Do I have to empty my Septic Tank?
It is recommended that property owners should pump their septic tanks on a regular basis to keep them functioning properly. A regular basis is every 3 - 5 years get your septic tank emptied. ( this will depend on the size of the tank and amount of wastewater produced by the household).
If you choose to leave it longer, more sludge will build up at the bottom of the tank and the whole process of emptying a septic tank can be timely and expensive.
Understanding a Septic Tank System
A septic tank is a large underground tank that’s capable of holding hundreds of gallons of waste water. The most common tanks are 3000 lt and consist of a cylindrical tank approximately 2m long with two concrete lids, with wires for lifting, covering most of the length of the tank. The septic tank is connected to the house via the plumbing main line. All waste water in the home, which drains from sinks, toilets, showers and bathtubs, feeds into the septic tank via this line.
When the waste water enters the septic tank, it separates into three layers: solids at the bottom (sludge), water in the middle, and fats and oils at the top (scum). Bacteria that lives in the tank helps to break down the sludge, turning it into a liquid.
Near the top of the septic tank is a pipe that leads to a part of the yard called the drain field. When the waste water in the septic tank reaches this pipe, the water flows into the drain field and is filtered through the soil. The soil cleans the water, preventing contamination of ground water in the area.
What can happen if I dont empty Septic Tank?
If the tank is not pumped, the solids will build up in the tank and the holding capacity of the tank will be diminished. Eventually, the solids will reach the pipe that feeds into the drain field, causing a clog.
When the drain field pipe becomes clogged, homeowners may see a variety of symptoms including:
- Smell of sewage in the yard
- Swampy areas over the drain field
- Bright green, healthy grass over the drain field
- Waste water backing up into the house.
- Lowest drains in the house become slower
Why Should You Contact a Septic Tank Professional?
Some homeowners have a hard time deciding how often their septic tank needs to be pumped. Septic Pumping SA help homeowners decide when their tank needs to be pumped and what their pumping schedule should be. We can answer your questions about your septic tank to help you keep it in proper working condition. To find out more, contact us Septic Pumping SA today on 0411302025.
