As wastewater enters the septic tank, lighter solids float to the top as scum while heavier particles sink and compile into sludge. The septic system relies on these layers to separate waste and keep it from clogging pipes and straining soil absorption areas.
Septic Tank Cleaning goes beyond pumping to thoroughly remove these accumulated solids, restoring the septic system’s functionality and reducing risks to health and environmental safety. Contact Septic Tank Cleaning Perth for professional help.
In a well-functioning septic tank, solid materials (including sewage) settle to the bottom and create a layer of sludge, while lighter materials such as grease and oil float to the top. As liquid effluent flows through the middle of the tank, bacteria work to decompose the remaining waste and reduce its volume. However, over time, the sludge will build up and need to be removed by pumping.
If septic tank sludge becomes too thick, it will prevent the incoming sewage from being adequately treated, leading to problems with blocked drains and toilets, as well as contaminated water that can be released into the environment. This is why regular septic tank cleaning is important.
Septic tanks are large, underground holding containers where wastewater and waste are held until they are processed. A septic tank includes an inlet, outlet, and a lid that keeps out pests and the elements.
Over time, the septic tank reaches capacity and needs to be pumped out to remove the buildup of sludge and scum. A properly designed septic tank has enough capacity for between three and eight years of use before needing to be serviced. A septic tank that is overfilled will need to be pumped more often, which can lead to a variety of problems for homeowners.
The septic tank cleaning process begins with the professional excavating the soil that covers the tank, then uncovering the inlet and outlet sides of the container. They will use a large vacuum truck and a septic tank hose to suction out the sludge, which is then transported away for processing.
Once the septic tank is empty, the pro will clean the interior surfaces of the container using a hand auger or power washing equipment. Depending on the state’s requirements, they may also disinfect the tank and the drain field.
Homeowners can help to keep their septic systems healthy by avoiding flushing anything other than waste and toilet paper, such as feminine products, wet wipes, coffee grounds, and excess grease. Additionally, they can limit the amount of hazardous cleaners and solvents that are poured down drains, including chemical drain openers and paint thinners.
Stagnant Liquids
All the water, sewage and solid waste that you drain or flush down your toilets flows through the household plumbing into the septic system. Solid waste sinks to the septic tank and liquid wastewater continues into the drain field, where a combination of microbes and coarse gravel treat and filter it as it percolates through the soil. This process ensures that pathogens and other contaminants are not reintroduced to municipal water sources.
But, over time, the septic tank can fill with solid waste and water. When the septic tank reaches this point, it’s time for pumping and cleaning services. Excessive sludge buildup prevents the septic system from working properly, which can lead to slow draining and unpleasant odors. It also can cause sewage to back up into the house.
During septic tank cleaning, technicians inspect the interior of the tank and remove all of the sludge from the bottom. They also check the drain field and remove obstructions. Septic tank cleaning involves a comprehensive service that includes opening access points, checking and removing couplings, detaching filters, examining the baffles for damage or corrosion, treating surfaces to control odor and break down solids, and checking the inlets and outlets for obstructions.
Septic systems that have not been pumped or cleaned for an extended period of time may experience sludge and waste that hasn’t been broken down by bacteria, which can block the flow of wastewater and cause problems throughout the home. When this occurs, it’s important to get the septic tank pumped and cleaned as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or replacement of the septic system.
A professional septic tank cleaner will perform an interior inspection of the tank before the pumping process begins. They will note the depth of the sludge and scum, and use a large tanker truck equipped with vacuum equipment to pump the contents into a storage container for proper disposal.
A septic tank that is regularly pumped and cleaned helps ensure that wastewater is treated correctly, which prevents it from contaminating municipal water supplies and posing a threat to human health and the environment. To protect your home and the surrounding environment, follow a pumping schedule recommended by your septic system installer, landscape with caution above the drain field, avoid flushing dangerous items such as cigarette butts, diapers, or wipes, use septic-friendly drain cleaners, and keep a close eye on predictive signs of trouble to prevent septic tank failure.
Odors
When it comes to home plumbing, odors from your septic system can be a sign of a serious issue. Foul odors can come from clogs in drains and the tank itself, or from the presence of gases like hydrogen sulfide and methane. When these gases make their way into the home, they cause unpleasant and even toxic odors. When this occurs, it’s time to call a professional plumber for help.
Odors can also be caused by a low pH level in the septic tank. This can occur when household cleaning products kill the bacteria that help digest waste. To combat this, it is recommended that you avoid the use of harsh chemical cleaners, and instead use natural, non-toxic cleaners.
Another source of septic system odor is the presence of untreated solid waste in the tank or pipes. This waste can cause the septic system to produce hydrogen sulfide, which creates foul odors when it reaches high concentrations in the house. This is another reason it is important to only flush human waste and toilet paper, and to avoid flushing items that don’t break down in the drains, such as wet wipes, paper towels, cooking oils, or cigarette butts.
Finally, septic system odors can be caused by a blocked vent stack. The vents are designed to allow air to equalize in the septic system and in plumbing pipes around the house. However, the vents can become clogged with items such as non-flushable wastes, rodents, small animals, or frost. The solution to this is to schedule a septic system service that includes detailed inspection of the vent stacks.
When septic tank odors become an ongoing problem, it’s often best to call in professional plumbing services to pump the septic tank and do a complete septic system cleaning. This will not only eliminate the odors, but it will also prevent much more expensive and dangerous problems from developing in the future. A professional can recommend other ways to minimize septic tank odors as well, such as preventing clogs with items like wet wipes or non-flushable wastes.
Sewage Backups
A sewage backup can be a very serious health hazard. If you are exposed to raw sewage, you may suffer from a wide range of illnesses and conditions that can include respiratory infections, gastrointestinal tract problems, and skin issues. A sewage backup can also be damaging to your home and property. It can cause significant water damage and lead to expensive restoration services.
Sewage backups are often caused by overflow from the septic tank or a problem with the home’s plumbing. If you notice that the toilets are draining slowly, or that wastewater is backing up into the sinks and tubs, it’s a good idea to call a professional right away.
If the septic tank is overfull, it can overload the system and leach field. This can lead to untreated sewage being released into the environment, polluting local soil, groundwater, and water sources.
This is a very dangerous situation that should not be handled by homeowners. A trained restoration professional should be brought in to assess the situation and determine what items can be salvaged and what will need to be thrown away. Inhaling sewage or coming into direct contact with it can be very hazardous to your health and should never be done.
Your septic tank is connected to your home through your sewer line, which connects to the public city line if you live in an urban area or your septic tank and drain field if you are on private waste treatment. If the city or septic system experiences a backup, germ-laden sewage can be reversed into your home and will back up through toilets and sinks.
Depending on how bad the sewage backup is, it can also cause the basement of your home to flood. In addition to being a health hazard, the sewage can damage your furniture and personal belongings.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways that you can prevent septic system problems and sewage backups. Regular septic tank cleaning can help prevent clogs and other issues that lead to wastewater flooding your home. In addition, teaching everyone in your household the importance of proper waste disposal can help to keep the septic tank and drain field healthy. Avoid flushing items like feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and food scraps down the drains as these can clog your system.