Septic Tank Cleaning Perth is essential to the proper function of your wastewater treatment system. Without it, sludge and scum layers build up inside the tank, and those compounds can enter the drain field.

A septic tank cleaning involves pumping the waste out of the tank and then a process called flushing. It is a multistep process that helps prevent issues and saves homeowners money.

Septic tank sludge is a slimy, odor-filled material that settles at the bottom of the septic tank. Over time, sludge can build up and reduce the amount of space in the tank for liquid waste to pass through to the drain field. Eventually, the septic tank will become full of solid waste and may overflow into the yard. It’s important to have septic tanks pumped regularly so that the sludge doesn’t get too deep.

Generally, a septic tank should be pumped when the sludge layer is at least a third of the total depth of the tank. Often, septic tank service professionals will recommend that homeowners have their septic tanks pumped every two to three years. Septic tank sludge depth can be tested using a stick designed for this purpose. These sticks are typically white and have marks on them to indicate the sludge level. A professional can push the stick into septic tank sludge to test sludge depth.

A septic tank’s sludge is composed of human waste, food waste, paper products, and other organic materials. Some of these materials will break down and sink to the bottom of the tank, while others will float in the water at the top of the septic tank. Liquids will pass from the septic tank to the drain field, but the remaining solid waste will be stored in the sludge.

If a homeowner is concerned that their septic tank is too full, a septic service technician can come out and perform septic stirring to help break up the sludge solids. During the process, the technician will remove the septic tank lid and lower a vacuum hose into the tank to pump out the waste. The technician will then replace the lid and clean out any dirty septic tank accessories, such as the baffle filter on the outlet side of the septic tank.

To keep septic tank sludge levels down between cleanings, homeowners can use bacterial additives that boost the levels of aerobic bacteria in the septic tank. These bacteria break down the solid wastes in the tank and reduce sludge levels. Additionally, homeowners can minimize the amount of solids that enter their septic systems by only flushing appropriate items down the toilet and avoiding non-septic-safe waste such as wipes, pet poop, oily cooking grease, or latex paints.

Clogs

Clogs can be a major problem for a septic tank, causing waste to back up into your home’s drains. They also interfere with the normal functioning of your septic system and can lead to costly septic repairs. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to remove minor clogs without calling in a professional.

Try boiling water – Pouring hot water steadily down a clogged drain can dislodge debris and restore proper flow. You can also use a household plunger, but be sure to use it with care; you don’t want to damage your pipes.

Avoid chemical drain cleaners – Pouring commercial drain cleaner down your drains may help with a temporary clog, but it can also kill off the bacteria that keep your septic system working properly. If you must use chemical cleaners, they should be specifically designed for septic systems.

Don’t pour grease down your drains – Grease clogs are especially troublesome for septic tanks because it cools and hardens as it goes down the drain, catching other debris that floats by until it forms a thick, sticky blockage. Instead, pour a cup of white vinegar or baking soda down the drain followed by a few cups of boiling water. The reaction of these two substances can often break up and dissolve grease clogs.

Be patient – Chemicals that eat away at clogs can take time to work, so be persistent. If you haven’t seen results in a few days, repeat the process.

If a home remedy doesn’t work, call a professional

It’s important to keep your septic tank pumped and cleaned regularly. But if you notice signs of a clogged septic tank or leach field, like slow drains, gurgling noises, or foul odors, it’s time to call in a professional for septic tank cleaning. A professional can use a camera to see what’s causing the clog and determine whether your tank is full or if it needs to be drained. They can also add environmentally safe heavy-duty cleaners to your septic system to eliminate even the most stubborn clogs. They can also advise you on how to prevent clogs in the future by using the right kind of toilet paper, water and other products.

Odors

Odors from a septic tank that are strong enough to be noticeable inside your home are not only unpleasant, but they can also signify that it is time to have the tank pumped. While there are some DIY steps you can take to reduce septic tank odors, it is generally best to work with a professional.

The smell is caused by a buildup of solid waste in the septic tank that hasn’t been pumped in a long period of time. Odors are usually more noticeable during the summer when the tank is full.

A septic system that isn’t cleaned regularly poses a risk to the surrounding water and soil. It can also cause costly damage to the plumbing systems in your home. The most obvious signs of a septic tank that needs cleaning include foul odors, gurgles from drains and slow sewage flow.

Septic tanks rely on microbes to break down the waste solids in the tank. To keep these microbes healthy, the pH level in the septic tank must be kept at between 6.8 and 7.6. If the pH level becomes too acidic, a hydrogen sulfide gas that smells like rotten eggs can develop.

Keeping your septic tank on a schedule of cleaning and inspections can help to prevent these problems. A good rule of thumb is to have the septic tank pumped and inspected every two or three years.

One way to help address septic tank odors is to add a cup of baking soda to your toilet or sink drains once a week. This helps to neutralize the odors and maintain the proper pH level for the microbes in the septic tank.

It is also important to avoid putting non-organic waste into the septic tank. Wipes, cigarette butts, condoms, trash and other non-organic material can all cause clogs that lead to odors in the house. Similarly, avoid pouring fats, oils, coffee grounds, cleaning products and paints down the drains. These materials disrupt the bacterial breakdown process that breaks down the waste. Finally, repair leaking and broken toilets immediately to limit water use that can overload the septic tank.

Safety

Septic systems have the ability to separate solid waste particles from wastewater. Lighter waste particles like oils and grease float to the top as scum while heavier particles sink to the bottom and collect as sludge. Bacteria inside the tank do their best to break down these solids so that liquids can drain away freely.

Without routine septic tank inspection and cleaning, these solid materials can build up over time. As a result, they can block the flow of wastewater into the drain field and cause septic system failure. This is why septic tanks should be pumped out on a regular basis.

Clogged septic tank systems may also cause wastewater to back up into the home. This is especially problematic if the homeowner has an in-ground plumbing system that connects to the septic system. To prevent clogged septic systems and backups, homeowners should avoid flushing items that aren’t biodegradable, including feminine hygiene products, wipes, diapers, facial tissue, cigarette butts, and cooking oil.

If you are a homeowner with a septic system, you should hire a professional to inspect, clean and pump your tank. These tasks are very hazardous to do on your own. They require specialized equipment and training that many people don’t have. Furthermore, septic systems contain dangerous pathogens and gases, such as methane and hydrogen sulfide. These chemicals can cause severe illness or even death if inhaled.

Performing septic tank inspections, maintenance and repairs is dangerous and should be left to professionals who are trained in these tasks. In addition, a septic tank has the potential to collapse if the ground surrounding it is unstable. This can be extremely dangerous for anyone near the septic tank when it occurs.

When performing septic tank maintenance and inspections, it’s important to wear proper protective gear to avoid exposure to the contaminated water. You should also sanitize any tools you use that have come into contact with the sewage. Additionally, it’s vital to keep pets and children away from the septic tank area as well. If you do encounter sewage, you should wash your hands immediately with disinfectant and thoroughly rinse any exposed areas of the body.