Septic tank services include inspections, septic system pumping and drain field cleaning. Regular pumping reduces the risk of solid waste overflow into the septic tank’s distribution box and soil absorption field.
The septic tank removes solids from household wastewater before it enters the drainfield, where microbes in the soil treat it. The tank should be inspected and pumped every three to five years. Click the Septic Tank Services Near Me to learn more.
Septic tanks and their drain fields are difficult to inspect without a professional. Most standard home inspections do not include this specialized, underground part of the system. When you are selling your home, having the septic tank pumped at the same time as the inspection is a great way to save money on two services and ensure a smooth transition for the new owner.
A septic system is complex and has many parts that must work together in order to function properly. If any of these components break down, the whole system can become compromised. A qualified septic inspector examines the inlet, outlet, baffles, lids, and other structural features of your septic system to determine how well it is functioning and recommend any necessary repairs or maintenance.
Before an actual septic tank inspection begins, the technician must first gather information. This stage of the inspection involves gathering information on the history of your septic system based on installation and maintenance records. This gives the inspector clues about how the system is operating now and how it might fail in the future.
Once the information has been gathered, the inspector locates the septic tank. This is usually done by finding the manhole cover or inspection port and digging down to uncover it. During this process, the inspector should also look for signs of leakage or damage to the tank and its baffles.
Next, the inspector will measure the thickness of the scum layer and the depth of the sludge layer in the tank. Ideally, the scum and sludge layers should be equal in depth and each account for about 30% of the tank’s volume. This helps prevent the sludge and scum from flowing into the drain field where it can cause clogging and failure of the leach field.
The inspector should not enter the tank itself as it is extremely dirty and dangerous. If the inspector is unable to reach the top of the scum layer, they will measure its thickness using a stick pushed into the scum mat. They will also check for cracks in the tank walls and any signs of leakage around the inlet or outlet pipes.
Septic Tank Cleaning
If your septic tank smells bad or the drainfield becomes swampy, that’s a sure sign that it’s time for cleaning. This is one of the most important preventative services homeowners can invest in, and it’s cheaper to spend money on routine maintenance now than paying for a major repair later.
During the cleaning process, the professional removes all of the waste that has built up in the tank. Using special tools, they break up scum and solids into smaller particles that can be easily removed with the pumping truck. They also clean out baffles that protect the septic system from solids entering the drainfield. In addition, they check for proper function and make necessary repairs.
Septic tanks can clog for many reasons, including too much solid materials, garbage disposal waste, dangerous chemical cleaners, and more. Regular septic tank cleanings eliminate these types of problems and prevent inconvenient and expensive clogs.
Professionals recommend scheduling septic tank pumping every three to five years, depending on household size and water use. This prevents the septic tank from becoming overflowing and reduces odor, as well as protecting the environment by minimizing sewage contamination.
Another reason to schedule septic tank cleaning is to keep your property value high. If a home’s septic tank is not properly maintained, it can cause significant damage to the surrounding soil and water sources. It’s also a health risk for the residents of the home and poses a threat to public drinking water.
Many people try to save money by doing septic tank maintenance themselves, but this is not recommended. Not only does this put your family’s health at risk, but it can be a huge waste of money. It’s expensive to buy or rent the equipment needed for septic tank maintenance, and it can be dangerous if you don’t have the right experience. Professional septic tank maintenance companies have the expertise, safety training, and proper equipment to do the job correctly. They can also provide you with a schedule tailored to your specific household needs and budget.
Drainfield Cleaning
Wastewater from your toilets (blackwater) and sinks, showers, tubs, washing machines, and dishwashers (greywater) goes into a pipe that leads to the septic tank. Solid waste in the wastewater forms a layer of sludge. Oils and grease float to the top of the tank and form another layer called scum. Anaerobic bacteria in the septic tank break down these solids and allow liquids to separate from them. The filtered liquids then go out to your septic drain field or absorption field through perforated pipes. The drain field allows the sewage to seep into the soil and water courses, where it is treated by microbes.
Over time, your septic system’s drain field can become overloaded with waste and clogged with sludge and biomat. You can help prevent problems with your septic tank by scheduling regular pump-outs. It’s also a good idea to limit how many people use the system at one time and by not flushing anything but toilet paper, water, and human waste. You can also keep your septic system healthy by mowing the grass above your drain field and keeping trees and other plants away from it to prevent root infiltration.
A clogged drain field can lead to expensive plumbing and sewer system backups. It’s best to contact a professional for drain field cleaning, also known as leach field rejuvenation, as soon as you suspect a problem. During this process, a trained technician will inspect your drain field for clogs, infiltration, and damage, then clear and repair them.
Some common signs of a clogged drain field include water pooling around the edges of your yard, unpleasant odors in the area above and around the septic tank, or a slow-flushing toilet. Other symptoms can include the emergence of a fungus on your septic tank’s walls and floor, and a wet or soggy spot over the drain field area.
Professionals can clean your septic tanks and drain fields using techniques like jetting and mechanical aeration. They can also install clean-outs and vents to improve flow within the drain field, helping to prevent clogs. They can also install Terralift, a patented system that restores the soil in your drain field to prevent premature septic system failure.
Repairs
One of the most common issues homeowners run into is when their septic tank needs to be pumped. This can cause sewage to back up into the house and spread throughout the yard, leaving contaminated groundwater and surface water behind. A septic system is responsible for disposing of all the wastewater from your home and is an important component of keeping bacteria, viruses, and other microbes out of groundwater and surface water. This means it is a very important and complicated system that cannot be ignored, and should be taken care of regularly to avoid serious problems.
During a septic service appointment, professionals can tell you if your tank is overfull. They will measure the level of sludge and scum in your septic tank and look at the drainfield absorption area to see if it is working well. If they find that the septic tank or drainfield are in trouble, it may be best to get them repaired right away.
A septic tank that is full of sludge or scum will not break down household and human waste as quickly. This will lead to clogs in your pipes and a less effective drainfield absorption area. It also leaves your home at risk for a sewage backup into sinks and toilets.
If you are not sure your septic tank is clogged, a professional will check the tank by lifting the lid and examining the inside. Depending on how far your septic system reaches into the absorption area, they will determine the cause of the problem and make repairs.
Leakage is another big concern. Septic tanks can leak at the bottom, sides, or top. If the leak is at the bottom of the tank, it may be due to cracks in the concrete base that holds the septic tank. Leaks can also occur at the point where pipes enter and exit the septic tank, at manhole covers over inspection chambers in the yard, or at any other point on your property.
If you are noticing puddles in the yard, sewage backing up into your toilets or drains, or if terrible odors are present in your home, it is time to hire a professional for a septic tank inspection and repair. The sooner you do this, the better for your home and for your family’s health.