Septic Tank Cleaning Perth ensures that your septic tank can properly receive wastewater and solid waste. It also prevents contamination of the soil and local water supplies.

You may need to search around your backyard to find the access point for your septic tank. It can help to follow your sewer pipe outside and mark the location of the septic tank to make it easier to locate in the future.

While clogged drains are a common household problem, they can become serious when they affect your septic system. A clogged septic tank can lead to sewage backups into the home, which are extremely unpleasant and dangerous. The best way to avoid such a problem is by having your septic tank cleaned regularly.

When wastewater enters the septic tank, lighter solids float to the top as scum while heavier solids sink and form the sludge layer. This separation keeps solids from entering the absorption field and drain lines, which would clog them. However, if you flush too much toilet paper or illegally flush items such as paint, antibiotics, and chemicals that kill bacteria, this layer can thin and these solids will carry over into the absorption field.

Grease, fats, and oils can also cause clogs. When these substances pour down the drain, they cool and adhere to the sides of the septic tank and pipes that lead to and from it. This buildup can restrict the flow of wastewater and lead to a tank or line failure.

Another common septic tank problem is when the inlet baffle to the tank becomes clogged. This can be caused by the flushing of facial tissues, wet wipes, and paper towels. These materials can cause the inlet baffle to fail, leading to a sewage spill into the house. This is another reason to avoid these types of items and only flush human waste, toilet paper, and kitchen grease down the drain.

Old and damaged pipes that lead to and from the septic tank can also restrict flow and cause clogs. If you notice gurgling sounds, slow drains, and foul odors, it’s time to have your septic tank cleaned.

Clogged septic systems require professional septic tank cleaning services, which include opening and closing all access points, inspecting the septic tank for cracks or leaks, and cleaning the tank interior and all parts of the distribution system. The technician will also clean the inlet and outlet tees, replace any filters, and flush out the absorption field if necessary to restore full functionality.

Odor

When you smell sewage in your home, it’s a sign that your septic system needs cleaning. This means there may be a leak or crack in the tank, a backup in your house or leach field, or the tank is full and overflowing with sludge. A septic tank professional can check the condition of your tank and determine what needs to be done.

Keeping the lids to your septic tank closed can prevent bad odors. However, you should still avoid pouring anything non-organic down your drains, including coffee grounds, fats, paints, chemicals, and cleaning products. These items disrupt the microbes inside your septic tank that break down waste solids. Instead, add a cup of baking soda to your toilets and sinks once a week. This will help correct the pH level within your septic tank and maintain a healthy environment for microbes.

Another cause of septic tank odors is the buildup of anaerobic bacteria inside your tank. These bacteria can survive without oxygen, releasing methane gas and producing a foul odor. Keeping the lids closed and avoiding flushing items that will be stored in the tank for a long time will prevent this from happening.

A clogged toilet or drain can also contribute to the septic tank odor. It’s important to keep the float and plunger in the toilet up, as well as a working drain trap. You should also make sure the vent stack is clear of leaves, debris, and other obstructions. The vent stack is responsible for sending odors out to the outside, so if it’s not functioning properly, you’ll need to call your septic tank service to inspect it.

Septic tank cleaning is a more comprehensive service than pumping, and it helps reset your septic system. During this process, the professional will use a high-pressure water jet to thoroughly clean out the septic tank. This includes removing the compacted sludge at the bottom of the tank, which is a significant source of odor. Some articles and people suggest using septic additives to reduce odor, but these have not been independently researched for effectiveness and can upset the natural activity in your septic tank.

Health

Many homeowners understand that their septic system needs regular maintenance, but they may not be clear about the specific services required. The most common septic tank maintenance services are pumping and cleaning. Both processes remove liquids and floating waste from the septic tank, but cleaning goes a step further by removing all solid waste in the tank. This is an important difference as it helps to reset the septic tank and reduce the likelihood of future problems.

Septic systems that don’t receive regular maintenance often fail to function correctly. As a result, sewage can back up into homes and businesses. This can cause significant damage that can be costly to repair. In addition, septic tank failure can lead to groundwater contamination. This can happen when bacteria and viruses leak into the soil surrounding the drain field. This can contaminate drinking water supplies and recreational surface waters.

One of the most common signs that a septic tank is failing is the presence of strong sewer gas or the rotten egg smell in a home. In addition, you may notice spongy, bright green areas in the yard near your septic tank or drainfield. These areas may be covered with wastewater, indicating that the septic system is overflowing and is unable to absorb more waste.

In addition to septic tank malfunctions, other problems can arise when a septic system isn’t maintained. For example, septic systems that don’t receive regular cleaning can develop clogs in sink and tub drains. In addition, septic tanks that aren’t emptied regularly can develop thick layers of sludge on the bottom.

The sludge in a septic tank is composed of a variety of hazardous materials including viruses, bacteria, parasitic worms, and fungi. It also contains a high amount of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), which can deplete the oxygen in surrounding waters, suffocate fish, and reduce overall water quality.

In addition to sludge, septic tanks contain volatile organic compounds (VOC) such as formaldehyde and phenols. These chemicals are dangerous to human health and can be inhaled or ingested. Inhalation of VOCs can also trigger sinus infections and other respiratory problems. In addition to VOCs, septic tanks can also emit methane and hydrogen sulfide gas. Hydrogen sulfide is a potent gas that can cause eye irritation and nose and throat inflammation. Septic tank fumes can also carry airborne bacteria that can lead to sinus infections, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.

Home Value

A clean and working septic tank can boost your home’s value. When you’re ready to sell, buyers will be more interested in a property with a properly maintained septic system. Septic tank cleanings aren’t fun and may be a little expensive, but they can prevent major problems down the road.

You should have your septic tank pumped every two to five years, depending on the size of your tank and the number of people living in your house. If you go too long between septic tank cleanings, waste can back up into your home’s drain lines and contaminate your water supply.

If you’re not sure how often your septic tank should be pumped, contact a professional to schedule an appointment. They’ll inspect your septic system and recommend a schedule based on the size of your tank, how many people live in your house, and the number of drains.

The average septic tank holds 1,000 gallons, and a family of four needs it pumped about every three and a half years. Keeping up with regular septic tank cleaning prevents sludge buildup, clogged pipes, and broken pumps that can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

When you’re hiring a septic tank cleaning company, be sure to compare prices and services. Make sure they include the price of dumping the septic sludge, which can run anywhere from $10 to $30 per gallon depending on where you live. Some states require septic tank companies to dump sludge into sewage treatment plants, which is better for the environment than putting it on farmland or other sites.

A septic tank pumping can also include other fees like inspection, filter cleaning and replacement, labor costs, and any other service you need to keep your septic system running smoothly. Make sure you choose a trusted, licensed, and insured septic tank cleaning service to avoid overpaying or getting scammed.

While septic tank cleaning isn’t high on most homeowners’ to-do lists, it is a crucial home maintenance task. It’s better to spend money now on a professional septic tank cleaning and prevent expensive damage to your home and health later on.

Matthew Cooke