Regular septic tank cleaning is vital to avoid a variety of potential problems which may arise from an overflowing tank. Below, ill share some of the more common indicators of an unhealthy septic tank which may indicate it’s time to clean. If you see that your toilets are slower to flush or your sink is taking much longer than usual to drain, or there are seemingly no obvious obstruction to the drainage, it might be an indication that it’s time to clean.
In addition to being sure that your plumbing system is working correctly, septic tank cleaning is also very important to make sure bacteria don’t build up and infect surrounding areas. Septic tanks are simply anaerobic environments where bacteria thrive. As the area around a septic tank becomes dry and hard, these bacteria to break down waste into simple substances which they then flush out through toilets or drains. Should waste not be properly flushed, septic tanks may clog, which causes sewage back-ups or other major issues.
One of the easiest indicators that your tank is about to break down is when you see black sludge or scum coming out of the bottom of your toilet or sink. Black sludge and scum are solid materials which have come off your sewage system in large pieces. To inspect for these signs, put a flashlight next to your toilet and flush it to reveal any sign of black sludge or scum. If you find it, do not immediately assume that it has caused a problem with your septic tank cleaning because this is often the case. Sometimes, it’s simply the result of too much scum production.
To properly perform septic tank cleaning, a professional should be hired to do the job. Cleaning can be quite messy, so you should ensure that any materials, including ladders or brushes, that you use are not actually harmful to your property. Before cleaning your tank, you should test it to make sure there is no solid blockage in it.
After testing it, start your septic tank cleaning process by emptying the garbage container located beneath it and filling it up to the brim with clean water. Then, you should empty the contents of your bowl or toilet onto the ground or another appropriate surface. It is best if you fill up to a full point, but never more than a half-point. Then, you should begin lifting and moving the contents of the bowl or toilet to loosen the clog. You should try to keep all objects, including wires and pipes, from getting caught between the walls. Be sure to keep washing soap away from the drain lines as well as any plumbing fixtures or pipes.
While cleaning your tank, make sure to check for signs of septic tank cleaning problems such as dark or cloudy water, heavy water or liquid dripping from the bottom, and solid waste being pumped into the drain pipe. You should also see signs of any sort of solid waste being left behind in the bowl or toilet. In some cases, the solid waste will have already filled the bottom of the container before it spills out onto the ground. If this is the case, you should remove and dispose of the waste immediately.
After you have performed your septic tank cleaning process, you should check the drainage pipe to see if the sludge has drained into it. If not, you should take measures to clear away the solid waste before it becomes too late. Some homeowners who live in older residential sewage systems may find it necessary to have their sewage lines filled or repaired. For this reason, you should contact a plumber to help you with any problems you might encounter. Many people choose to call a professional in the first place, if they find that they are unable to fix the problem themselves.
In conclusion, septic tank cleaning can be done by both homeowners and professionals. It is important to remember that the easiest way to cleanse your system is through pumping out any excess water and debris that might be in the pipes. After this is done, you should follow a septic system maintenance routine to avoid future problems.