Septic Tanks: Sanitation, Drainage and Efficient Waste Management
Septic tanks are vital for efficient wastewater management because they ensure that wastewater is promptly and properly treated on-site. Most people are oblivious to the workings of their septic systems, but when the tank becomes full, it can lead to serious problems. To keep things sanitary and avoid any issues with its operation, it’s important to know when your septic tank needs draining and how to do it.
What are Septic Tanks?
Septic tanks are part of the on-site wastewater treatment systems (OSWTS) used in domestic properties. All the wastewater produced by the property flows down through the drainage pipe into the septic tank to be treated. Once the tank is holding the wastewater, it separates the solids from the liquids by drawing them down to the bottom to form a type of sludge, with any oil and grease floating to the top.
Once the tank has successfully broken down all solid waste into drainable sludge, all of the wastewater in the tank can be released into the drainfield soil, where it is then further treated and dispersed. It becomes groundwater and remains below the surface of the property. This system works efficiently to drain, deconstruct, and disperse wastewater and prevent a build-up of sewage, so long as the tank doesn’t become too full.
What Happens When Septic Tanks Become Full?
Septic tanks usually become full when wastewater builds up inside faster than the system can drain it out. This is common in households with multiple people, especially if they often use facilities, such as toilets and showers, at the same time. Any items or chemicals that aren’t supposed to be flushed can also damage the drainage system, cause blockages, and trap waste inside the tank.
If the drainfield on the other end of the septic tank becomes clogged up, it can also cause a backlog of wastewater to get stuck inside the tank. This can cause the sewage to leak outside the property or even push it back up the drainage pipe and into the house! This causes an unsanitary mess that can damage bathroom and kitchen fixtures, as well as create a biohazard that threatens the health of the homeowners.
How Often Do Septic Tanks Need to Be Pumped Out?
To prevent any of these problems from happening, the septic tank must be pumped out. This should happen every three to five years, depending on the number of occupants living on the property and how often the facilities are used. It’s best to err on the side of caution and pump the tank closer to three years than five to prevent any build-up before it happens. However, pumping out the septic tank too often can be unnecessary and expensive work.
The easiest way to tell how often your septic tank needs to be pumped out is to work out how much wastewater your property creates. This is easy if you have a water meter, but if you don’t, you can create an estimate by taking into account how many people live at the property, what appliances you have, and even how often it rains where you live.
Most homes with septic tanks are remote and thus disconnected from public sewer systems. In these locations, it’s best to arrange maintenance during the drier months when the ground won’t be frozen. Once the tank has been pumped out the first time, you should have a better idea of how fast it fills and when you should schedule the next maintenance session.
Can You Pump a Septic Tank Yourself?
You should never try to pump out a septic tank yourself. These sewage systems require professional-grade knowledge, equipment, and labour to fix and maintain. If you attempt to do it yourself and make a mistake, it could cost a lot more money to repair. Improper septic tank pumping can also be hazardous to health, and there may be regulations for digging up the ground around your home. It’s best to hire a professional drainage engineer or septic waste haulier to pump the tank for you.
The Importance of Proper Septic Tank Sanitation
Poor septic tank sanitation can have disastrous effects on a property, its occupants, and even the natural environment. A working OSWTS guarantees quick and sanitary treatment of household wastewater, so long as the tank is maintained and pumped out as necessary. If not, the septic tank will get too full, making it more likely to leak waste outdoors or push it back into the house.
To prevent biohazards, foul odours, property damage, and untreated sewage from contaminating the environment, households with septic tanks must make sanitation their top priority. The most important job is hiring professional services to pump out the tank every few years and keep it in full working order.
