To figure out the schedule for having your septic tank emptied, multiply the number of people in your household by 90 (this is the average number of gallons of water used each day), then divide the capacity of your septic tank by that number to arrive at how many days it takes to fill the tank.
There are four main components to a modern septic system: the tank, the drain lines, the drainfield, and the soil. Although they are all dependent on one another, each performs a specific role and must be properly maintained for efficient functioning.
If your septic tank is constantly filled to within a foot of the top, it may be time to consider replacement. Cleaning it out is only a temporary fix and, besides delaying the inevitable, more serious problems could arise.
The waste found inside your septic tank is loaded with harmful bacteria, germs, and pollutants that can cause serious illnesses. Experts can handle the cleaning for you so you and your family can stay safe and free from harmful waste.
Septic tank cleaning is an integral component of overall maintenance. Not only does it ensure that everything’s fine with the system but it also helps you keep your family healthy by reducing the risks of diseases related to septic waste.
After your septic tank is cleaned, you may want to ask the person doing the work to perform an inspection as well to make sure that there are no clogs, cracks, leaks or any other damage that may cause problems in the future.
How is a septic tank cleaned? This job is handled by a septic cleaning company and is done with the use of a vacuum tanker truck. The process typically involves snaking a large diameter hose to the tank and suctioning the sludge into the truck's storage tank.
Periodic inspection and cleaning of your septic tank will ensure that it always works as it should. As such, it should be part and parcel of the upkeep of your home and not just something to attend to when problems arise.
Among the things that should never be flushed into a septic system are: cat litter, diapers (cloth and disposable), dryer sheets, dirt, last night’s stew, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, and a host of other materials. They will either clog the system or interfere with its natural decomposing processes.
If you have faucets that drip or toilet tanks that leak, you will need your septic system pumped more frequently. These seemingly minor problems add to daily water usage and contribute to more rapid filling of the tank.
If you're buying a home that's not connected to a municipal sewer system, you're going to want to ask the seller about the location of septic tank.
It takes a lot of skill and manpower to clean out a septic tank, which is why it’s best to leave the job to experts who have both the expertise and the equipment necessary to achieve the results you want.
Drain lines from the home to the septic tank can become clogged by waste material, roots, or from partial or complete collapse. Having a trained septic technician inspect the system is the most effective method of identifying the problem.
Unlike a septic tank, whose function is to separate waste from effluent before it is discharged into the leach field, a holding tank only stores sewage. As such, they need to be pumped out more frequently.
How does a septic tank work? When you flush the toilet or turn on a faucet, the wastewater and any solids it contains flows down the drain and into the tank. The solids then fall to the bottom while the liquid component flows through the tank and empties into a drain field.
For added protection to your drain field, as well as providing peace of mind, your septic system may benefit by installing a filter to the outlet tee in the system in order to reduce the amount of suspended solids leaving the tank.
Baffles on septic tanks are designed to prevent clogging of inlet and outlet liquid. If the original installation was improper or, as in the case of steel tanks, the baffles have rusted, consider replacing the damaged baffles with septic tee pipes made from plastic.
Septic tanks have at least two chambers that work in unison to separate sewage from effluent before sending it to a leach field. If you notice an odor coming from the leach field, there is a problem somewhere in the system.
If your septic tank is due for cleaning, you should also take the opportunity to have the system inspected thoroughly. Leaks in particular, should be dealt with immediately as they may cause dangerous pathogens to enter the environment.
If you have faucets that drip or toilet tanks that leak, you will need your septic system pumped more frequently. These seemingly minor problems add to daily water usage and contribute to more rapid filling of the tank.
When properly maintained, a septic tank can last for fifty years. One way to keep it in good working order, besides regular service, is to ensure the access point is above grade to prevent the infiltration of dirt, debris and water.
NOW HIRING! - P&P Septic Service is looking to hire a new service technician to add to their growing staff. Duties include jetting, augering, pipe locating, camera inspections, sewer and septic inspections. This is a full time position with full benefits, paid vacation, holidays, sick time, 401k, competitive hourly wage w/ plenty of overtime available. Experience is preferred but we are willing to train a motivated applicant. Applicants must be able to perform physical labor including lifting excess of 50+ lbs, must have a positive attitude and must be able to work well with other employees and customers. Serious inquires only, please call 658-6243 or email travis@pandpseptic.com
Among the things that should never be flushed into a septic system are: cat litter, diapers (cloth and disposable), dryer sheets, dirt, last night’s stew, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, and a host of other materials. They will either clog the system or interfere with its natural decomposing processes.
High levels of sewage in the septic tank are an indication that there is a blockage somewhere along the baffles or outlet pipe, the discharge pipe, or the drain field. Each section needs to be tested and serviced in order to clear the clog or block.
Contrary to myth and misunderstanding, the purpose of a septic system is not to dispose of waste materials. Its purpose is to treat contaminated water before it reenters the water system. If a system malfunctions, it cannot perform the job for which it was designed.
If the septic tank is suspect, whether due to age or capacity, you should have it pumped out before and after periods of heavy use to both avoid a backup and to restore the system to more manageable levels.
Be careful using anti-bacterial soaps and detergents in your daily routines. Their chemical makeup destroys the bacteria in your septic system that helps to breakdown waste materials. Using regular soap and rubbing thoroughly will do the trick and not inhibit the septic system.
