A septic tank is the first part of your home or business’s wastewater treatment system. Wastewater from toilets and sinks drains into the septic tank.
Heavier solids sink to the bottom of the tank and float on top of a layer of liquid called sludge. Bacteria break down these solids and liquids to create a clean effluent that flows from the tank into a drainage field or soakaway. Discover More Here by reading the article below.
The most obvious reason to have your septic tank pumped is that it will eliminate untreated sewage from getting into the surrounding soil and waterways. Sewage contains disease-causing organisms that can affect humans and animals, and it can also pollute groundwater. Keeping your septic system well-maintained with regular pumping will prevent the solids from flowing into the drain field and clogging it, which may lead to wastewater backing up to the house.
In addition, septic tanks that are not pumped regularly will not allow the bacteria in them to break down the waste particles that enter the septic system. This will result in the septic tank filling up too quickly and the sludge layer getting too thick for bacteria to consume or dissolve. The resulting build-up will overflow into the drain field and the soil absorption area, which will become inundated with sludge and not be able to effectively treat the wastewater.
Fortunately, there are several ways to extend your tank’s access ports and inspection port to make it easier to pump and inspect your septic system. A professional can install risers on your tank to bring the openings to surface level so that you don’t have to dig to access them. These are relatively inexpensive and will greatly reduce the amount of work needed to keep your septic tank functioning properly.
Other issues that may require a septic tank pumping include a clogged or damaged septic baffle, which can cause the septic tank to overflow; and broken electrical connections that are causing the septic tank to shut off prematurely. Regular inspections can help identify these problems early on and ensure that they are addressed before they lead to a clog or overflow in the drain field.
Another factor that can impact how often you need to have your septic tank pumped and inspected is the type of waste you put down your drains. Putting non-biodegradable wastes down the toilet, such as paper towels, grease, oils, and chemicals can increase your need for frequent septic tank pumping and inspection. This is a good reason to be mindful about what you flush in your toilets and always throw away leftover food, paper products, and other non-biodegradable materials into the garbage rather than dumping them down the drains.
Inspection
A septic tank is the part of your home’s wastewater system that collects and holds waste from your toilets, kitchen sinks, bathtubs, showers, and dishwasher. It’s also a large concrete box that connects to the plumbing system of your home. This tank stores and processes both black water, which contains human feces, and grey water, which is the wastewater from household use.
Once the waste enters your septic tank it will begin to break down naturally. The heavier solids will sink to the bottom of the tank, forming a sludge layer. Lighter materials, such as fats, oils, and grease will float to the top of the liquid layer. This is known as the scum layer. The microorganisms that live in your septic tank will then treat this liquid, which is known as effluent.
These microorganisms work to break down the sludge and scum layer and the rest of the wastewater in your septic tank. The end result is a much cleaner wastewater that has been filtered through the sludge and scum layers. This wastewater is then dispersed into the absorption field of your home’s sewage system.
This is a series of pipes that are installed in the ground beneath your property where wastewater will be absorbed by the soil and grass above. This system is often called a soil drainfield, drainage field or disposal field.
Septic tanks need a vent that allows the gases generated by bacteria in your septic tank to escape. These gases are highly toxic and can cause a lot of damage if they build up in your home. A septic tank inspector will look at the condition of your septic tank and vent.
The most important thing you can do to protect the septic tank and your septic system is to have it pumped regularly by a professional. Failure to pump your septic tank will allow the sludge and scum to flow into the septic system’s drainfield, where they can clog it, and prevent wastewater from flowing out of the tank. If you’re unsure whether or not your tank needs to be pumped, consult a professional who can test its contents and give you a recommendation.
Maintenance
A septic tank stores and collects wastewater from household plumbing, including food waste and human waste. After the septic tank is pumped it needs to be properly maintained to function effectively.
A regular maintenance schedule includes a visual inspection. The septic tank should be inspected for signs of a leak and the height of the sludge layer. The septic tank should also be inspected for the condition of the septic tank baffles. The baffles are designed to prevent solids from leaving the septic tank and they can be damaged by high water levels, heavy rain or pumping.
After the septic tank is inspected it should be purged of sludge by having the large central service hole pumped. Never pump a septic tank through the sanitary tee or baffle inspection ports as this can cause damage. The septic tank should be purged of sludge every three to five years.
The septic system is designed to treat and disperse wastewater into the soil completely underground. Eventually the soil takes on and absorbs the wastewater, removing any harmful bacteria and toxins. To help the septic system work effectively, it is important to use less water. Fixing leaking faucets and toilets, taking shorter showers and washing full loads of laundry can help reduce the amount of water that enters the septic system. It is also important to be mindful of what goes into the drains, including cooking oil, non-flushable wipes, diapers and feminine hygiene products, cigarette waste, paint and paint thinners.
When it comes to septic tank maintenance, keeping records is key. Having a diagram of the septic system is a good idea, as is having a list of what can and cannot be flushed. Keeping a record of the service provider that evacuates the tank and the pumper truck can also be beneficial. A septic tank owner should also have a copy of the septic system permit.
The drain field area should be kept clear of trees and bushes whose roots may clog the septic system. Vehicles should never be driven over a septic tank, as the pressure on the drainage structure and the soil can be significant.
Repair
Your septic tank is designed to retain solid waste and provide some biological treatment of it. However, most of the treatment happens in your drain field where the soil acts as a natural filter and deactivates disease germs, heavy metals and other organic materials that are in sewage effluent. If the solids in your septic tank are too much and overflow from the tees into your drain field, they will quickly clog the drain field. This will interrupt the process of treating wastewater and can expose your family and pets to the disease-causing germs in sewage.
A septic tank system has several parts that work together to ensure that the sewage is treated and disposed of properly. During the first phase of septic tank treatment, anaerobic bacteria break down large solids into a sludge layer and smaller solids into a scum layer. They also digest the floatable fats, oils and other solids in the scum layer. This allows the microorganisms to concentrate on reducing disease germs and other contaminants in the liquid phase of your septic tank.
In addition to baffle walls, your septic tank has inlet and outlet tees. These tees extend above the septic tank and into the water, allowing hydraulic pressure to push wastewater through these tees into your drain field each time you flush your toilet or run water in your home. If these tees are damaged, the solids in the sludge and scum layers will make their way into your drain field. This will quickly clog the absorption field and reduce its efficiency.
If you suspect septic tank damage, it is important to call a professional right away. Doing so will prevent further damage and help you avoid costly repair or replacement bills. The cost of septic tank repair will vary based on the type and severity of the damage, as well as how big your tank is and what kind of components are in it. Repairs to septic tanks can range from simple patching jobs to structural repairs and tank replacement. Your septic tank repair professional will be able to recommend the best course of action for your situation.