If your septic system smells bad or you notice your drains are slowing, it may be time to have your septic tank pumped. This process removes sludge and scum layers from wastewater so that it can more easily filter through the soil in your absorption field.
When your septic tank is pumped, our technician will also examine its components for damage or signs of trouble. Here are four benefits of regular septic tank pumping: Contact Septic Tank Pump Out Perth now!
If you neglect to have your septic tank pumped on time, solid waste will accumulate and can block drains. This can cost you a lot of money in plumbing repair bills and septic tank replacement costs. The heaviest material in your waste, called sludge, sinks to the bottom of your tank while fats and oils float to the top and form what is known as scum. Gray water is also called effluent. Effluent drains into your septic system’s absorption field and is degraded by the soil it passes through.
It is recommended that you have your septic tank pumped when the sludge reaches one foot in thickness. This will ensure that the system’s components are functioning correctly and extend its lifespan.
A poorly maintained septic system can leak raw sewage into the environment, contaminating groundwater, surface water, and soil with harmful pathogens and pollutants. This poses health risks for people, pets, and wildlife. Septic tanks are a vital part of your property and protecting it requires routine maintenance, including pumping out the septic tank.
When you have your septic tank pumped, it will take 30-60 minutes to complete the process and may involve some dirty work. Before technicians arrive, you will need to know the location of your septic tank and make sure that the lids can be opened. You will also need to be prepared for the odor and mess that will follow.
Septic tanks need to maintain a certain level of bacteria in order for it to break down the waste materials and prevent clogs. If you have your septic tank pumped too often, it will reduce the amount of healthy bacteria in your septic system and this can lead to clogs and failures.
To keep your septic system healthy and running smoothly, you should avoid flushing items that will clog the system like wipes, paper towels, feminine products, balls of hair, and chemicals. You should also make sure that your toilets and faucets are free of leaks as these can contribute to septic tank overflow. In addition, you should install a septic tank riser to extend the lids and make accessing your septic system easier.
Prevents Clogs
Many septic tank problems stem from non-organic materials that get into the septic system. These are often things that people put down their drains or toilets and claim to be “flushable.” Cotton swabs, tissues, cigarette butts and feminine hygiene products will all clog the septic tank because they don’t break down. The best way to avoid this is to have a septic tank pump-out regularly, as well as keeping non-organic wastes out of your septic system altogether.
A septic tank will naturally separate organic solids from the wastewater that flows through the system. The scum will rise to the top of the wastewater, and the poop and toilet paper will fall to the bottom as the sludge. The bacteria in the septic tank will further separate these solids for removal.
The occasional clog is to be expected, but constant septic tank clogs mean that something isn’t right with the septic system. A knee-jerk reaction might be to call a plumber to come out and fix the issue, but this can cost hundreds of dollars.
Instead, try some home maintenance first. If you suspect that the septic tank is clogged, start by checking the inlet baffle. To do this, find the septic tank access lid closest to your house and lift it. Look for the inlet pipe inside the tank, which is usually a white or green pipe that sticks out of the side and leads to your home.
If the inlet baffle is blocked, the septic tank will have trouble filling up because it can’t absorb water. This will create a backup in your home’s drains and toilets, which isn’t healthy for anyone.
Another way to prevent septic tank clogs is to limit how much water you use in your home. Excessive water usage can reduce the amount of time it takes for septic tanks to break down waste material and cause clogs. This can be avoided by shutting off taps in between uses, taking shorter showers and using water-saving appliances. This will also help you save money on your utility bills!
Prevents Environmental Contamination
As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is certainly true when it comes to your septic system. Neglecting to get your tank pumped can lead to sewage backups that put your home and health at risk. Not only that, but it can also cause untreated sewage to leak out into the soil, contaminating water sources and posing a threat to the environment.
When your septic tank is pumped, professional pumpers use a machine that works similarly to a vacuum cleaner. They’ll locate your septic tank, possibly digging up part of your yard to access it and remove the lid. Once that’s done, they’ll turn the machine on and begin to drain the contents of your tank. This process takes approximately three to five hours, and it’s the only way to properly drain a septic tank.
In the event that you do decide to pump your septic tank on your own, it’s important to know how much waste is in your tank. This is especially true if you have two-compartment tanks, which must be emptied and cleaned out each side separately. To do this, use a measuring stick with a velcro strip on it and lower it into the dark thick sludge at the bottom of your tank until you feel it hit a solid bottom. The sludge will cling to the velcro and you’ll be able to see how many inches of sludge are left in your tank by referring to the velcro mark on your measuring stick.
There are some things you can do to help prevent septic tank problems and avoid getting your septic tank pumped out too often, including using less water and spaced out laundry sessions throughout the week. Also, be sure to dispose of chemicals and non-biodegradable materials properly, such as oil, paints, solvents, pesticides, bleach and pharmaceuticals, rather than flushing them down your drains. In addition, you should always be careful about putting things like paper towels, tissues, kitty litter, cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products and other solid waste into your septic system, as these can disrupt the natural treatment process of your septic system and potentially lead to clogs.
Saves You Time
When you have your septic tank pumped on time, it means that the bacteria inside are able to break down the waste material and turn it into sludge and effluent. This keeps the sludge levels low and your septic system working properly. If you wait too long to have your tank pumped, the solids can overflow into your drain field, leading to a drainage failure. This is very expensive and time consuming to fix.
A septic system that is not pumped on time can also lead to a sewage leak into the ground. This is a health hazard for you and your family and can cause serious property damage. The sewage can also contaminate nearby water sources like ponds or lakes. This can result in the growth of green, algae-like substances that are toxic to humans and wildlife.
Your septic tank pump out company will use an agitator and/or backwash to remove all of the built-up sludge from the bottom, sides and corners of your septic tank. They will be removing everything that has accumulated in your tank, including scum and gray water (effluent). Your septic tank can also be inspected during the process for cracks, leaks and other problems.
The septic tank pumping service may take 30-60 minutes to complete depending on the size of your septic tank. During this time, the professional will be standing next to the tank with a muckrake to break up scum and sludge so it can be removed more easily. They will be listening for sounds of a backup or gurgling as they are pumping and will be looking for any signs of deterioration on the tank or the septic system.
If you are unsure about when your septic tank will need to be pumped, you can contact our experts for more information or schedule a visit. By having your septic tank pumped on a regular basis, you will avoid unexpected costs and keep your septic system functioning properly for the life of your home. Call us today to get started! We look forward to serving you.