Septic Tank Armadale cleaning involves removing the sludge and build-up in your septic tank. It also includes pumping out the liquid waste.
While your septic system may seem mysterious, it’s important to know its basics so you can make sure it stays healthy. Here are four elements that go into septic tank cleaning:
In a properly functioning septic system, the microbial ecosystem breaks down the septage, and the more solid matter sinks to the bottom of the tank. This is called sludge. The lighter material, which is mostly grease and similar substances that float, is known as scum. In between is clear water that is absorbed into the soil. Septic tank cleaning is important because the sludge layer can build up over time. The most reliable way to know when a septic tank needs to be cleaned is by inspecting and pumping it out. A professional inspector will be able to look at the sludge and scum layers while also inspecting the tank for leaks.
When it comes to septic tank cleaning, the goal is to remove all of the sludge from the septic tank and then flush everything clean. Most septic tank cleaning is done using a large truck inserting a hose into the maintenance hole to vacuum the septic tank’s contents. This method is much faster and more thorough than the old-fashioned way of simply pumping out the liquids and leaving the sludge behind.
Some products on the market claim to lengthen the time between septic tank cleaning. However, most of these products contain chemicals that harm the microbial ecosystem in your septic tank. Bleach, drain cleaner, and other harsh chemicals can kill off the bacteria that keep your septic tank working correctly.
The best way to reduce the need for septic tank cleaning is to limit what gets put into the tank. Avoid placing any oil, even motor oil, down the drain. Limit garbage disposal to only putting in food waste, and don’t wash dishes or clothes that go down the drain in the sink or toilet. These items can cause a lot of damage to the microbial ecosystem in your septic system and can cause raw sewage backups. This is why it’s always good to have a septic tank inspection performed once per year.
A septic tank creates biohazardous waste that contains germs like E. coli, salmonella, shigella, and cholera. When these germs enter your home’s drains and toilets, they can cause clogs and overflow. A septic tank that overflows can also spill out into your yard, creating a health hazard. If your septic tank is overflowing, it’s time to call a professional for a cleaning. Foul odors are another warning sign that your septic system requires service. The smell of sewage is very unpleasant and dangerous for you and your family.
Tree roots are attracted to septic tanks and drainpipes because they contain moisture and nutrients. They will exploit any cracks or weaknesses in your septic tank and surrounding pipes to gain access. Once they have gained entry, the roots obstruct your home’s drains, causing clogs and overflows.
Roots can also invade your septic system by burrowing into the walls of your tank or obstructing the inlet or outlet pipe. This can be a big health risk since the sewage backed up through your drains and toilets can contaminate the soil around your home.
Regularly pumping your septic tank is the best way to prevent root infiltration. A septic system expert can also inspect your system and identify any weak points the roots enter through. This can include the septic tank access lid, inlet and outlet pipe, or broken old pipes. A professional can repair these damaged areas to stop root infiltration.
Septic tank experts can also add a root-killing additive to your septic system that kills and liquefies the tree roots. This is an excellent short-term solution, depending on how inundated your septic tank is with roots. However, the roots will eventually need to be manually removed for long-lasting results.
The best way to avoid a septic tank emergency is by having it pumped every three to five years and avoiding putting non-sewage waste, such as wet wipes and feminine hygiene products, down your drains. In addition, it’s important to have your septic tank and septic system inspected before you sell or buy a property.
During the septic tank process, liquid waste is separated from solid waste by settling and flotation. Substances lighter than water (oil, grease, fats) float to the top of the tank and form a layer called scum. Aerobic bacteria work at digesting these floating substances. Water that is heavier than water sinks to the bottom of the tank and forms a layer of sludge.
The middle layer of wastewater is the effluent, which flows out of the septic tank through the inlet or outlet pipe. When it reaches the drain field, the effluent is dispersed into soil and water courses via a series of perforated pipes in a leach field or other specific units designed to discharge into the soil.
Septic tanks must be pumped regularly to remove the sludge from the tank. This prevents the sludge from reaching the inlet or outlet ports, causing clogs that block drains and cause sewage to return to homes. It is important to note that the septic tank will also need to be inspected for structural damage and leaks.
It is important to understand that septic systems depend on “friendly” bacteria to function properly. The harsh chemicals in many household cleaners, disinfectants, and bleaches can kill these bacteria, causing septic system failure.
You can help your septic tank and plumbing system by taking care of what you put down the drains. Avoid pouring cooking oil, fats, and grease down the drains; limit or eliminate the use of garbage disposal, and use only biodegradable household cleaners.
Another way to prevent a septic tank problem is by not placing large items on top of the tank and ensuring no part of the house extends over the septic tank. A story in the Bolinas Press-Telegram describes a family that added on to their home without checking where the septic tank was located, resulting in the addition of a room built over it. This required the pumpers to pull back the rug, cut a hole in the floor, run a suction hose into the window, and then to the tank itself to pump it out.
Septic tank systems are great for saving money and eliminating waste, but they need to be properly maintained. This is why septic tanks should be inspected on an annual basis. Having a professional inspect the tank can help determine how often the system should be pumped. This can also help prevent septic system overflows that can be expensive and dangerous for homeowners.
The first thing the inspector will do is look at the sludge and scum levels in the tank. A general guideline is that if the bottom of the sludge layer is within six inches of the septic tank preventative outlet or the top of the scum level rises to about 12 inches, then the septic tank will need to be pumped. The inspection professional should take detailed records of these measurements and relay them to the homeowner.
Next, the inspector will check the septic tank baffles. If the baffles are damaged, they may need to be repaired or replaced. The inspection professional should also note if the drain field is experiencing problems. If the drain field is not properly constructed or the soil is compacted, it can cause the septic system to overflow.
Finally, the inspector should check the septic tank for cracks. A cracked septic tank is dangerous and should be cleaned immediately. Cracks can allow the septic tank contents to leak into the surrounding soil, which is very hazardous for your family and pets.
The inspection specialist will poke into the tank’s lids using a long stick. These are very thick concrete lids, and they can be difficult to pry open. The inspector will then insert a special tool called a sludge judge into the septic tank and measure the sludge level. The sludge level should be at most 1/3 of the tank’s volume or rise above the baffles.
Performing a septic tank inspection is very important, but many people need to learn how to do it correctly. Keeping your septic tank in good condition can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and maintenance costs. It is also important to keep the septic tank away from children and animals, not use chemical cleaners, detergents, or anti-freeze, and plant grass over the drain field to help it absorb and break down wastewater.
