A well-functioning septic system is a key part of maintaining your home. The best way to keep your septic system working its best is by having it pumped regularly.
Waste goes into the septic tank, where natural bacterial break it down into sludge and grease. The liquid effluent moves into the second tank, where it seeps slowly into the drain field. Contact Septic Tank Pump Out Perth for professional help.
The septic tank is the heart of your home’s waste management system. It is designed to hold 750-to-1,800 gallons of sewage and wastewater from your toilets, sinks, and showers. The septic tank separates solids from liquid waste through gravity and the natural breakdown of contaminants by microorganisms. Heavy solids that are too large to decompose sink to the bottom of the septic tank, while lighter materials like fats and oils float to the top of the wastewater, or “sludge”.
The liquid waste, called effluent, exits the septic tank through inlet pipes into your drainage receptacles for absorption in the soil, where it undergoes further natural treatment processes. When solids accumulate to the point that they disrupt this process, or cause clogs and backups, it is time for a septic tank pump out.
Most homeowners think that a three- to five-year schedule for septic tank pumping is sufficient, but sticking to this routine can actually reduce efficiency and lead to system failure. When this happens, it is because solids build up faster than the bacterial digestion can handle, preventing proper solids separation.
In addition, many homeowners flush items that are not supposed to go into a septic tank. Things like chemical cleaning products, medications, feminine hygiene products, and cat litter can cause septic system clogs. Even if these items are listed as “flushable,” they can damage septic tanks and drain fields.
To help prevent clogging and prevent sludge build-up, a septic tank should have baffles or sanitary tees to divert the floating scum layer away from your inlet pipe and into the tank. There should also be six-inch-diameter inspection ports above the septic tank baffles for checking solids levels and clogs. It is important to never pump your septic tank through one of the sanitary tee or inspection port openings, as this can damage the baffles and sludge layers. Always pump your septic tank from the large central access hole, which is usually covered by an 18-to-24 inch concrete lid or manhole cover brought to grade. This is where the septic tank’s service truck will enter to pump it.
Bad Odors
Odors are another common concern for homeowners with a septic tank. Fortunately, a healthy septic system breaks down waste efficiently with odors staying contained underground and properly vented through pipes. If you notice an unpleasant smell in the yard, it may indicate a problem that requires professional attention.
Septic odors occur when bacteria in the tank break down contaminants, including hydrogen sulfide. This produces a sulfuric odor similar to that of rotten eggs. The odors are normally released into the air through a vent pipe in the septic tank lid or from plumbing vents located throughout the house.
A blocked drain or sewer line, a cracked tank, or a failed leach field are all issues that can lead to a foul septic smell. These problems also require professional attention, and a quick call to the local plumber can help you identify the problem and find a solution.
The best way to avoid septic tank odor is by scheduling regular septic system pumping and maintenance services. This helps prevent the buildup of solids that causes odors, and it also ensures that the septic tank is full enough for wastewater to flow freely through the system.
Other measures that can be taken include avoiding pouring coffee grounds, baby wipes, or other sanitary products down the drains, and checking the plumbing vents regularly for blockages or damage. It’s also a good idea to use baking soda in the drains on a weekly basis to keep a neutral pH level in the home and promote healthy bacterial activity.
Some people also try using septic additives to reduce odor, but these products do not have any independent research that verifies their effectiveness, and they can actually upend the natural activity of your septic tank. A more effective measure is to have the septic tank pumped, and if you do this regularly, it should eliminate the odor completely. In addition, if you live in an area where the groundwater is contaminated by septic tanks and leach fields, installing a new septic system may be necessary to protect your health and the environment.
Slow Draining
A septic tank is an underground container made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene plastic that holds waste until it’s processed by bacteria. The waste moves from your toilets through sewer pipes to this large underground container, where solids settle over time and then the pre-processed wastewater flows out to an area called a drain field or leach field. If your toilets are clogged, it could be a sign that the system isn’t working properly and needs to be pumped out or cleaned.
While most homeowners think of a septic tank as out of sight and out of mind, this is an important part of your home that should be inspected regularly to ensure it’s working correctly and preventing costly sewage backups. It’s best to prevent problems before they happen, so we’ve outlined the most common signs that your septic tank needs to be pumped.
The first step in the process is to locate and access the septic tank. The service crew will look for a metal lid that’s often buried in six to 12 inches of dirt. Once they find the lid, they remove it and check for corrosion or damage that might require a replacement.
During the pumping process, the service provider will also locate and access any adjoining components like distribution boxes and dosing chambers. Then they’ll clear out decades worth of accumulated sludge, scum, and effluent that continuous inbound waste streams have deposited inside the tank and all of its components. It’s an internal rejuvenation that essentially hits the reset button for your entire septic system.
If you notice a foul smell in your yard or near the tank, it’s a red flag. This smell is methane gas or sewage, and it’s indicative of an overflowing septic tank or a problem with the system that requires immediate attention.
Keeping your septic system in good shape will prevent these signs, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution and have the tank pumped out when needed rather than waiting until it’s too late. Be careful about what you flush, too — things like handi-wipes that claim to be flushable can clog the pipes out of your septic tank and into your drain field.
Prevent Backups
Keeping your septic tank regularly pumped will help prevent the accumulation of solid waste, protect your septic system from failure and ensure that your drain field and plumbing lines are working properly. It’s also a great opportunity for your technician to inspect the tank and components, including the inlet and outlet pipes. He or she can check for damage, cracks, leaks, and other wear and tear that requires attention.
In addition to scheduling regular septic tank pump outs, you can help reduce the risk of septic system backups by controlling the amount of water you use. Avoid pouring cooking grease down the drain, putting too much laundry into the washer, and taking long showers. Instead, install water-saving toilets, faucets, and showerheads to reduce the volume of wastewater entering your septic system.
It’s also important to keep in mind that septic tank liners can be damaged by certain types of waste, which should not be deposited into the septic system. Likewise, tree roots can infiltrate and damage septic systems and pipes. If you see tree roots growing around your septic system, contact a professional right away for an inspection and treatment.
After your septic tank is pumped, it’s important to conserve water usage for the first 24-48 hours to allow the septic system time to stabilize. This will minimize extra strain on the system and give the bacteria time to process the remaining sludge and scum.
Investing in a septic tank float sensor is another way to monitor septic system activity and catch problems before they cause problems. These sensors can alert you to a septic system overload or a potential septic tank failure, giving you peace of mind and reducing the frequency of service visits needed for your septic system.
If you have any other questions about septic tank maintenance, or are ready to schedule a septic tank pump out, please don’t hesitate to call us! We are here to help you enjoy your home and stay safe.