Everything You Need to Know About Septic Tank Cleaning

Septic tanks are tanks that can be connected to a home's plumbing system. They are often used in rural areas where public sewer lines are not installed or in use. If you have a septic tank, make sure to keep the tank cleaned by having it pumped routinely. Here is everything you need to know about keeping your tank cleaned.

When you flush a toilet in your home, use water to take a shower, or run the washing machine, the used water and waste are transported to your septic tank. The septic tank is designed so that liquid, such as water, can be carried out of the tank to a drain field. But waste sinks to the bottom of the tank and remains.

As the waste begins to breakdown, it turns into a slime or sludge-like material. Pumping the tank removes this sludge material, preventing your tank from getting so full that it cannot function or it overflows into your yard.

Technically, you can clean a septic tank yourself. However, professionals do not recommend that you do so. Cleaning a septic tank is a challenging and laborious process. If done incorrectly, you can damage your tank, improperly dispose of waste, or fail to remove all of the waste from the tank.

You should hire a professional to clean your septic tank for many reasons. A professional can quickly and easily locate your tank and unearth it. A professional has the tools needed to properly pump your tank. A professional also has the knowledge and training to remove all of the waste from your tank and dispose of it properly.

You need to have your septic tank routinely pumped to keep it clean. This may leave you wondering how often your tank needs to be pumped.

Different factors affect the frequency in which your tank needs to be pumped, such as the size of the tank, the size of your home, the number of people living there, the amount of waste your household products, and whether you use enzymes or bacteria in your tank.

A septic tank professional can estimate how frequently your tank should be pumped based on these factors.

In addition to a septic professional providing you with an estimated pumping schedule, your tank may also provide you with signs that the tank is due to be cleaned.

When your tank needs to be pumped, water may begin to drain slowly from your home. You may notice water puddling around your feet in the shower or sink water slowly draining away when doing the dishes.

Another sign that your septic tank needs to be pumped is odors. When your tank is full, odors may be present. These odors may be present in the yard around the tank, or smells can travel through the pipes into your home, and you may smell odors near your drains.

Finally, if your tank is overdue for pumping, your tank may begin to overflow. When this occurs, you will see puddles or pooling water and waste in your yard around the septic tank. Make sure you know where your tank is located so you can keep an eye on any standing water in the area.