A septic tank pump is vital to keeping your drains functioning properly. It is also a great way to prevent costly repairs down the road.
The frequency of septic tank pumping depends on the size of your household and the system’s capacity—some products on the market claim to lengthen periods between tank pumping. Visit https://www.septictankarmadale.com.au/ to learn more.
For your septic system to function properly, the wastewater in it must be separated from the solid waste. The solid waste is then stored in a septic tank until it is emptied, and the liquid waste flows out into some sort of gravel drain field where it is broken down further by microbial action. The sludge and scum layers in the tank must be regularly pumped out because they are essentially holding back the wastewater from leaving the tank.
If the sludge and scum build up too much, it will be unable to separate and move the wastewater to the drain field, which can cause issues within your plumbing system. This can result in wastewater clogging in sinks, bathtubs and toilets. A foul smell will also be a symptom of septic tank problems, and it is important to get these clogs cleared as quickly as possible before they cause serious damage.
A professional pumper will use a high-power hose to pump out all of the solids and sludge from your septic tank. This will take some time, and it is important to prepare ahead of time by making sure that the pumper has easy access to your tank. In order for this to happen, you will need to clear away any objects that are blocking the access points.
Additionally, you should make sure that there are no trees or shrubs growing too close to your septic tank, and that the area surrounding it is free of any other obstructions. This is because the septic tank pumper will need to use a tool called a muck rake, which resembles a long hoe, in order to break up both the floating scum layer and the sunken sludge layer.
There are some products that are advertised as able to prolong periods between septic tank pumping, but these are generally not recommended unless you have extensive experience with your septic system and the equipment necessary to handle it. These products can throw off the delicate microbial ecosystem that has been developing in your septic tank, and they may actually end up causing more problems than they solve.
It’s important that the pumper can easily get to the septic tank when it comes time for a cleaning and pump out. If there are too many trees or other objects around the access opening to the tank, it will make it harder for the vacuum truck to get inside and pump out the contents. It also makes it hard to see if there is an overflow or leak, which can cause a lot of damage.
It is usually recommended that septic tanks are pumped out about every 3-5 years. However, if you notice any signs that your system is starting to fail, like slow-draining sinks and drains, foul smells coming from your house or in the yard, or standing water in the backyard, then it’s time to get things pumped out sooner than that.
When the waste enters your septic tank, it begins to separate into layers. The heaviest matter, called sludge, sinks to the bottom of the tank while fats and oils form a floating layer at the top known as scum. In between these two layers is a relatively clear liquid called effluent, which passes through to your drain field and becomes a natural fertilizer for your lawn.
Because the septic system relies on natural microbes to break down all of the septage sent into it, the more solid waste that builds up in your septic tank, the more often it needs to be pumped out. There are products on the market that promise to lengthen the amount of time between septic tank pumping by adding chemicals that speed up the process of breaking down the sludge, but they can be very harmful to your septic system if not used correctly.
If you want to prolong the period of time between your septic tank pumping, consider installing risers from the access ports and inspection ports down to the soil surface. A septic professional can help you do this, but it’s also something that you can do yourself by purchasing PVC pipes and cement from your local hardware store. Cut one pipe down to a length that’s slightly shorter than the other, then glue each end together with the PVC cement to create an “L” shape. Then, cap each end of the smaller pipe with a PVC cap.
When a septic tank is located close to a home, trees and shrubs are often planted in the area around it. This is a bad idea, as the roots of these plants can easily enter and damage the septic tank, piping, and the drain field.
Inside a septic tank, there are two chambers divided by a half wall. Solid waste falls into the first chamber, where it begins to break down, while liquid waste passes over the half wall into the second chamber and then flows out to the drain field. This process is made possible by beneficial bacteria and enzymes that are present in the tank.
Trees and other plants can enter the system through small cracks or incompletely sealed joints in the septic tank or piping. The roots of these plants are drawn to the rich nutrients, water, and oxygen found in the septic tank and drain field. This can cause them to grow into and around the tanks, clog pipes, or even puncture and destroy the septic tank itself.
When planting in or near a septic tank, it is best to choose trees and shrubs that have shallow roots, such as dogwood, cherry, or redbud trees, and holly or boxwood shrubs. Plants with deep roots, such as willow trees and Japanese willow shrubs, should be avoided, as their root systems can quickly encroach on the septic tank and piping.
If a customer has a large willow or other tall tree in their yard, it may be necessary to consider having its roots professionally cut back periodically to avoid damaging the septic tank and piping. If the willow sends up sucker shoots after cutting it down, these should also be removed to prevent them from becoming new trees and causing more problems with the septic system.
The best way for a homeowner to make sure their septic tank and piping are properly protected is by keeping them free of obstructions and making regular maintenance appointments. Keeping an eye out for signs that the tank is beginning to fill up, such as slow-draining bathtubs and toilets, can help prevent expensive repairs in the future. If you ever suspect any of these signs, be sure to contact a septic tank service for a quick inspection and pumping.
The septic tank is a natural decomposition system for household waste. As the sludge and scum break down, a liquid known as effluent flows out of the tank into the drain field for further treatment and disposal. This process ensures clean, healthy water is returned to the groundwater supply. However, the system only works properly if the tank is pumped regularly. Over time, a full septic tank can cause problems that will require expensive repairs.
One of the most common indicators that a septic tank is nearing capacity is slow-draining sinks and foul odors in the home. These are signs that the septic tank is unable to separate and treat wastewater, and it’s time for a pump out.
If you wait too long to have your septic tank pumped, it could overflow. Overflowing can cause sewage to back up into the house, and it may also flood the drain field, which can damage the soil and contaminate groundwater. This untreated waste can enter the local water supply, tainting wells with bacteria and unhealthy levels of nitrates.
To avoid this disaster, a few simple preparations can make your next septic tank pump out much more efficient and less costly. First, locate your septic tank and be sure to have a map of it on hand for the service professional to reference. This will prevent them from accidentally damaging the drain field during the septic tank pumping process.
Next, be prepared to remove the septic tank lid with great care. It’s important to use extreme caution so you don’t crack or break the heavy tank lid, and never leave it unattended. This is a dangerous situation that can lead to a costly mess and health hazards for humans and pets.
Finally, be prepared for the septic tank service professional to inspect the septic tank and the drain field to check for signs of problems and to perform any necessary maintenance or repairs. For example, a clog in the inlet baffle to the tank can prevent wastewater from draining freely, and this is an easy fix. Simply removing the inlet baffle and cleaning it can restore proper flow.