Septic tank cleaning and pumping are essential processes that occur on a regular basis for anyone with a septic tank. In many locations across the country septic systems are regulated by local health departments and the services that they provide are listed on their websites. Many people assume that they can self-clean their septic system on an occasional basis, when in fact this is not the case. The parts of an average septic tank that are used most frequently are the inlet drain field, the drainage fields, the drain field itself, the sump pit, and the pump. All of these areas need to be kept free of debris and solid matter to prevent the back-up of organic solids into the main drain field and the clogging of the float switches in your septic system.
Most septic systems should be cleaned at least once per year, although some require cleaning even more frequently. Even an ounce of oil can add up quickly over time and an ounce of sludge can be the source of toxic contamination that could be harmful to both your family and the environment. A typical septic tank serving an everyday family is filled within about three years, although alternative septic systems contain pumps, electronic components and hydraulic machinery that need periodic inspection.
In order to ensure the proper maintenance of your septic tank, you will need to learn how to properly care for it on a timely basis. Septic tanks aren’t like typical outdoor garbage disposals where you can just throw away your trash and never worry about it. In septic tank cleaning and pumping, attention to details is very important. Here are some tips that will help you maintain the healthiness of your septic tank.
If your septic system has not been pumped in a while it is time to pump it. Pumps can also help get old or dying waste materials out of your tank so they don’t cause any health problems for your family. Pumping your septic tank should typically be done in the late spring or early summer. Pumping it before this time period can actually cause longer term problems with your sewage system.
It is recommended that you should do your septic tank cleaning every six months. This is because bacteria that break down solid waste grow more rapidly in warm water and can quickly spread out of control. The best way to get this bacteria under control is by pumping your tank. If you fail to do your septic tank cleaning on a regular basis it is possible to cause a significant health threat to yourself, your family and your pets. When you take action and make sure that you pump your system each six months, it becomes easier to keep the bacteria in check.
Before doing your septic tank cleaning it is important to know where your Leach field and sewage pipes are located. Knowing where your pipes are located and how they connect to your septic tank will make it much easier to determine what needs to be cleaned. If you have your system connected to your kitchen sink you should locate your plumbing before doing your Leach field mapping. Your location will allow you to properly address any issues that may arise as you are cleaning your sewage system.
Another important factor to remember when you are doing your septic tank cleaning is that you should always use the proper tools to do the job properly. You should never handle your septic system with anything less than a strong, well-oiled rag. You should never use any plastic tools when you are performing your septic tank cleaning. Make sure that you are prepared for any surprises that may come while you are performing your septic system repairs. Pumping your system should always be the first priority when you are doing your septic system repairs.
The last thing that you need to be aware of when you are cleaning your septic tank cleaning is that you should never pump your sewage system without having the proper tools on hand. A pump is only as good as the care and maintenance that you give it. A septic pump only has so much life in it, and you want to make sure that you are using the proper amount of pumping fluid when you are performing your septic tank cleaning. Proper maintenance is also very important, still have questions? Click here.
