A septic tank that gets pumped out regularly keeps solid wastes from contaminating groundwater and surface water. This prevents harmful bacteria and pathogens from being released into the environment.
It also avoids costly drain field failure that requires soil removal and replacement. This is why having a professional service your septic tank every 2-3 years is so important! Contact Septic Tank Pump Out Perth for professional help.
Wastewater from toilets, showers, tubs, sinks, and drains runs through a main drainage pipe that leads to your septic tank. Unlike a sewer system that relies on gravity and the force of chemicals to transport wastewater to sewage treatment plants, septic tanks utilize anaerobic bacteria to process waste.
Your septic tank is a large concrete box that holds all the liquid waste from your home’s plumbing. As it collects, solids sink to the bottom and form sludge. Fats, oils, and grease float to the top and create a layer of scum. Anaerobic bacteria in your septic tank feed on these organic wastewater pollutants and convert them to harmless substances. This process is known as ‘primary treatment’.
The resulting liquid effluent from your septic tank flows through a T-shaped outlet baffle into a septic drain field or absorption area. This large area of soil is designed to receive and disperse wastewater from your septic tank. It also filters and breaks down any remaining contaminants before they reach groundwater or surface water.
As the liquid wastewater percolates through the layer of gravel, aerobic bacteria (bacteria that need oxygen) break down any remaining contaminants. This treatment helps reduce the number of harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and nutrients that enter local water sources. As the treated wastewater reaches groundwater, it can return to natural streams, rivers, and lakes.
Keeping your septic tank in good working condition is essential to protect the environment and prevent costly repairs and replacements. Regular septic tank pump outs, along with proper use of your household plumbing and careful disposal of unflushable items, will keep your septic system healthy.
A septic tank’s access port is located above the inlet and outlet baffle. Septic professionals can access your septic tank through the inlet or outlet ports, or through a septic tank riser. If your septic tank has an access port that is below ground level, a septic tank riser is installed to connect the inlet and outlet pipes to the inlet and outlet baffles at the surface. This allows septic professionals to access the septic tank without having to dig up your entire septic system.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Pumping?
The most obvious benefit is that getting your septic tank pumped reduces the risk of costly and dangerous sewage backups into your home. Sewage waste contains dangerous pathogens that are both a health hazard and a property hazard for your family, pets, and guests. Regularly having your septic tank pumped and having it cleaned removes these dangerous organisms from your home, keeping everyone safe and healthy.
The other benefit to septic tank pumping is that it helps keep your septic system performing well. The sludge layer that builds up inside your tank collects solid waste and prevents the liquid effluent from reaching your leach field. Having your septic tank pumped regularly keeps the sludge layer at bay so that your liquid waste can reach your leach field and spread out into it in an even, controlled manner.
Your septic system relies on anaerobic bacteria to break down the heavy, inorganic solids in your septic tank. These bacteria are essential for reducing your septic tank sludge levels, but they also need adequate air to thrive and complete their jobs. During septic tank pumping, the agitation process stirs up your entire septic system to help ensure that those anaerobic bacteria get their necessary oxygen to function properly.
Keeping your septic system in good condition also increases the value of your property, since having a functional, properly-maintained septic tank is an attractive selling point for buyers when you decide to sell. Lastly, routine cleaning and pumping helps to minimize bad odors around your home, which can be caused by the buildup of sludge in your septic tank.
The best way to lower the frequency of septic tank pumping and to extend the lifespan of your septic system is to practice water conservation in your home. Repair any leaky faucets and toilets, install low-flow water fixtures, and take shorter showers to keep the load of wastewater your septic system has to handle at a minimum. Additionally, reducing the amount of food waste you put into your garbage disposal will decrease how quickly your septic tank fills.
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How Do I Know When It’s Time for a Pump Out?
If you’re unfamiliar with your septic tank system, it’s not easy to know when the time comes for a pump out. That’s why you need to be vigilant and look for warning signs. Taking your time and acting on early warning signs can prevent a big plumbing disaster from occurring.
The size of your septic tank plays a role in the frequency with which it needs to be pumped. Larger tanks will go longer between pumping sessions than smaller ones. Your home’s water usage also influences the need for regular maintenance and pumping. Longer showers, larger washing loads and more frequent toilet flushing will overload the septic tank faster than normal.
Your septic tank’s outlet pipe will be an obvious place to look for early warning signs of a full tank. This pipe carries wastewater from your house to the drain field, where it is treated by soil. If this pipe gets clogged with solid wastes, it could lead to sewage back-ups in your home. This sewage contains harmful pathogens, so it is important to call for help right away.
Another sign that it’s time for a pump out is slow draining. If your sinks, tubs and toilets begin to drain slowly, you may need a septic tank pump out. Slow draining is caused by a full tank, which stops wastewater from flowing freely through your home’s plumbing.
Once you’ve confirmed that your septic tank is in need of a pump out, the technician will hook up a hose to the septic tank and open the inspection ports. The septic tank vacuum truck then uses a pump to draw the waste out of the tank and into the truck’s holding tank. Once the waste is removed, the septic tank inspector will inspect the rest of the septic system to see if any repairs are needed.
In addition to a visual examination, the septic tank inspector will likely use a fiber-optic camera to check on hard-to-reach components like baffles and tees. Afterward, they will provide you with a report and recommendations for any necessary services. Be sure to follow these recommendations in order to extend the life of your septic tank and keep it working properly.
How Do I Find My Septic Tank?
It’s essential for homeowners to know the location of their septic tank. This way, they can avoid the hassle and costs associated with digging up and relocating the tank. Luckily, there are a few simple tactics to find the septic tank that can save time and money.
One way to find your septic tank is to follow the sewer line that runs from your home. This is typically a four-inch pipe that is easy to spot by its size and placement in your yard. Start by locating the cleanout access point in your basement or crawl space and then begin to follow the pipe across your yard. The tank should be located within ten feet of your home, and you can find it by probing the ground every two feet until you reach the septic tank area.
Another simple tactic is to look for visual indicators like unusually lush grass or sunken soil. Septic tanks release moisture, encouraging plant growth in the surrounding area, so noticing unexpected vegetation growth may be a sign that you have a septic tank nearby. In addition, reviewing public records or home inspection reports can also help you determine the location of your septic tank.
If you’re still having trouble, consider placing a subtle yet noticeable marker in your yard to indicate the septic tank location. This can be something as simple as a garden ornament, a distinctively planted tree, or even a decorative rock. The key is to pick an item that will blend in with your landscaping but be easily recognizable by you so that you can locate the tank when it’s time for a pump out.
Another option is to use a professional underground storage tank sweep service. These professionals have the training and equipment to locate septic tanks without damaging the property. They can also add risers to your septic tank for easy access in the future.