A septic tank is one component of an on-site wastewater system. It removes solids from wastewater before the effluent flows to an absorption field, which filters and treats the waste.
A septic professional locates the tank, typically buried a few feet underground. They then set up equipment to hose into the tank to extract its contents, including water, solids, and sludge. Click the Septic Tank Services Near Me to learn more.
Septic tank pumping is the process of emptying your septic tanks. It removes the sludge and scum from your tank that has collected over time. It is important to have this done regularly. It will ensure that your septic system works properly and that there is no waste backflow into the house.
It can also help prevent bad odors. Although it is messy and unpleasant, it is essential for the health and safety of your family and can improve the overall value of your home.
When you call a septic service for a septic tank pumping appointment, they will come to your home and locate the tank. They may have to dig up some of your yard to access the tank and then remove the lid. Once they have removed the tank cover, they will begin pumping. This will take about 30 – 60 minutes. They will need to return to replace the tank cover once they have pumped it.
During the pumping process, they will use a muckrake to break up sludge and scum, making it easier for them to remove from the tank. They will also check the baffles and dividing wall of your tank. Once they have finished the job, they will put the lid back on.
If you are looking to get your septic tank pumped, it is best to find multiple estimates from reputable companies. This will give you a better idea of the average cost for this service. You should also consider what you can do to reduce the costs of septic tank pumping. For example, you can choose septic-safe toilet paper, do laundry at different times of the week, and avoid flushing things that should not go in your drains such as feminine products and wipes.
In addition, you can help save money on septic tank pumping by getting it done more often. It is recommended that you have your septic tank pumped every three years, or as needed. It is important to have it pumped before the level of sludge reaches one foot (12 inches) of sludge.
Septic Tank Cleaning
The septic tank is the quiet zone where solid waste collects and allows helpful bacteria to break it down. It has a working capacity, however, and that working capacity decreases over time due to daily accumulation of sludge and scum (things that sink and things that float). Regular pumping and cleaning services help you avoid the unpleasant smell of sewage entering your home and ensure that the system is operating as it should.
The Septic Tank Cleaning Process
During a septic tank cleaning, a septic service professional removes all of the sludge from the top and bottom of the tank through the access lids. Then, they will drain the contents into a truck and haul it away to a disposal site.
They also clean the baffle filter on the outlet side of the septic tank. This is an important step, as a clogged baffle filter can cause wastewater to back up into the drain field and into your home. Your septic service provider will use the proper tools to safely and thoroughly clean the filter.
Another big benefit of septic tank cleaning is that it eliminates clogs in the drain lines. People in the house often put items down the drains that can’t be broken down by the bacteria in the septic tank, like coffee grounds, hair, lint, and other materials. When these items accumulate in the drain lines, they can form major clogs that are expensive and frustrating to fix. Regular septic tank cleanings eliminate the build-up of these items and prevent them from leading to clogs that require costly repairs or replacement.
A well-maintained septic tank can extend the life of your septic system, saving you money on repair and replacement costs over time. Moreover, a regularly maintained septic system can keep hazardous pollutants from seeping into groundwater and contaminating your family’s drinking water supply.
If you don’t have a regular septic tank maintenance schedule, it is recommended that you consult with your septic service professionals about creating one. This will give you peace of mind that your septic system is functioning as it should and protect your family’s health.
Septic Tank Inspection
A septic system treats and disposes of wastewater from homes that don’t have public sewer systems. It is important to have your septic tank inspected regularly to ensure that it’s working properly. If not, you could have raw sewage seepage into your home, which can cause odors, water damage and health concerns.
A visual inspection involves looking at the septic tank to ensure that it’s not overflowing or damaged. The inspector will also check the inlet and outlet baffles to make sure that they’re attached firmly and functioning properly. The inlet baffle regulates the flow of waste into the septic tank to ensure that solids are completely deposited and separated from the wastewater. The outlet baffle prevents wastewater from the septic tank from flowing back into the absorption field.
The inspector will also use a dye test to see how well the septic tank’s drain field is performing. The dye will show if there are any blockages in the drain field. If there are any, the inspector will recommend that it be cleaned or replaced.
During a full inspection, the inspector will remove the septic tank’s cover to measure the liquid level and scum and sludge levels. These levels should be within specific ranges to avoid problems in the absorption field. The inspector will also look at the absorption field to make sure it is properly sized, constructed and filled with washed gravel, stone or a gravelless product.
A septic tank inspection can help you avoid costly repairs by detecting any issues before they worsen. It is recommended that you have a full septic tank inspection done every three to five years. If you’re purchasing a home with a septic system, you should have the septic tank and absorption field inspected before closing on the property.
In between septic tank inspections, there are things you can do to keep your septic system in good condition. Keep trees, plants and shrubs away from the septic tank and drainfield. It’s also a good idea to map out the location of your septic system components or mark them with stakes so that you can avoid damaging them when doing yard work or home maintenance.
Septic Tank Repair
Whether your septic tank is made of concrete, steel or plastic, it’s likely to require repair at some point. Metal tanks are more susceptible to corrosion, and a concrete tank is heavy and can crack or crush. Plastic tanks are watertight and hold up well to rust and corrosion, but they’re more expensive than a steel tank.
When a septic tank leaks, it can damage the surrounding soil and the drain field and may even cause toxic runoff into nearby waterways. Repairs may include replacing the drain field or relocating the septic system.
A septic system has pipes that carry household waste and wastewater to the septic tank and the drain field. These pipes can break as a result of root infiltration, shifting ground or deteriorating materials. When a septic tank pipe breaks, waste from the septic system can spill into the ground, contaminating the soil and causing odors.
Septic tank repair can be costly, but it’s important to catch septic problems early to keep the cost down. When you notice puddles or soggy spots in your yard, have the septic tank service provider come to check for broken pipes.
It’s also essential to keep your property well-maintained to prevent septic tank repair issues. For example, don’t plant trees near the septic tank or drain field and keep vehicles and structures off of the absorption area. Keep a map of your septic system and mark locations of components with permanent stakes so that you can avoid damaging the septic tank or other parts of the septic system when doing home maintenance or yard work.
If you suspect that your septic tank is full, have it pumped immediately. An overflow of sludge and scum will damage the drainfield and may contaminate the groundwater. Likewise, if you go more than three years without having the tank pumped, it’s time to consider replacement of your septic system. Having a septic tank repaired is one thing, but it’s critical to replace your drainfield as soon as possible after it fails. It’s possible to reattach broken dip pipes, but if the problem is due to a plugged soakaway or drainfield, the repair won’t help you long.