Septic Tank Cleaning Perth is an important part of a healthy wastewater system. Without it, septic systems can become clogged, leading to expensive backups and dangerous releases of untreated waste into the environment.
As you use your septic system, solid waste sinks to the bottom of the tank and forms a layer of sludge. Grease and other lightweight materials float on top as scum.
Septic tank sludge removal is a vital part of septic system cleaning and should be done routinely. This is because sludge can build up in your septic system over time, and this will make it difficult for the water to flow into the drain field. In some cases, this can cause hazardous substances to enter the groundwater supply. This is why it is important to have your septic system regularly inspected and cleaned by professionals.
Sludge is formed in a septic system when the aerobic bacteria can’t break down all the solid waste that enters the system. The septic system’s amazing ecosystem of bacteria helps break down the waste, but some solids are too large for them to decompose and they sink to the bottom of the tank. This forms the sludge layer, which should be pumped out periodically to prevent a build-up that can block the inlet tee or outlet tee of your septic tank.
To remove septic tank sludge, professionals use different methods depending on the situation. These include gravity thickening, aerated stabilization, and centrifugation. These methods allow them to separate the sludge from the water in the septic tank so they can pump the water out of the tank and dispose of the sludge in a safe location.
Generally, the first step is to locate the septic tank’s access point. This is usually a lid or cover that sits on top of the tank, and it should be removed carefully so as not to damage the septic system. It is also a good idea to put on protective gear before opening the lid.
Once the septic tank is accessed, professionals will check the sludge depth using a special piece of equipment called a sludge judge. This device has measurements that let them know how deep the sludge is and how much of it needs to be removed. They will then use a pump to remove the sludge from the septic tank, and they may also use vacuum trucks or a drain tank to help with the process.
It is possible to keep septic tank sludge under control between professional cleanings by adding a bacterial additive. Products like Organica Biotech’s Septic Tank Additive contain powerful microorganisms that effectively degrade waste and prevent sludge buildup. This can significantly reduce the amount of sludge that needs to be pumped out of your septic tank, so you won’t have to worry about your septic system overflowing.
Vacuuming
More than a third of all homes in the United States rely on individual septic systems to treat their wastewater. These underground wastewater treatment structures use gravity, fluid dynamics and helpful bacteria to break down waste solids before the septic system transports them to the drain field for further treatment. Keeping your septic system healthy requires regular inspection, timely pumping and mindful choices about what you put into the system.
Some items that make their way down the drains of a home can clog a septic tank and cause sewage backups. This is why you should never flush Kleenex, hair, coffee grounds, paper towels, cat litter, grease or oil, tampons, diapers or cigarette butts down the toilet. These items can also clog pipes and even cause a toxic septic system leak that can contaminate your yard, home and driveway.
A professional septic service company uses a large tanker truck equipped with vacuum equipment to remove the liquids and sludge from a septic tank. A technician inserts a hose into the manhole and uses a special tool called a septic cleaning spoon to break up the sludge and mix it with the liquids. The septic tank is then vacuumed out of the ground and into the tanker truck for disposal at an offsite location.
As a homeowner, you can help ensure your septic tank gets cleaned properly by scheduling regular visits, using a septic system additive and avoiding excess use of toilet paper, soap and other household products. Taking care of your septic tank will reduce the need for expensive, time-consuming and hazardous septic system pumping.
If you notice that sludge in your septic tank is rising toward the top of the outlet drain, it’s time to call for a cleaning and pumping. If you wait too long, the septic sludge will flow into the drain field and cause a host of unpleasant and dangerous consequences for your family and property. Contact a trusted local septic service to get the job done right. Septic tank cleaning is a dirty and smelly job, but it’s essential for your septic system to function correctly.
Inspecting the Tank
If you own a home with a septic system, you’re likely to have it inspected and drained every few years. These routine services help prevent sewage backups and protect the health of your family and the surrounding environment.
A septic tank inspection includes a detailed evaluation of the tank, baffles and absorption field. These areas help treat wastewater before it percolates into the groundwater or surface water. Neglected septic systems can pose health risks for residents and contaminate groundwater and surface water.
During the tank inspection, a professional will look for cracks and leaks. They will also check the level of sludge and scum. Excessive levels of solid waste can cause clogs and slow drainage, resulting in costly repairs and system failures.
The inspector may also perform a dye test to determine the condition of the baffles. Dye is introduced to the septic tank’s liquid level and can help identify problems such as a broken baffle or a faulty pump. This is especially helpful for septic tanks with multiple compartments.
Once the septic tank has been emptied, a technician will assess the condition of the tank and its structural integrity. They will also examine the inlet and outlet pipes to make sure they’re working properly. They will also check the condition of the lids, which should be watertight and free from cracks or corrosion. They will also inspect the risers (if you have a system with them) to ensure they’re intact and not cracked or leaking.
If you’re planning to sell your home, having the septic system inspected is a good idea. It will give potential buyers peace of mind and help the process move along more smoothly.
In addition to having the septic tank cleaned and pumped, you should add 8 to 12-inches of mulch around the septic system, pipes and drain field. Mulch helps reduce compaction of the soil and helps prevent septic system debris from washing into the absorption field. It’s a great way to protect your investment.
Cleaning the Drain Field
The drain field is the portion of your septic system where wastewater exits the house. It is designed to take in the clear water that flows from your sinks, tubs and toilets, but it can also receive solid waste from your garbage disposal. To keep this part of your septic system in good working condition, you should limit garbage disposal use and dispose of food waste in a compost pile. You should also not plant plants or trees near the drain field, as their roots can damage the pipes and septic tank components.
It is very important to have a regular septic tank cleaning schedule, and having your septic tank pumped can help extend the time between pumpings. A septic tank that becomes overfilled can cause wastewater to enter your home, and it can also contaminate surrounding soil and water sources. It can also create a dangerous environment for children and pets, as well as pose a health risk.
A professional septic tank cleaning company can pump your septic tank, clean the baffle filter on the inlet side of the tank and clean out any sludge that is left over after the tank is full. A professional will inspect the tank before pumping and can recommend any repairs or replacements to your septic system.
When you aren’t having your septic tank cleaned, you can prevent clogs and overflows by using a strainer on your kitchen sink and using only septic safe products in your bathroom. It’s also helpful to only use the garbage disposal when necessary, and always run it with water to flush away extra waste and sludge.
You should never use chemical drain openers, and you should be careful when disposing of oversized items. You should also make sure to avoid flushing feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, cat litter and oil-based or flammable cleaners down the toilet. If you do spill something, quickly soak it up with a towel and then dispose of it at a county-designated chemical disposal site. Be careful when using a garbage disposal, as grinding up large foods sends more solid waste to the septic tank.