The Septic Tank Cleaning Process
A septic tank is a buried, water-tight container that holds wastewater long enough for solid waste to settle down into sludge and lighter fats to rise into scum. The liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the septic tank into the drainfield.
Without routine pumping, a home’s septic tank can overflow. This can be dangerous and cause a flood of unprocessed waste into the yard or even into houses, contaminating water people use. For more information, check out Septic Tank Cleaning Perth.
Pumping
When people flush their toilets in your home, waste is transported to the septic tank. The liquid waste carries on to the drain field, while solids sink into the bottom of the tank where they break down. Over time, the solids form a slime or sludge-like material. Pumping the septic tank removes this material to prevent your septic system from overflowing or backing up into your home.
During the cleaning process, professionals locate your septic tank and dig up the dirt covering it. They also clear out any weeds or other debris surrounding the tank, which can be difficult to do on your own. Once they locate the tank and dig up enough ground to access it, they begin pumping. A pro can tell when the septic tank needs to be pumped by checking its sludge or scum layer. The sludge or scum layer should be no deeper than the water (or effluent) layer.
A professional will set up a pump and pump the contents of your septic tank into a truck or van. They can pump everything out or use selective emptying to only pump the sludge and scum that is floating on top of the water. This method reduces the amount of septic waste that ends up in the landfill and is more environmentally friendly.
The professional can also check the level of liquid in your septic tank. This is done by pushing a device, known as a Sludge Judge, into the liquid and using it to measure how deep the sludge is. If a septic tank is overflowing, the Sludge Judge may show an inaccurate reading.
Pumping a septic tank takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the septic tank. During this time, some odor is released from the tank and it may take longer to get the tank cleaned, if there are any clogs in it that need to be broken up.
It is important to schedule septic tank cleaning services every 3-5 years, or more often if you notice that the septic tank is full and leaking. You can use a septic tank monitoring service to keep track of your septic tank cleaning and maintenance schedule.
Removal of Sludge
If you want your septic tank to last as long as possible, it is important to keep it at the right level of sludge. Too much sludge will slow down the drainage process and cause problems with your drains and toilets. It will also reduce the quality of the effluent that is released into the soil.
A septic tank that is too full will require a complete cleaning to avoid the sludge from building up in the septic system. This will involve removing the entire contents of the septic tank and disposing of it. This is done by using a large tanker truck with a vacuum pump. The trucks have manholes for accessing septic tanks, and they use the vacuum to remove the waste in a quick and efficient manner.
Septic tank sludge is created from the heaviest sewage particles that settle in the bottom of the tank. This layer takes the longest to decompose, and it will build up if not removed regularly. Leaving excessive amounts of sludge in the tank can result in blockages, which will require expensive repair work. It can also cause the septic tank to leak, which will affect the surrounding environment.
To check whether the sludge is getting too thick, you can use a stick that is designed to test the depth of sludge in a septic tank. To do this, push the stick into the sludge until it reaches the bottom and leaves a mark. This mark should be visible from the surface of the septic tank. You can then take the measurement and determine if the septic tank needs to be pumped.
You can also prevent septic tank sludge from building up too quickly by making a few simple lifestyle changes. Reduce water consumption by fixing leaks and using low-flow toilets, and limit the amount of laundry that is washed each week. It is also a good idea to use plant-based soaps, rather than chemical ones, in your home. Grease can coat pipes and septic tanks, slowing drainage over time.
When you do decide to have your septic tank pumped, it is best to hire a professional. A certified septic tank inspector can look at the layers of scum and sludge, and can also inspect for leaks. This will ensure that the septic tank is cleaned thoroughly and efficiently, which will prevent future clogs in your drains and toilets.
Disinfection
Every time you flush a toilet or take a shower, water and waste travel through your home’s plumbing to reach the septic tank. Liquid wastewater flows out to the drain field, but solid waste sinks to the bottom of the septic tank and turns into a sludge-like material that needs to be removed regularly. This prevents the septic system from overflowing into your yard or failing altogether.
Septic tanks are delicate, so it is important to avoid using harsh cleaning products or pouring non-biodegradable substances into them. These chemicals harm the beneficial bacteria that break down sewage and help keep the system functioning. The good news is that you can easily clean your septic system without damaging it by using natural cleaning products and following simple maintenance tips.
Before the cleaning process begins, make sure to wear protective gear, including gloves and goggles. While the experts are working in the septic tank, it is important to ensure that children and pets stay away from the area so they do not come into contact with any harmful bacteria or chemicals.
While the septic tank is being pumped and cleaned, the septic experts will check for any damage to the septic tank itself or the drain field. If they find any problems, they will recommend a solution. They may also inspect the baffle filter that is located on the inlet side of the septic tank to ensure it is properly functioning and clean.
In the event of a leak, it is necessary to repair any damaged components immediately. If the septic system is not repaired as soon as possible, it could overflow into the surrounding soil and cause environmental contamination.
During the cleaning and disinfection process, the professionals will thoroughly rinse the septic tank. This step ensures that the tank is free of sludge and any other debris. It is also the perfect opportunity for the experts to inspect the septic tank for any cracks or other signs of damage.
You can help keep your septic tank in good condition by being more efficient with water use, fixing any household leaks promptly, and spreading out large laundry loads throughout the week. You can also protect your septic system by not driving heavy vehicles on the drainage field, which can overtax the pipes and reduce their functionality.
Rinsing
The last step in the septic tank cleaning process is to rinse out the septic system. This is done by spraying the septic tank and system with water. This helps remove any remaining sludge and scum from the surface of the septic tank and in the lines leading to it.
This also helps prevent any remaining solid waste from clogging the drainfield. Clogging the drainfield can lead to backups, flooding, and untreated wastewater releases into the environment.
Whether it’s flushed down the toilet or ground up in a garbage disposal, everything that you put into your drains ends up in the septic tank. This includes things like wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, and greasy foods. These items can build up and clog your drainfield, leading to costly repairs and environmental hazards.
As such, it’s important to only put toilet paper, human waste, and the occasional vegetable scrap into your septic system. Anything else can cause the system to overload, leading to a clog that may need to be removed with a septic pump hose or a three-prong rake.
Keeping up with septic tank cleaning is the best way to keep your home and family safe from potential waterborne diseases. In addition to avoiding unnecessary expenses and health risks, it’s also a great way to extend the life of your septic tank.
Septic systems are a vital part of most homes, but they can only function properly with regular maintenance and cleaning. Septic tanks are large underground holding containers where wastewater flows from the home’s plumbing system into the tank. Inside the tank, bacteria and enzymes break down the waste before it’s pumped out into the drainfield. A septic system also has a septic tank alarm that can help you avoid expensive repairs and environmental hazards.
The septic tank cleaning process involves pumping out the sludge and scum, which is then disposed of appropriately. A professional service can help you determine the best way to clean your septic tank, depending on its size and usage. While it’s possible for homeowners to do this themselves, professionals have the tools and experience necessary to safely and efficiently complete the task.