Getting your septic tank pumped regularly is essential for properly operating your system.
Weighty waste sinks, and bacterial activity transforms it into sludge, while the liquid wastewater (effluent) rises to the top. Click https://www.septictankarmadale.com.au/ to learn more.
Always have a professional pump in your septic tank. Never enter a septic tank yourself—you may encounter toxic gases or a lack of oxygen.
What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is an underground chamber through which domestic wastewater flows for basic sewage treatment. Solid wastes are separated from the liquid effluent via a settling and anaerobic digestion process. The liquid effluent is discharged into a septic drain field for further soil infiltration and biological purification. Septic tanks are commonly used in rural areas and at homes that don’t have access to municipal sewer systems. Although septic systems are simple and effective for waste removal, they can still cause environmental pollution due to insufficient filtration and leakage affecting groundwater.
A septic system can also be a health risk to your family, so it’s important to understand how the septic system works and what you should do to protect it. If you notice sewage odors from your toilet or sinks, it could be an indicator that the septic tank is full and not working properly. You can prevent this from happening by having the septic tank inspected and pumped regularly. A septic tank professional will use a camera to inspect the septic tank, measure the layers of sludge and scum and record this information for you.
It is essential that you only flush items that can be broken down or dissolved by your household plumbing. Items that shouldn’t be flushed include hair, dental floss, cigarette butts, diaper wipes, napkins and fats or greases. These items can disrupt the bacterial breakdown processes in the septic tank and clog pipes or pumps. It is also recommended that you avoid using garbage disposals or grinders because this can increase the amount of solids that accumulate in the septic tank and absorption field.
The liquid wastewater (referred to as effluent) exits the septic tank through a watertight pipe into the absorption field, which is a series of gravel trenches with perforated pipes that are placed in the soil. The effluent seeps through the perforated pipes and into the gravel where further purification occurs in the soil by microorganisms.
The liquid is then absorbed into the ground, where it becomes a part of the natural groundwater. During the absorption process, methane, carbon dioxide and other gases are released into the air. It’s important that the absorption field is properly sized, constructed and maintained to ensure its proper functioning. If it isn’t, bacteria and other pathogens can escape the absorption field into shallow groundwater and surface water, causing environmental and public health concerns.
How does a septic tank work?
Septic tanks are large, buried containers made of concrete or fiberglass (some newer tanks are polyethylene). Wastewater from toilets, sinks and showers flows into the septic tank through pipes. The septic tank is the first stage of wastewater treatment. It’s a temporary storage container for raw sewage until it’s ready to leave your home.
The septic tank is an anaerobic chamber filled with beneficial bacteria and enzymes. The bacteria and enzymes break down solid waste and turn it into liquid. The liquid waste then leaves the septic tank through the outlet into the absorption area.
As the septic tank fills, low-density stuff like oil and floaty poops rise to the top and are held back by a baffle or weir. Denser stuff, such as sludge and unconsumed food particles, sinks to the bottom of the tank. The resulting clarified wastewater is called effluent. It exits the septic tank through the tank outlet into the absorption field or drainfield.
A properly designed septic system includes a soil absorption field. Often known as the leach field, this is an underground area of gravel-filled trenches or mounds where wastewater trickles through perforated pipes in a layer of gravel and into the soil below. Here the wastewater is further treated by filtration through the soil and aeration through the grass above.
The soil acts as a natural filter and treats the sewage before it returns to the groundwater supply. Occasionally, the soil may need to be replenished with nutrients from other sources.
The best way to help keep your septic tank working properly is to avoid sending any non-organic waste into it. This includes things like kitty litter, chemicals, feminine products, diapers and garbage. Also be careful about what you put in your toilet, as only septic safe toilet paper should be flushed. Any other type could clog the lines and cause a backup. Watch for signs your septic tank is full, including a strong smell of sewage, wet spots on the yard or the drainfield is saturated with water. You should also avoid parking on or driving over the drainfield. This can compact the soil and strain the septic tank.
What should I do if I have a septic tank problem?
A septic tank that is too full can cause sewage to back up into toilets and other drains in your home. You may also notice a foul smell in your house. If you’re experiencing these issues, you should have your septic system inspected and pumped right away.
Normally, bacteria in the septic tank break down waste, releasing gases that are safely vented outside through roof vents and septic system vent pipes. If you smell these gasses in your house, it is a clear sign that the septic tank is overflowing and needs to be pumped.
Over time, tree and shrub roots can encroach on the septic tank and drain field. These root penetrations can create holes and cracks, which can lead to leaks, clogs, and system failure. To prevent this, keep trees and other tall plants a safe distance from your septic system.
A functioning drainage field is essential to a successful septic system. When wastewater seeps into the soil, it provides natural filtration of contaminants and nutrients. If the drainfield fails, wastewater can seep into the groundwater supply or septic tank, leading to system failure. Signs of a failing drainfield include wet or soggy areas in the yard, spongy bright green grass near the tank and/or drainfield, and odors.
Another sign that you’ve got a problem with your septic system is when your toilets and drains are slow to drain. You may also hear gurgling sounds from your toilets. These gurgling noises are caused by air pockets in the lines that are blocking liquids from draining, indicating that your septic tank is full and needs to be pumped.
You can help to prevent septic tank problems by reducing water usage in your house. Fix leaky faucets and toilets, and install low-flow showerheads and toilets. It’s also important to only flush septic-safe items, such as paper towels, napkins, and cleaning products. Lastly, avoid using too much water for washing laundry and dishes. By taking these steps, you can reduce your septic system’s workload and prolong its lifespan. In addition, having your septic system inspected and purged on a regular basis can help to minimize the risk of malfunction.
Why do I need to pump out my septic tank?
Your septic tank is an underground structure that is designed to separate wastewater and waste. During your normal home use, water and waste travel through pipes into the septic tank where it is deposited. The septic tank holds the waste until it is pumped out during periodic maintenance.
Factors like the size of your septic tank, number of people in your household, and what you flush down your drain influence how often it needs to be pumped out. Generally, it is best to keep up with a regular schedule to avoid an overflow of sludge or scum that may damage your drainage system.
One of the most obvious signs that it is time to have your septic tank pumped is when there are sewage backups. A septic system that is overloaded with sewage waste will begin to back up into your plumbing. This could result in a messy and dangerous situation that requires professional intervention.
Another sign of a septic tank that needs to be pumped is when the toilets and drains become slow or clogged. Hygiene products, paint, grease and oil, hair, dental floss, paper towels, cat litter, and bleach can clog your drains and prevent them from properly draining. If you notice these problems, it is a good idea to call your septic tank service professionals to pump your tank.
Regular cleaning and pumping of your septic tank also reduces foul odors in and around your home. This can improve the appearance and value of your property, as well as make the living environment in and around your home more pleasant.
Be sure to locate your septic tank and the surrounding pipes before the septic service professionals arrive at your home. Clear the area so that they have easy access and are able to find the lid of the tank. Also, be sure to have a date in mind of when your last septic tank pumping was. This will help the professionals determine how much sludge and scum they need to remove from the tank. Also, be sure to keep your pets and children away from the septic tank site until the professionals are done with their work.