Regular Septic Tank Pumping Prevents Unpleasant Backwater
For a homeowner there is almost nothing worse than the failure of the Septic tank. The sewage can accumulate in the shower or flow into the garden and create an odor that even your neighbours can smell. Fortunately, regular septic tank pumping by a reliable service provider like Pro-Plumbers' experts can easily prevent these problems.
Slow drainage, unpleasant odors or gurgling noises can be first signs of a septic tank failure. It could be that a pipe begins to clog, your drain field fails, there are too many solids in your septic tank, or your lift pump is failing. Diagnosing and treating these problems is a difficult and even dangerous job for an amateur - more than one enthusiastic homeowner trying to repair their septic system has been overwhelmed by methane gases.
It is best to have each problem checked immediately by a specialist so that no further damage occurs. Our experienced septic tank cleaning technicians can pump out your tank, determine the cause of your problem and recommend a solution if necessary.
How often do septic tanks need to be pumped out?
On average the septic tank of a house must be pumped out every 3 years, but this depends on the tank size and household size. A small septic tank with many users may have to be cleaned more than once a year, a large tank with few users may go 20 years without cleaning (although we would not recommend this as other potential problems such as grease, tree roots or septic filter failure can be prevented by regular maintenance).
If you are unsure about your tank size or the date of your last cleaning, call us to make an appointment. Our trucks are equipped with an extra-long hose to protect your lawn while we pump out your tank. Planning a good maintenance schedule of your septic system will ensure the proper working condition of your drainage field and septic tank.
Where does the waste from your Septic Tank go?
While the city's sewer systems direct the wastewater to central drainage facilities, a septic tank must be designed separately for each house. The capacity depends largely on the size of the house, as the septic tank must collect any type of wastewater.
It flows into the tank, which is usually buried in the ground near your home. Then, ideally, the water layer is led through drainpipes or a drainage field where it can seep into the soil.
Initially, however, the wastewater is discharged into your septic tank, where it is naturally divided into 3 different components:
- Solids, that quickly reach the bottom of the Septic Tank, forming a sludge-like slurry
- Liquids, which remain in the middle of the tank - these consist mainly of water
- Fats and oils, that float to the surface with other small deposits to form a layer of scum
The liquids account for approx. 90 % of the total capacity of your tank. Excessive water consumption can therefore have a significant negative effect on the function of your septic tank over time and make more frequent pumping necessary. This is the only way to ensure optimum operation in the long term.
The sludge layer requires regular pumping of your Septic Tank, as even the strongest bacteria cannot completely decompose the organic material. If the maintenance or cleaning interval is too long, this sludge can flow back into the pipes and seep through the leach field. This can lead to an extremely unpleasant odor and even cause the pipes in your home or total failure of your septic tank.
Septic Tank Service - What you should be aware of
- A septic tank should usually be pumped out and cleaned every 1 to 3 years for proper operation. If maintenance is not carried out, it may be necessary to reinstall the tank instead of cleaning it. This can cost from $6,000 to over $10,000.
- Check if you have a garbage disposal to ensure that your septic tank can handle this type of waste.
- Ask your local health authority before using commercial tank additives as they can be harmful if used in the wrong system.
- Use only high-efficiency water-consuming equipment in your home to keep the amount of wastewater as low as possible.
- Use mild detergents to prevent damage to your septic system.
- Document every repair, inspection, approval, and septic tank service so you have maintenance records at hand for government agencies or when selling your business or house.
- Only plant grass near and above your Septic Tank as roots of bushes and trees can easily clog and damage the system.
- Do not throw waste into your Septic system that does not belong inside, e.g. hygiene items, diapers, condoms, cotton cloths, paper towels, pesticides, paint or other hazardous materials or liquids.
- Do not park vehicles over the septic tank as this may lead to damage of the system components.
Who is Septic Tank Pumping Services for?
- Homeowners
- Business owners
- Congregations
- Remote industrial buildings
Pro Plumbers will put you in touch with experts in septic tank cleaning and strive to provide you with a reliable, timely, affordable and professional service.
