Many homeowners only think about septic tank cleaning once there’s a problem. However, being mindful of septic tank cleaning can help you avoid costly repairs and unpleasant odors down the road.
To determine if your septic tank needs to be pumped, pros push a stick to test sludge depth into the septic tank. They will look at the scum and sludge layers while also inspecting the septic system for leaks. Contact Septic Tank Cleaning Perth now!
Most homeowners know that septic systems need to be cleaned regularly, but many don’t realize that they have specific signs that indicate the time for a cleaning. This includes a foul odor in the home, slow drains, and pooling water in the yard near the septic tank or leach field.
When a septic system gets full, it can overflow into the home or the leach field. The sewage can then begin to back up into the drains, which can cause a lot of damage and can be quite hazardous for your health. It’s important to make sure you have a professional come and clean your septic system on a regular basis.
Oftentimes, a slow draining sink or toilet is the first sign that the septic system needs to be cleaned. This can happen when a clog occurs in the plumbing or when the septic system is filling up and can’t handle all the waste.
Foul odors in the home can also be a sign that it’s time to get the septic tank pumped. These odors are caused when a clog in the ventilation trap blocks gases, which can include hydrogen sulfide and methane. Long-term exposure to these gases can cause a variety of health problems, so it’s important to have the system emptied on a regular basis.
If you notice pools of water in the yard near your septic tank or leach field, it’s likely that the system is overflowing. These pools of water can lead to the septic tank and leach field becoming saturated with sewage, which isn’t healthy for your garden or your well. The sewage can then leak into the ground, polluting nearby water sources with bacteria and other dangerous substances. A septic tank that’s overflowing can also be expensive to repair and replace.
How Septic Tanks Work
A septic system is a big underground tank that holds waste from your home. It’s buried several feet away from the house and is watertight. It’s designed to prevent sewage from backing up into toilets.
All wastewater from your home runs into the septic tank through one main pipe. From there, it undergoes a settling process. Solid matter sinks to the bottom of the tank and forms a layer of sludge, while oils and grease float to the top and form a layer of scum. A healthy population of bacteria in the tank breaks down this sludge and scum.
When the septic system is functioning properly, the effluent seeps out of the tank through perforated pipes into the drain field. The drain field is a shallow area of uncovered soil that filters the wastewater through rocks, dirt, and sand to remove impurities. Microbes in the soil also treat the water. The resulting water is then absorbed into the ground through evapotranspiration and into underground aquifers.
Avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper into the septic system, as this can upset the balance of bacteria in the tank and interfere with normal operations. It’s especially important not to flush chemical and biological additives, as these can kill the bacteria in the tank that break down and treat waste. These include household cleaners, disinfectants, floor and sink cleaners, solvents, paint thinners, floor waxes, polishes, deodorizers, bleach, pharmaceuticals, facial tissues, dental floss, condoms, hair care products, baby wipes, coffee grounds, pet waste, cigarette butts, bones, cooking fats, oils and greases, and car fluids.
Keep trees, shrubs and deep-rooted plants away from the absorption field as well. Their roots can clog the pipes. Also, don’t park on the drainfield or build in that area.
Septic Tank Inspections
A septic system is an important part of your home, and it’s important to maintain it properly to prevent expensive repairs and extend its life. Regular septic tank inspections are essential for this purpose. During these inspections, professionals can see how full the tank is and determine whether it’s time to have it cleaned.
During an inspection, an inspector will look at the sludge and scum layers to see how much solid waste has built up in the septic tank. They will also inspect the inlet and outlet pipes for cracks and check the drain field for any signs of leakage.
They may also use a dye test to check for leaks. This involves flushing a brightly colored dye into toilets and sinks, and then observing the color of the wastewater that exits through the drain field. The dye test can also detect backflow from the septic tank into the house, which could cause problems with your home’s drainfield.
Solid waste can build up inside your septic tank over time if not addressed, and this can lead to health issues if the solid materials make their way into your home or garden. If the septic tank overflows, it can also cause pollution to nearby water sources. These are all reasons why you should have your septic tank regularly inspected and cleaned.
The best way to ensure that your septic tank is in good condition is to have it inspected and cleaned by professional septic tank inspectors. Ideally, you should have your septic tank inspected twice per year, but this can vary depending on your needs and the size of your septic system. During a routine inspection, an inspector will examine the sludge and scum levels in the septic tank and ensure that all of the drain fields are free of solid waste and clogs. The inspector can answer any questions you have and provide tips for septic tank care.