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Why Septic Tank Cleaning Is Important
If you use a septic system, you need to have your tank pumped regularly. Having the tank pumped helps to keep it in good condition and prevents it from malfunctioning or failing altogether. For professional help, contact Septic Tank Cleaning Perth.
Some people use products that are meant to prolong the time between septic tank pumpings. However, these products can throw the primordial ecosystem of your septic tank off balance and disrupt the breaking down of waste.
Ideally, septic systems allow wastewater to percolate into soil for absorption. However, this process can be compromised when solids accumulate in the tank or in the pipes that lead from the septic system. Clogged drains, toilets and absorption fields create unpleasant odors and put extra strain on the septic system, increasing the likelihood of system failure. Regular septic tank cleaning can help prevent these problems.
As sewage flows through the septic tank, lighter solids float to the top as scum and heavier materials sink and compile into sludge. During septic tank cleaning, the sludge layer is removed to leave room for more wastewater. Solids that overflow into the absorption field can clog pipes and damage the soil’s natural filtering ability, leading to costly repairs.
If you suspect a clog, it’s important to contact a professional immediately. The septic tank may be full, and the clog could cause a dangerous spill of sewage or toxic gases into your home. A plumber will check for a high level of sludge, inspect the drain field for clogs and leaks and use a camera to identify the source of the clog. Attempting to clear a clog yourself can destroy the healthy bacteria in your septic system and damage your pipes.
A septic tank technician can recommend a maintenance schedule that works for your family’s plumbing and septic system. The schedule should include a time frame for when you should have the tank pumped out and a list of items that can be safely flushed down your drains.
Avoid flushing non-degradable products, such as wipes (even those labeled “flushable”), sanitary products and paper towels. It’s also a good idea to limit garbage disposal use and plant trees and shrubs carefully around the septic system to avoid root invasion.
Grease is another common culprit of septic tank clogs and pipe blockages. Pouring hot water down a drain is unlikely to dislodge grease, but you can try mixing baking soda and vinegar to dissolve a minor clog. Harsh chemical drain cleaners should be avoided, as they can disrupt the delicate ecosystem within your septic tank and damage the drain field.
Prevents Stagnant Liquids from Polluting Groundwater
When your tank isn’t cleaned, solid wastes can make their way into the absorption field and contaminate groundwater. This puts you and your family at risk for disease, since contaminated water can back up into sinks, showers and toilets. It also can clog drains, damage tile, linoleum and wood flooring. Septic tank cleanings prevent these issues and ensure that your system is working efficiently.
Your septic tank retains most of the suspended and settled solids—the sludge and scum—from wastewater. These solids get absorbed by bacteria in the tank, then move on to additional treatment or disposal in a soil-absorption field. If a septic tank gets too full, however, it may be forced to eject the sludge into the absorption field, where it can clog and contaminate groundwater. Septic tank cleanings allow the bacteria to digest and remove the solids, making more room for wastewater.
Another issue with a filled septic tank is the unpleasant waste-odor that accompanies it. This odor can linger in your house, as well as your yard and surrounding soil. It can also be a health hazard for pets and children who spend time near the yard or house. Routine cleanings prevent odors and prevent the spread of diseases associated with contaminated waste.
A septic system requires more than just a tank. A comprehensive septic service includes inspecting all of the components of the septic system, including the drain field and surrounding areas. A professional can identify the most likely problems and repair them before they become serious, saving you money on expensive repairs.
Keep your septic tank as clean as possible to prolong the periods between pumpings. To do this, avoid flushing anything that shouldn’t go in your toilets (coffee grounds, paper towels, tampons, sanitary napkins and disposable diapers). Fix any leaking or dripping pipes to prevent excessive water entering the septic system. And limit your use of the garbage disposal, which adds a load of suspended solids to wastewater and uses up extra water.
Prevents Damage to the Drain Field
As the waste in your septic tank moves through the microbial ecosystem, lighter solids will rise to the surface as scum and heavier particles will sink and collect as sludge. This separation keeps the solids from clogging pipes and straining the soil’s natural ability to absorb wastewater. However, as these layers build up over time, they can limit the amount of space available for new wastewater. When this occurs, the septic system will overload and the sludge can carry over into the drain field. This causes a number of problems.
Wastewater backflow into your home or yard can damage wood, tile and linoleum, and it also creates unpleasant odors. It can even carry harmful bacteria like Leptospirosis and Hepatitis. Moreover, it’s an environmental hazard and a health risk for you and your family. Regular septic tank cleaning prevents the accumulation of solids and sludge that can lead to a clogged system.
During a septic tank cleaning, professionals use larger and more efficient equipment than what you might have at home to empty the entire contents of your septic tank. They also clean and flush the manhole, pump station and other parts of your septic system to remove debris. This comprehensive service gives them the opportunity to check the condition of your tank and identify any physical issues before they become serious septic tank failures.
In addition to cleaning the septic tank itself, technicians can also offer helpful advice for improving your system’s functionality. For example, they can explain how avoiding chemical drain openers and other harsh chemicals can keep the microbial ecosystem intact and promote better septic tank function. They can also give you tips on reducing the amount of fats, oils and grease that enter your system.
Getting your septic tank pumped on a regular basis is essential for preventing costly repairs and clogged drain fields. In fact, a properly-functioning septic system can significantly raise your property value. For this reason, homeowners should make septic tank cleaning part of their routine maintenance schedule. When you’re ready to have your septic tank cleaned, contact us for fast, friendly and efficient service.
Prevents Damage to Your Home
A septic system is a big investment, so it’s important to protect your home by scheduling regular septic tank cleanings. This will help to prevent costly repairs and keep your septic system working efficiently. Without regular maintenance, you may experience clogs, septic tank failure, or drain field damage that could cost thousands of dollars to repair.
Aside from being a major headache, septic tank failure can put your family’s health at risk. The sewage that backs up into your home can contain dangerous bacteria and other germs that can cause infections and lead to illness. This is why it’s so important to have a professional clean your septic tank regularly and take the necessary precautions when pumping out waste.
Septic tank cleaning also helps to prevent future blockages in your drainpipes. The high-powered steam that professionals use can break down any solids that may be in the drainpipes, so they won’t be able to enter your home and cause further problems.
If you decide to sell your home in the future, a properly maintained septic system can add value to your property. In contrast, a septic system that needs repairs or has a failing tank can detract from your home’s value. Having a septic tank cleaning service performed annually will ensure that your septic system is in good condition and will be ready to go when it comes time to sell.
Although a septic tank is the main component of your septic system, the drain field on your property is just as important. Signs that your septic system isn’t functioning correctly can include slow drainage, gurgling noises, and sewage odors. Septic tank cleaning can also prevent the drain field from becoming saturated with water and flooded, which can cause the system to fail and leave your property in need of repairs.
Although it is possible to empty a septic tank on your own, it’s a much safer and more convenient option to have a professional handle it. Not only will the professional have the right equipment to drain your tank quickly, but they’ll also know how to dispose of the waste and avoid contamination of the environment.