The Ultimate Guide for Septic Tank Maintenance
Septic tank maintenance is something you cannot ignore without dire consequences. Without regular pumping and maintenance, a septic tank can overflow and malfunction. System failure is also a possibility without proper maintenance of a septic tank. Replacing it can be extremely expensive. So, if you have a septic system on your property, it is important to carry out its pumping and maintenance regularly.
Here’s the ultimate guide for septic tank maintenance.
Pumping –
To determine the pumping schedule of your septic tank, you will need to consider factors such as the size of the tank, size of the household, and the usage.
You will need to call a septic tank pumping professional to find out its cleaning schedule. You can call for professional services once a year. They can look inside the tank using their special tools and provide you with a specific answer. Some households can stretch the pumping work to three years. But most households need to schedule it every 1-2 years.
It is important to hire experts for the job rather than tacking it by yourself. Cleaning the septic tank requires handling toxic wastewater safely. It also involves using specialized equipments and gear to perform the pumping task. Improper handling of the septic tank can cause cracks inside it. It can also malfunction with improper handling.
Regular pumping is an important aspect of septic tank maintenance. Failure to do so can cause a septic tank system failure. It can also cause the wastewater and sludge to overflow from the tank and damage your yard. The waste can also seep into the ground and cause contamination in the groundwater.
The cleaning tasks include pumping the waste, washing the tank with water, disinfecting it, and even assessing it for repairs.
Once the tank is pumped, it is cleaned with strong water jets to remove the accumulation of solid wastes. Such debris can clog the pipes in the tank and cause problems with its draining system. Depending on the specific needs, your service provider may add live bacteria to the tank to help break down solids in the wastewater.
Repair –
Experts can also repair minor or major problems inside the tank during the pumping services. They can inspect the tank before or after cleaning it and recommend any repair work if necessary.
If you notice foul smell emanating from the tank before the scheduled pumping then it is best to call the service provider to inspect it. The same applies if you notice sludge or wastewater flowing out of it even when you suspect the tank might not be full yet.
Disposal –
Professional companies also carry out the disposal work of the pumped-out waste from septic tanks. Licensed companies carry out the work as per regulations. The sludge needs to be carried to the dedicated disposal sites in special containers. These measures are taken to avoid the risk of contamination due to exposure to septic waste.
Maintenance –
Some professional septic tank pumping companies offer maintenance services also. You can hire them for annual inspections or as needed. They can send a team to inspect the septic tank at regular intervals. They can measure the level of wastewater inside the tank and prevent the problem of overflow. They will maintain records for the measurements taken every year or so.
If during a year, your household’s overall usage of the tank increases then you might need to pump it sooner than expected. Overall usage means if the size of your family increases or tasks such as laundry, cooking, and baths are more than the usual. It will then increase the level of wastewater inside the tank. With regular maintenance, you won’t need to wonder about potential overflowing issues. You won’t need to even worry about system failure. Professionals can carry our repairs without delay and prevent the replacement of costly parts or the entire system.
If the septic tank on your property has filters then professionals can inspect and clean it too during the scheduled maintenance services. They will also provide you helpful recommendations to keep certain types of wastes away from the garbage disposal and drains to avoid problems with the septic tank.