s vehicle to get to the septic system.
Taking the proper care of a septic system can extend its lifespan by preventing septic tank failure. A well-functioning septic system is a long-term investment that will keep family members and pets healthy and safe. Follow VCE Publication SPES-380P, Septic Tank Best Management Practices and be sure to have the septic tank pumped at appropriate intervals. Finally, take measures to conserve water and avoid flushing items that can overload a septic tank, such as food scraps, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, and pet wastes.