Septic tanks are tanks that are connected to the plumbing system of a house. They're frequently employed in rural locations where public sewer lines haven't been established or aren't functioning. If you have a septic tank, make sure to have it pumped on a regular basis to keep it clean. Here's all you need to know about maintaining the cleanliness of your tank.
WHY SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR SEPTIC TANK?
The used water and trash are delivered to your septic tank when you flush a toilet, take a shower, or run the washing machine in your home. The septic tank is constructed in such a way that liquids, such as water, can flow out of it and into a drain field. However, waste settles to the bottom of the tank and stays there.
As the waste decomposes, it transforms into a slimy or sludge-like substance. Pumping the tank eliminates the sludge, preventing it from filling up to the point where it can no longer function or overflowing into your yard.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CLEAN A SEPTIC TANK BY YOURSELF?
Technically, you can clean your own septic tank. Professionals, on the other hand, do not advise you to do so. Cleaning a septic tank is a difficult and time-consuming task. You risk damaging your tank, inappropriately disposing of trash, or failing to remove all of the waste from the tank if you do it poorly.
For a variety of reasons, you should engage a professional to clean your septic tank. A professional can find and uncover your tank quickly and easily. A professional will have the necessary equipment to correctly pump your tank. A professional also has the skills and training to properly remove and dispose of all of the trash from your tank.
WHEN IS IT TIME TO CLEAN YOUR SEPTIC TANK?
Watch out for these surefire signs that it’s time to clean your septic tank;
- Smelling Odors
The presence of foul-smelling odors is the first sign that it's time to pump your septic tank. Septic tanks, happily, work to decrease the stink of any form of human or organic waste. The foul-smelling vapors from inside your septic tank will enter the air as it approaches full capacity, becoming more noticeable over time.
Other difficulties, such as leaks or cracks in your septic tank, can be indicated by odors. When your septic tank hits capacity, it's critical to contact a waste management professional to inspect it for any obvious issues and assist with septic system pumping.
- Sewage Backups
If your septic tank is overflowing, sewage can easily back up into your home or company, resulting in substantial, costly, and often irreparable damage. Sewage backups are something you don't want to happen in your home or business, so keep an eye out for any indicators of backed-up sewage or solid waste at the lowest drain levels.
- Slowed Drainage
Sinks and tubs usually drain fast, although delayed draining isn't a big deal in most cases. When a septic tank is full, however, drainage might become significantly sluggish, signaling the need to pump your septic tank. Observe the flow of water in your building and time the drainage to see if it's particularly slow or perhaps completely stagnant. When drainage times slow or cease entirely, make an appointment for high-quality septic tank cleaning services.
- Pooling water
When pooling water emerges on your property, you'll know it's time to clean your septic tank. Hopefully, your tank never fills up to the point where it causes substantial damage to your property, soil, and, in the worst-case scenario, your home or company.
Pooling water around drain fields is a classic sign of a septic tank that has overflowed. After a rainstorm, if pooling water levels are much greater than typical, your septic tank is most likely full and in need of cleaning.
- Issues Flushing
When difficulties emerge when attempting to flush your toilet or drain sinks and tubs, you should consider scheduling a septic tank cleaning. You can tell if your septic tank needs to be inspected and cleaned by how difficult it is to flush it and how much water it gurgles.
Septic tanks will need to be cleaned at some time, but homeowners can take steps to reduce their impact on pipes and septic systems. For example, garbage receptacles or dumpsters. Read more about what make your flushing drains slowly and how to prevent it.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM
Maintenance of a septic system does not have to be difficult or costly. There are four main components to upkeep:
- Inspect and Pump Frequently
- Use Water Efficiently
- Properly Dispose of Waste
- Maintain Your Drainfield