Septic Tank Pump Out Perth is a regular service that keeps your home’s drain system working as it should. It can help prevent foul odors, and it can even add value to your property.
When solids begin to build up in the tank, they’ll enter the absorption field and clog it. This can cause wastewater to back up into the home or sewage to flow on the ground.
When you have a septic system installed, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance. Neglecting to have your septic tank pumped can lead to sewage backups into your home, which is not only unpleasant but also poses a health risk. Regular septic tank pumping helps extend the life of your system by reducing the amount of solid waste that builds up in the tank.
There are many things that affect how often you need to have your septic tank pumped. The size of your tank, the number of people living in your household and your use habits will all impact how much septic waste is produced. As a general rule, you should have your septic tank pumped out every five years if it has one or two people in the house and every three years if it has more than that.
Once you’ve decided to get your septic tank pumped, make sure you choose the right company. You can find reputable companies by asking friends and neighbors for recommendations or by searching online. Choosing the right company can save you money in the long run. They’ll have the equipment and experience needed to do the job properly.
The cost of septic tank pumping can vary depending on the tank size, location, and how full the tank is. Larger tanks take longer to pump and can be more expensive. In addition, if the tank is hard to reach, it will be more costly than one that’s easier to access.
You’ll want to schedule your septic tank pumping during the summer or fall when prices are typically lower. During this time, demand is less and you’ll be able to get your tank pumped faster.
When a professional arrives to pump your septic tank, they’ll first need to locate and uncover the tank. Then they’ll remove the contents of the tank using a vacuum system that can handle a certain volume of waste per hour. They’ll also clean the filters in the tank and inspect the septic system for any damage.
Once the liquid waste leaves the septic tank, it moves through a series of porous pipes into a drain field prepared with gravel and other aggregates. The solid wastes are then dispersed underground where anaerobic bacteria break them down before reaching groundwater supplies.
Finding the Tank
If you have purchased a home from someone else, it is always wise to ask about the location of the septic tank before closing on the sale. The previous owner will likely be able to give you the exact location of the tank on your property or at least a good estimate. If not, you can also create your own map and file it together with your household paperwork for future reference.
The easiest way to find your septic tank is by following the pipes that lead out from the home. Start at the sewer outlet pipe and probe the soil with a metal septic tank probe. As you probe the ground, watch for dips and hills in the terrain. These can indicate that a septic tank is buried in those areas of the yard.
Septic tanks are usually located about five to 25 feet away from the house. You will know that you have found your tank when you hit a hard surface such as flat concrete or polyethylene. If you are having difficulty finding your septic tank, try digging a small hole in the ground at different locations around the yard. Eventually you will be able to locate the area where your tank is buried.
You can also use a drain snake that you would typically use to break up a clog in a toilet or drain. Thread the snake down the sewer pipe line and take note of any turns that it makes along the way. When the snake comes to a stop, it is probably at your septic tank.
Once you have located the tank, be very careful to avoid removing the lid or opening it. Septic tanks contain toxic fumes that can cause burns and even death if inhaled. An opened septic tank also poses a fall danger to anyone who walks on your property.
Instead, if you want to mark the location of your septic tank, do so using a heavy marker that will not blow away in inclement weather. You can also use garden decor or a heavy plant to mark the spot. Just be sure to keep the mark somewhere safe so that it will be easy to find when you need to have your septic tank pumped.
Cleaning the Tank
The next step is to thoroughly clean the septic tank and its components. This includes removing all liquids and sludge from the inside of the septic tank and septic system. The professionals will also check the septic tank for cracks, leaks and other problems. After they have cleaned the tank, they will distribute a septic cleaning product throughout your septic system to prevent future clogs.
First, the pros will locate and open the septic tank lid. They will use extreme caution when doing this, as the septic tank is 4-5 feet underground and can be dangerous to anyone who steps inside. After they have opened the tank, they will then take a reading of the sludge level. This is important because it tells them when the tank needs to be pumped again. Generally, the experts recommend that you pump the septic tank when the sludge is six inches thick or higher.
Septic tanks have two compartments, and the liquid waste is drained from one side while the solids are drained from the other. To do this, the professionals will stir the contents of the septic tank and mix the sludge with the liquids. Then, they will vacuum the liquids out of the tank and dispose of them properly.
Before the pros start their work, they will make sure that there is nothing blocking access to the tank openings. For example, if there is a large tree or bush over the manhole, the pros will need to cut it down or trim it back. If there are weeds near the tank, they will need to remove them. It is also a good idea to mark the location of your tank and its components so that you know where it is when it comes time for maintenance.
To help keep your septic system running smoothly, it is recommended that you avoid flushing any waste other than toilet paper and human waste. Other items that can clog your septic system include wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, tampons, paints and other flammable materials. You can also reduce the amount of waste your septic system receives by using less water, fixing any leaky pipes, spreading out laundry loads throughout the week and parking lighter vehicles on the grass rather than in the driveway.
Repairing the Tank
If your septic tank is clogged or damaged, you may need to have the pump and piping repaired or replaced. It’s a good idea to hire a professional septic technician who has the equipment and know-how to get the job done. This will ensure that the clogs in the tank and lines don’t affect your home plumbing and prevent sewage from overflowing into the drain field.
Septic tanks are buried in the ground beneath your home and connected to the plumbing throughout the house through a series of porous pipes. Liquid waste flows into the septic tank and the solids sink to the bottom of the tank, where they break down under the action of anaerobic bacteria. The septic system also includes a T-shaped outlet that prevents sludge and scum from traveling out through the drain field. If the sludge level is within six inches of the top of the outlet, or if more than 25% of the liquid depth of your tank is sludge and scum, it’s time to have your septic tank pumped.
Some signs of a septic system that’s overdue for a pump out include slow-draining fixtures and a sickly odor. The odor comes from the septage being trapped in the septic system, which isn’t pleasant for anyone to breathe in.
Another sign of a septic tank that needs to be pumped is the drainfield is saturated or soggy. The septic tank’s sludge and scum layer keeps water from flowing away from the tank, so if it gets full, sewage will back up into the drainfield and your house.
While the septic tank is being pumped, someone will stand nearby and use a tool called a muck rake to help break up any scum and sludge that has formed on surfaces inside the tank. This helps the waste move more quickly through the pumping process. The service provider will also check the septic tank and the surrounding septic system for damage, leaks and other problems. They’ll note what they find in their service report for you so that you can make any necessary repairs soon.