In recent times, people had a septic system installed in their houses. The sewage and wastewater drain pipes lead to an underground septic tank. There, naturally developed microorganisms treat them by digesting and breaking them down. Thus, the underground septic tank needs pumping and cleaning regularly. One with a septic tank must be aware of the cost of pumping and cleaning tanks. If not cleaned regularly, then the awful smell will cause problems for the people.
How does the septic tank work?
The wastewater and sewage collect in the tank. After breaking down, it separates into three layers. The solid layer called sludge settles in the bottom. The oil and grease float at the top, forming a layer called scum. In between the solid sludge and floating scum layer, there is a liquid called effluent. The effluent drains out of the tank into a shallow drain field through a T-shaped outlet pipe. The shape of the pipe prevents scum and sludge from the entrance.
Why is Septic tank pumping needed?
One needs to clean the septic tank every 3 to 5 years. It will keep the tanks of good quality and prevent clogs. If the tanks get clogged, there is a chance of slow drainage or sewage back up in the house. The right time for septic tank pumping is when the sludge covers more than one-third of the tank volume. In this case, the sludge reaches up to the T-shaped outlet. One of the fatal things that can happen due to not pumping the tank regularly is leakage of methane or hydrogen gas in the house via sewage pipes. The foul smell of water in the yard will also create problems. The microorganism cannot work correctly and efficiently in a full tank. One primary reason for the overfilling of the tank can be the imbalance of the microorganism’s ecosystem.
Factors affecting Septic tank pumping
• Large house
A large household generates more volume of wastewater and sewage. If the tank cannot accumulate and treat the waste in the given period, then there are more chances of sludge remaining in the tank. If a large amount of solid garbage gets disposed of, it will be difficult for microorganisms to break down all of it, which again leads to more sludge. It will overfill the tank fast and need pumping more frequently than usual.
• Improper tank size
If the tank size is insufficient for handling all the wastewater and sewage, then the tank will fill easily and need septic tank pumping very frequently. Thus, it is significant to choose a tank of a suitable size.
• Moving or electric parts in the tank
Tanks are available in the market with some moving or electric parts. These tanks tend to need more pumping than the traditional ones.
• Unusual saturation of groundwater
The tanks are situated underground. Thus, factors like flooding can affect them. These situations disbalance the groundwater saturation eventually, affecting the tanks.
How to reduce septic tank pumping value?
The septic tanks need pumping every 3 to 5 years. The cost can be a burden on the pocket of many people. So, here are a few things to keep in mind to cut the value of Septic tank pumping.
• Keep your solid garbage away from the sewage that will reach the tanks. Minimize the food items disposal into drains or avoid using drains like garbage disposers. Solids build up fast, which leads to pumping.
• Prevent extra wastage of water or install water-saving devices. It will reduce water going down the drain. Do small batches of laundry to decrease the load on the tank and microbes.
• Do not flush harsh chemicals like paints, gasoline, or medicines that can kill the potential microorganisms. Chemical cleaners and soaps can also harm them, causing imbalance. Choose environmentally friendly cleaners to clean your home and drain. The imbalance in microorganisms can lead to overfilling the tank frequently.
• Do not flush things, such as plastics, oil, diapers, pads, or towels. Never flush toilet paper as microorganisms cannot break them down and kill them. It will build up sludge and thus clog drains.
• Avoid planting trees covering the drain field as the roots can damage the laterals. Use grass and peat for covering.