Septic Tank Pump Out Perth is a great solution for waste disposal, but it requires regular pumping. Pumping your tank helps reduce sewage odors, extends system lifespan, and prevents costly clogs.
Signs of an overdue septic tank pump include wastewater draining slower than usual or sewer backups. A professional can use a truck with a large tank and a giant suction hose to empty the septic tank and its contents.
Septic systems work by separating the different kinds of matter that go down drains, including wastewater from showers, dishwashers, and laundry machines, as well as solid waste from toilets. The septic tank is a large container in the ground that holds the separated waste until it can be broken down further in the drain field. Its heavy lid keeps dirt and animals out of the tank.
Pumping costs include the cost of the equipment and labor. This can be as low as $250 for smaller tanks and up to $1,000 or more for larger septic tank sizes.
The frequency of pumping depends on household size and tank usage. Households with more people flush the toilets more frequently and use the dishwasher and laundry more regularly, which can cause the septic tank to fill up faster. It is recommended that septic tanks be pumped every 3 to 5 years.
It is also a good idea to have the tank pumped just before hosting an event like a wedding or backyard barbeque where many guests use the bathroom, showers, and kitchen sinks. This prevents the massive volume of wastewater from overwhelming the septic tank and drain field, which could lead to pre-mature field malfunction or, worse, sewage backup into the home.
There are products on the market that claim to extend the time between septic tank pumping. However, these products can be counterproductive by disrupting the primordial ecosystem of bacteria and fungi growing for years in the tank. These chemicals can throw the microbial party out of balance and prevent the waste in the tank from decomposing properly.
If your septic system becomes clogged, a professional can inspect it to determine the cause of the problem and provide you with options for cleaning it. These methods can be as simple as using a chemical cleaner or more involved, such as hydro jetting, where pressurized water is directed into the pipes to dislodge and clear the blockage. It is always best to leave these more complicated problems to professionals trained in septic tank and drain field repair.
Septic tanks aren’t visible, so it’s not uncommon for homeowners to forget about them. However, a homeowner can take steps to help their septic system last longer and avoid the need for expensive repair or replacement costs.
The best way to do this is to have an inspector periodically check the septic tank and the absorption field. The inspection will reveal any areas of concern and can help a homeowner decide when a septic tank pump out is needed.
First, the inspector will look for the septic tank location. This is often an easy task because the “as-built” drawing left over from the permit process should contain the septic tank’s location. If the drawing isn’t available, the inspector can probe a suspected area with a metal rod. The rod should be used gently and only in soft, wet soil to avoid damaging the tank and pipes. If the tank is closed, a metal detector may be helpful, too.
Another important inspection item is determining when the septic tank was last pumped. A septic tank is usually pumped every 3 to 5 years. If the tank isn’t pumped, the septic system could be experiencing a sewage backup. This is a serious health hazard that requires immediate attention.
Once the septic tank is full, the wastewater is sent to an absorption field where bacteria and other organisms in the soil process it. The resulting water is then percolated downward and outward into groundwater. A septic tank that fails to treat the wastewater properly can lead to contaminated well water and other problems.
The septic tank absorption field should be kept free of plants that grow deeply into the soil. These plants can choke out the percolation and cause a clog. Additionally, the septic tank absorption field should be far from wells and streams. The septic tank should also be kept far from vehicles and other large objects that could impact its operation. Lastly, the septic tank should be far from any water treatment plant. A septic tank that is too close can be overwhelmed and send excess water into the treated water plant, which is not good for the system or the environment.
During a septic tank pump out, the septic tank technician will inspect the condition of your system for problems that need to be repaired. Some of these repairs are minor, while others can be quite costly. The cost of these repairs depends on the type of septic tank and the extent of the repair needed.
The septic tank pump moves the waste from your home into the drain field. If the septic tank pump fails, sewage will flow back into your home, which can cause major damage and costly cleanup. One of the best ways to avoid expensive septic tank pump-out repairs is to have an alarm installed. This device works by wiring the septic tank float switch to an alarm panel. The sensor in the septic tank will detect when the sewage level is rising and trigger the alarm, alerting you to the problem before it becomes serious.
A clogged inlet baffle from the septic tank to the home is another common problem that can be expensive. The septic tank professional will likely be able to unclog the inlet baffle without needing to replace it, though this is an option if the septic tank technician feels it is required. It is possible to prevent clogged inlet baffles by only flushing human waste and toilet paper and having the septic system inspected annually.
Overflowing septic tanks are one of the most costly septic tank repairs. Typically, this indicates that the tank is too full and needs to be pumped out. However, it could also be a sign that the tank has cracked or leaking walls, requiring extensive and expensive repairs.
Leaking septic tank lines are another expensive problem to repair. These lines connect the septic tank to the drainage system in your home and must be made of a durable material like PVC plastic or ABS, cast iron, or concrete. A leak in this line will not only result in sewage backing up into your home, but it can also lead to groundwater contamination and health hazards.
The septic tank and drain field on any property where a septic system is installed must be properly maintained for the septic system to work well. The best way to do this is to get on a regular schedule of pumping and inspections. These services are more cost-effective than trying to fix problems after they occur.
A septic tank is a large container underground that holds household sewage. It includes a lid to keep animals, dirt, and debris out. There are holes in the bottom that allow liquid to leach into the absorption field, but solid material can’t enter. A home’s drains, toilets, and sinks connect to the septic tank through pipes. When the tank fills with waste, odor-causing gases can escape through these connections into the home.
If a homeowner notices odors, it’s time to get the septic tank pumped. Odors coming from drains or toilets indicate that the septic tank is full and needs to be emptied. The smell can also indicate a clog in the septic tank ventilation system that traps these gasses.
Septic tank professionals have special equipment to clean the inside of a septic tank. It is a messy job, but it must be done to prevent leaks and other issues. The professional will take a sample of the sludge and scum levels and record them for future reference. A septic tank may need to be pumped if the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom and the scum level is above 25% of the total liquid depth.
Performing routine maintenance can extend the life of a septic tank and system. A septic tank can last 50 years or more, depending on its construction and how often it is pumped. A septic tank that is used heavily will require more frequent pumping than one that is rarely used. For example, a home with many bathrooms and regular dishwasher cycles will need the septic tank pumped more frequently than a home with fewer bathrooms and few dishes to wash.
