A professional like Septic Tank Cleaning Perth should regularly clean septic systems. This protects the absorption field from clogs, which could lead to wastewater backflow into the home or untreated water waste released into the environment.
Foul odors, backed-up drains, and pooling water in the yard near the tank are signs that it needs cleaning. A professional will follow a specialized cleaning procedure.
Septic tanks are large underground holding containers that store and treat wastewater from household drains. Inside, bacteria and enzymes break down the sewage, which then flows through a septic system into a leach field or waste-discharge pipe that extends into the soil. When septic tanks overflow or discharge untreated wastewater into the environment, it can cause environmental and health hazards. Regular inspections and cleaning are necessary to prevent overtaxing the tank and releasing contaminants into the surrounding area.
A septic tank requires both pumping and cleaning to work properly. During septic pumping, a professional inserts a hose into the access port and sucks out all liquid waste to keep the tank free of floating sludge. This service is usually performed at least once every three to five years. During cleaning, the professional septic technician drains the tank and cleans out all solid waste in the bottom. They also examine the septic system for signs of damage, like cracks or leaks.
The frequency of septic tank cleaning depends on how much wastewater the system processes and the size of the tank. Over time, the septic system can overtax the tank and cause a buildup of sludge that overflows into the home or garden. The system also needs to be cleaned regularly if a lot of household cleaning products are used. This includes laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and cleaning wipes, which can be highly toxic to the septic tank and system bacteria. Using less-toxic products and minimizing the amount of cleaning products used can help the system function better.
If the septic tank is not inspected, it may be filled with dangerous bacteria that can enter the home’s drain pipes and cause a clog. The bacteria can also travel through the leach field and into the groundwater, contaminating the environment. Regular septic tank inspections and cleaning prevent these issues by keeping the septic system working efficiently from end to end.
Some inspectors prefer to perform a more thorough assessment of the septic tank and system with an invasive septic inspection. This process involves digging around the septic tank to expose its interior and pump out the accumulated sludge. The inspector then conducts dye testing and a video inspection of the tank to look for signs of leakage, damage, and other problems. They will also dig up and inspect the drain field lines to make sure they are clear of blockages.
Pumping
If you have a septic tank, it’s a good idea to get it pumped on a regular basis. The average frequency is every three to five years, but it’s recommended that you have your septic tank pumped even if there aren’t any obvious signs of a problem like sewage backing up into the drains.
When it comes time to have your septic tank pumped, a professional service will bring out a large truck with a giant tank and a hose that sucks the waste into their truck. They’ll stir the sludge and liquids in the tank to break up solids and make it easier for them to remove from the septic tank and dispose of properly.
Once they’ve sucked up the waste, they’ll dispose of it at a sewage processing plant that follows strict environmental guidelines. This process helps to reduce the amount of methane gas that’s emitted into the air and prevents the liquid waste from contaminating groundwater sources.
It’s also a good idea to have your septic system inspected by professionals at least once each year. This allows them to catch any problems before they become much larger and more expensive to repair or replace. They’ll inspect the tank and its lids, as well as the risers, piping, and baffles to ensure everything is in working order.
Keeping up with the septic tank cleaning and inspection schedule can help you avoid costly repairs, protect your property value, and keep you and your family healthy. But if you let your septic tank go too long, it could lead to some nasty problems like a clogged leach field and untreated wastewater infiltrating the soil around your home.
If you’re ready to have your septic tank inspected and pumped, call the experts at CityWide Sewer & Drain. Our technicians are available 24/7 365 days a year to come out and pump your septic tank. We can even inspect and repair your septic system, as needed. Call us today to set up an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
Cleaning
The cleaning portion of septic tank maintenance deals with the solid and liquid matter that remains after the pumping process is completed. This work is performed with a high-powered vacuum truck that has specialized nozzles to break up and suck out the material from inside the tank. Once this is done, the onboard wastewater is pumped out into the drainfield where it will be treated by soil microorganisms.
Having the septic system cleaned regularly keeps it in good working condition and prevents problems from developing. These issues range from sewer water backups to serious damage to the surrounding soil and structures. When the septic tank stops working, homeowners face expensive repairs and potential health and environmental hazards.
While some products are advertised as prolonging the period of time between septic tank cleaning, this is rarely true. These products contain chemicals that are meant to speed up the bacterial activity within the tank and can throw its primordial ecosystem out of whack, disrupting the natural enzymes that break down the waste it receives from your home.
The best way to avoid needing a septic tank cleaning is to be mindful of what goes down the toilet and sinks, as well as how much water you use. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, excessive amounts of grease, and harsh chemicals. Instead, consider using low-flow fixtures and spreading out water-intensive household tasks.
Another way to extend the time between septic tank cleanings is by hiring an inspector who can help you determine whether or not your tank needs to be emptied. In general, the inspector will look at the sludge and scum layers to determine how close they are to the preventative outlet. If the scum layer is within six inches of the preventative outlet, or the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the preventative outlet, then your septic tank needs to be pumped out.
Many septic tank companies offer both septic tank cleaning and pumping services. In most cases, the company will simply insert the hose into the tank and suck out the contents, but they should be willing to also perform a septic tank cleaning if it is necessary. This is because septic tank cleaning involves removing the thick, gunky stuff that settles to the bottom of the tank and can cause blockages in the septic system.
Disposal
When septic tank cleaning is done, the sludge that has formed in the bottom of the tank is removed. This process is often referred to as “septic tank pumping.” The septic tank professionals will use a large truck with vacuum equipment to remove the waste.
A septic system that is not cleaned can become damaged and eventually require replacement, which is an expensive project. It can also start expelling untreated solid waste into your home and yard, which poses health risks for you and your family.
You can prevent this by having your septic system inspected and pumped regularly, and by being mindful of what goes down your drains. You should never flush any products that are not toilet paper or human waste, and only use cleaning products that say they are septic safe. You should also avoid putting any grease down your drains, and conserve water by fixing leaks and using energy-efficient appliances.
Harsh chemical cleaning products are bad for septic systems because they kill the good bacteria that help break down the solid waste in your septic system. Natural cleaning products like vinegar are safe for septic systems, and they can eliminate smells without disrupting the bacterial balance in your septic system.
In addition to chemical cleaning products, some household items are not safe for septic tanks and drainfields. These include caustic drain cleaners, solvents, paints, pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals are harmful to the soil microorganisms that surround your septic system, and they can contaminate groundwater as well.
A clogged septic system can also be a source of unpleasant and even dangerous odors. If you notice an increase in odors, call a professional to have your septic tank inspected and pumped. A septic tank professional can inspect the sludge and scum layers to determine whether you need a septic tank cleaning.
If the septic tank sludge layer is nearing the top of the tank, or if the scum layer is above the sludge layer, you will need to have the septic tank drained. A septic tank service provider will remove the sludge from your tank and dispose of it properly. The service professional will also check the septic tank’s liquid levels and make adjustments as necessary.
