Septic tanks are a crucial component of on-site wastewater systems. They remove solids from household wastewater before the effluent enters the soil absorption field.
You’ll want to get septic tank services regularly to prevent clogging, system failure, and bad odors. These septic tank services are: inspection, pumping, and cleaning. Click the Septic Tank Services Near Me to learn more.
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When homeowners think about plumbing maintenance, they often focus on their drains and pipes. But the septic tank handles just as much waste—and it’s equally important to keep it functioning properly. In fact, if left untreated, the system can overflow and cause expensive problems. A septic tank inspection helps identify issues before they become serious.
A septic tank inspection includes an initial assessment of the overall condition of the system and the septic tank itself. It begins with locating the tank, which may require digging to expose an underground septic tank. It also involves determining whether the tank is full or overfull. Overfull tanks can indicate that the effluent pipe isn’t flowing down into the drain field as it should.
During this part of the inspection, a technician will measure the liquid level of the septic tank and determine if it is within range. If the tank is too full, this can lead to system overloads that reduce efficiency. Similarly, an overfull tank can cause wastewater to leak into the surrounding soil, which can result in costly damage to the environment and the yard.
The septic tank itself is examined for signs of deterioration or structural damage. This might include rust, corrosion, cracks, or a structural failure like a hole in the tank. The condition of the septic tank baffles is also evaluated, as well as the condition of the distribution box and the inlet and outlet pipes.
Finally, the inspector will note whether any odors are escaping from the septic tank. This is usually a sign of a leakage or a broken pump. It’s also possible that a clogged filter has restricted the flow of wastewater, which can also cause system failure.
After the septic tank is located, the technician will open the access lid and dig a small hole to expose the interior of the septic tank. This will help the septic tank cleaning specialist locate the sludge and scum accumulation levels, which will determine whether the tank needs to be pumped.
It’s essential to remember that a septic tank inspection isn’t the same as a home inspection. Septic tanks are dangerous and unsafe for anyone to enter, so only a trained professional should do so.
Pumping
The septic tank removes solid waste by a process of bacterial digestion and trapping the rest in sludge. The liquid waste then passes to the drain field through a piping system. Solids that remain in the tank can build up and cause clogs in the pipes leading from your house or, if they leak into the drain field, can cause wastewater backups. Routine septic tank pumping eliminates these problems by preventing the sludge from reaching the drain field and minimizing the frequency of clogs in the pipes.
A septic tank typically needs to be pumped every three to four years, but this depends on the size of the household and how much wastewater enters the system. Signs that the tank is overdue for pumping include slow drains, foul odors in the home and yard, and pooling water around the septic system.
Having the tank emptied regularly helps prevent the sludge from entering the leach field, which can damage the soil and water quality. This also protects the sewage treatment system and reduces environmental contamination. If you live in an area with strict environmental regulations, failing to have your septic tank pumped can lead to fines and restrictions on property use.
Regular septic tank maintenance can help you avoid the high costs of repairs and replacement. In addition, a well-maintained septic system can add to the value of your home or commercial property, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
During a septic tank service, a technician will vacuum out the liquid and some of the sludge from the tank using a truck with a large-capacity tank. Then, the technician will check the inlet and outlet ports for signs of cracks, wear, or damage and inspect the baffles for proper installation and condition.
A properly installed and maintained septic system can save you thousands of dollars in wastewater costs over the life of the system. However, a septic tank that is overdue for pumping may require costly repairs to the system and the pipes between the septic tank and the home. Moreover, an unusable septic system will detract from the value of your property and may even be a safety risk.
Cleaning
As waste from household pipes drains into the septic tank, it separates into three layers: solids settle at the bottom of the tank (sludge), liquids stay in the middle, and fats, oils, and grease float to the top. Cleaning a home’s septic tank removes these contaminates from the system to prevent blockages and improve the system’s overall functionality.
Having a reliable septic cleaning company on hand reduces risk and increases the longevity of a homeowner’s septic system. Regular septic tank cleanings can also help prevent expensive repairs or replacements and keep the local ecosystem healthy.
When a septic tank service professional arrives at a property, the first step is to locate the septic tank. The location may be obvious, or the septic tank might have been moved from its original location due to landscaping or changes to the property. In these cases, a technician can consult the homeowner’s records to determine where the septic tank is located.
A septic tank service expert will then begin the cleaning process. This involves removing all of the waste and liquids from the tank using large, high-powered equipment. The specialist may also inspect the septic tank for physical damage, including cracks and leaks. The expert may also check for signs of damage in the septic tank baffles and outlets. The technician will also look for water draining back into the septic tank from the drain field or pump, which can indicate problems with the septic system’s connections and the drainfield itself.
Once the septic tank is clean, the service specialist will refill it with fresh water and flush the system. The expert will then re-inspect the septic tank for physical damage and recommend any necessary repairs. To extend the lifespan of a septic system, homeowners should avoid disposing of non-biodegradable or hazardous materials down the drain, use septic-safe products, and keep heavy vehicles off of the drain field to prevent soil compaction. To minimize septic tank maintenance costs, septic systems should be pumped and cleaned at least once every three to five years.
Repairs
Keeping a septic tank in good working condition requires regular maintenance visits from service professionals. These include inspections, cleaning and pumping. In addition, system components like baffles, aerators and venting should be checked for wear and damage. Keeping up with the routine prevents problems from arising and can extend the lifespan of your septic system.
A septic tank that is not pumped regularly can fill up to the point where solids and liquids start to back up into the drainfield, which can lead to a septic system failure. If the septic tank reaches this stage, it can cause environmental contamination and require costly replacement of the entire septic system. Fortunately, septic tanks are designed to last for decades with proper care and routine maintenance.
Over time, the baffles in a septic tank can become diseased and affect the waste separation process. A diseased baffle can allow solids to flow into the drainfield, leading to clogging and eventual system failure. Replacing septic tank baffles is an inexpensive repair that can save you money in the long run.
Septic tank aerators and motors can also wear out over time, especially in aerobic systems. A worn out aerator or motor can allow solids into the tank, which is not desirable for your system. A septic tank aerator and motor can be replaced by service professionals in most cases.
It is important to keep your septic system in good working condition by conserving water and using less hazardous chemicals. Repair dripping faucets and toilets, avoid long showers and use detergents sparingly to reduce the amount of wastewater entering your system. Divert roof drains and surface water away from the septic system, and make sure to keep yard equipment and vehicles away from system components.
The septic system is one of the most complex parts of your home, but maintaining your septic tank and drainfield can reduce health risks and prevent expensive repairs. Contact service professionals for inspections, cleaning and pumping every three years, and use water efficiently to protect your property and the environment. To learn more about septic tank services, contact the experts at Dawes Septic and Repair, serving Ulster, Orange and Dutchess counties since 1952.