Septic Tank Pump Out Perth experts recommend regular inspections and frequent pump-outs to keep your septic system functioning properly. It’s also important to avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, such as wipes and feminine hygiene products.
Practice water conservation and direct surface waters away from the drain field to avoid oversaturation and system failure. Performing these steps can help you save money and maintain your septic tank’s functionality for years to come.
How It Works
All the wastewater that flows from your home after showering, washing dishes, using the toilet, and other activities goes into a septic system. This is a large underground tank that manages all household waste not served by the municipal sewer system. A septic tank holds wastewater until solids settle and sludge decomposes, then the liquid drains into an absorption field or leach field where it percolates back into the soil. This system is more environmentally friendly than a city sewer system because it does not pollute groundwater. A septic system also helps prevent disease-causing bacteria from entering local water supplies.
A septic system has an inlet and outlet baffle that regulate the flow of waste into and out of the tank. An inlet baffle prevents too much waste from entering the tank at one time, giving solids a chance to settle. The outlet baffle stops solids from entering the septic tank’s leach field lines and clogging them. The baffles should be kept in good condition to extend the life of your septic system.
Most septic tanks are made of concrete or steel, which are durable materials that last for years. However, a septic tank can become damaged if it’s abused or not regularly maintained. Some warning signs that your septic tank or system is failing include foul odors, sewage or ponding water near the septic system, slow-draining sinks and toilets, and gurgling noises when flushing toilets.
Generally, septic systems should not be used to dispose of hazardous materials or chemicals. Chemicals that reach a septic tank can poison the beneficial microorganisms that work to break down solid waste and help the septic tank function properly. This can result in a toxic build-up of sludge and cause wastewater to back up into the house.
Avoid driving vehicles or heavy equipment over the septic tank and absorption field. Doing so can compact the soil around the tank, which reduces the amount of air needed for treatment. It is also a safety risk, as a septic tank can collapse and even leak into the groundwater supply. Likewise, do not site pools or other structures over the septic tank or absorption field.
Pumping
The most important thing you can do for your septic tank is to have it pumped regularly. This may be every two to five years depending on the size of your tank, how many people live in your home, and what you put down your drains. If you don’t pump your septic tank enough, solid waste will build up and enter the soil around your house. This can lead to sewage backups and pollute groundwater.
Your septic tank is a buried, water-tight container made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It holds wastewater long enough for the settling process to occur. Solid matter sinks to the bottom, forming sludge, while oil and grease floats to the top as scum. Over time, bacteria break down these solids into a liquid form that exits your home as filtered wastewater.
Ideally, you will know when your septic tank needs to be pumped by the signs it gives you. If you notice gurgling in your toilets, a sewer backup, a wet spot in your yard, or foul odors, you should have your septic tank inspected.
While it may seem like a hassle to have your septic tank pumped, you will save money in the long run. In addition, if you have the tank pumped and maintained, your septic system will last longer and you will avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
Before you have your septic tank pumped, get to know its location. Ask your septic service provider to help you locate it and draw a diagram or sketch of it and its surrounding area. This will help you find your drainfield in the future if you ever need to dig up and replace it.
Remember to never lean over or stand on a septic tank lid. You could fall into it and be seriously injured or even killed. You also should not plant trees, shrubs, or other plants over the drainfield. These roots can clog the absorption field and harm your environment. Also, make sure that downspouts and irrigation sprinklers are not directed into the drainfield area.
Inspection
More than one in five households rely on septic systems rather than municipal sewers. These onsite waste disposal systems treat all household wastewater, including toilet, bath, and kitchen waste. They include a tank that collects and separates solid waste from liquid, which then moves to a drain field for further treatment in the soil. Ideally, your septic system should be inspected and pumped every two to three years. A septic system expert can inspect, measure tank layers, and recommend an appropriate pumping schedule for your home.
You can help maintain your septic system by being mindful of what you flush down the toilet. Only human waste and toilet paper should be disposed of this way, and you should never flush cat litter, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, condoms, diapers, washcloths or towels (even the ‘flushable’ varieties), grease, oils, medicines, dental floss or chemicals.
Your septic system should also be inspected for leaks and the presence of baffles. The baffles restrain and redirect incoming and outgoing wastewater inside the septic tank, so they must remain intact to avoid clogs and backups. Your septic system professional may be able to check for baffle damage during a routine pumping service, or you can ask them to perform a leak inspection as well.
When you have a septic system, make sure that you keep a record of all work performed on it. This will come in handy if you need to sell your home, or if a problem occurs.
If you have a hard time locating your septic tank, a septic system professional can use ground-penetrating radar to pinpoint its location underground. This will help you avoid damaging your septic system by digging into it or accidentally driving over it with a vehicle or heavy equipment. You should also avoid building structures over your septic system, and you should not plant trees or shrubs near it. These plants’ roots can grow into septic pipes and cause clogs. Finally, you should practice water conservation by fixing leaky fixtures and installing low-water usage appliances and devices. Excessive water usage can overload the septic system and lead to a drain field failure.
Maintenance
Septic systems are a popular alternative to connecting to city sewer systems in homes where it isn’t possible or cost-effective. While the system can be complicated, proper maintenance can make it last for years. However, a lack of regular cleanings and inspections can lead to costly repairs. Having a well-functioning and properly maintained septic system can save homeowners money on sewage bills, and prevent property contamination that could result in serious illness.
A septic tank collects wastewater from toilets, sinks, and garbage disposals and sends it to a buried drain field. As solid waste settles, bacteria break it down into sludge and scum. The sludge sinks to the bottom of the tank while the scum floats on top. Solids need to be pumped out regularly for the septic tank to function properly.
Clogged and overflowing septic tanks are dangerous to property owners and their families because they leak hazardous sewage into the environment. The contaminated waste can also seep into groundwater, which could make people sick. In addition to contaminating the property, this sewage waste can contain harmful pathogens that may cause serious diseases and conditions. Adhering to a septic system maintenance routine can prevent these problems by ensuring that the septic tank is emptied on schedule and that the drain field is inspected for any signs of leaking or clogging.
It is a good idea to map out the location of the septic tank and system components on your property or mark them with permanent stakes. This can help you avoid damaging your septic system during yard work or construction projects, and will also give you an easy way to identify problems like unusual odors.
A septic tank is usually located in the backyard, but can sometimes be found under the driveway or even in the front yard. Regardless of where it is located, the tank should not be covered with trees or other vegetation that will prevent it from being inspected. Similarly, the drain field should be protected from vehicles and structures that might compact the soil and block wastewater flow.