A septic system can last a long time with proper maintenance. But if it doesn’t, your property can suffer from dangerous sewage backups and costly repairs.

A clogged tank leads to unpleasant odors, sewage backups and pooling sewage in your yard. Regularly scheduled septic tank pumping helps prevent these problems. Contact Septic Tank Pump Out Perth now!

If you are experiencing problems with your septic tank or drain system, there may be a few different issues. It is important to know what the problem is so that you can work with a septic tank technician to fix it before the situation becomes more severe.

One of the most common issues is slow-draining fixtures in your home, such as tubs and toilets. This is a sign that the septic tank is getting full and needs to be pumped.

Another common issue is a septic tank that smells like sewage. Bacteria inside the septic tank generate gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, as they break down wastewater contaminants. These gases must be vented out of the house to avoid a build-up of pressure that could cause the septic tank to stop working or back up into the drain field. The odors are also a warning that you will need to schedule a septic tank pump out.

A third common issue is a septic tank leaking. This is a very serious problem and requires immediate attention by trained professionals. Leaks from the septic tank can lead to contaminated soil, which can be very dangerous for your family and pets. Leaks can also cause flooding in the yard, which can be costly to clean up and repair.

Other issues that need to be addressed include a septic tank that is overflowing or clogged. Overflowing septic tanks can be a big deal as they will allow unprocessed waste to flood the absorption field and seep into groundwater, which can be very unhealthy. Clogged septic tanks can also lead to sewage backing up into the home, which is very unpleasant and requires professional help.

It is important to understand that you should never try to resolve septic tank issues on your own. Even if you have good maintenance records, it is important to work with a septic tank company to get any issues resolved as quickly as possible. This will save you money and time in the long run.

Getting the Right Equipment

A septic system is a watertight container buried underground that holds all solid waste and wastewater from your home. The septic tank includes an inlet pipe that accepts all waste, and an outlet pipe that moves the sewage to the drain field.

A properly functioning septic system eliminates the need to send waste through sewer mains to a centralized sewage treatment plant. It does this by allowing waste to flow into the septic tank and then the drain field, where the bacteria in the soil break down the sewage. The septic system also reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, protecting groundwater and surface water supplies.

You can do a lot to help the system function correctly, including regular pumping of the septic tank. It’s also important to keep the tank level low, so it doesn’t fill up too quickly.

The best way to do this is to use fewer toilets, and not flush anything that does not belong in the system. That means no diapers, tissues, dental floss, food scraps or feminine products. The septic tank can only handle so much sewage, and it will overflow when that limit is reached.

In addition, you should avoid placing impermeable materials over the septic tank and drain field. Concrete, asphalt and plastic prevent oxygen from getting to the soil, which the bacteria need to break down sewage. In addition, these materials can leach into the environment and pollute groundwater or surface water.

Another important maintenance tip is to ensure the tank can be easily accessed for pumping. This means making sure the lid is unobstructed and not covered with vegetation or debris, and that it’s easy to open. You should also keep pets and children away from the tank site so they don’t fall in or be harmed. You should also avoid parking vehicles or heavy equipment over the septic system or its components.

There are a few products on the market that claim to extend the periods between septic tank pumping, but they are not foolproof. They contain chemicals that are intended to hasten the natural process of breaking down sewage, but they can throw the primordial ecosystem out of whack and disrupt the bacteria’s ability to do its job.

Cleaning the Tank

Septic tanks are a vital part of the waste disposal system for homes without access to municipal sewer systems. They serve to separate liquid from solid waste and allow natural bacterial action to break down the waste for dispersal through the drainage field or soil absorption system. In order to perform at its best, a septic tank must be cleaned and pumped on a regular basis.

The first thing that needs to be done is to locate the septic tank and its access points. These are typically covered with a heavy, circular or rectangular cover that should be opened with caution as it may contain dangerous gases. Once the lid has been removed, use a shovel to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on top of the tank.

Next, locate the scum stick with the velcro strip at the bottom and lower it into the septic tank until you feel it hit the sludge layer at the bottom. The dark sludge will cling to the velcro and you will be able to measure for yourself approximately how much sludge is in the tank based on how many inches of sludge it covers.

Once the septic tank is cleaned and emptied, it is recommended to wait several weeks before using the septic system again. This will give the bacterial action some time to fully break down any remaining sludge from the septic tank.

Some products claim to be able to extend the time between pumping by adding chemicals that are designed to hasten the bacterial breakdown of sludge in the septic tank. However, such products can also throw the primordial ecosystem that has developed over time out of balance and can disrupt the natural processes of anaerobic digestion.

It is important that all septic tank maintenance be performed by trained professionals. Attempting to clean or pump your own septic tank can result in contaminating the environment with harmful bacteria, and could even lead to the need for costly replacement parts. In addition, the excessive strain put on your septic system by the build-up of solid waste can lead to serious problems down the line that can be very expensive to repair.

Inspecting the Drain Field

A good home inspector will not only pump out your septic tank but inspect your entire system, including the drain field and leach lines. They will check for odors, soggy areas, and any leaking septic tank components. They will also map out the septic tank and system components, so that you can easily access them during yard work or home maintenance without damaging the components.

Before they can do that, they will need to locate your septic tank. This can be challenging, particularly if the system is old or the “as-built” drawing or sketches are sketchy. A home inspector may have to dig to find the inlet and outlet ports or they might need to look for septic system risers. Having these in place will allow the homeowner to raise and lower the septic tank lids, which is an important safety feature.

Once the inspector has located your septic tank, they will open it and observe its contents. They will note how full the tank is, the scum and sludge layers, and whether or not they are mixed together. They will also look at the baffles to make sure that they are intact and free of cover material. They will also check the sludge level to make sure it is below the inlet pipe, as this will prevent overflow into the drain field.

They will then use a sludge judge to determine the actual solids levels in your tank, which should be close to the base of the outlet pipe. If they are above this level, your tank needs to be pumped. They will also check the septic tank’s vents for any debris or obstructions, and the septic tank’s inlet and drain port inspection openings for damage, restrictions, or overflows.

After the septic tank is inspected, the inspector will move on to the drain field. They will check for a layer of dye on the soil surface, and they will look for the presence of septic tank effluent in the drain field or nearby waterways. They will also look for sinkholes and wetness around the drain field, which are indicators of a failing system.