Septic Tank Pumping And What You Need To Know

Septic systems are one of the most important parts of your home. Approximately one in every four homes in the US has septic systems. Instead of pumping waste to a central sewage processing unit through sewer mains, the septic systems pump solid and liquid waste from the houses through a pipe connected with an underground tank.

The Anatomy of Septic Tank

The septic tank is a watertight container made from concrete, fiberglass, or polythene buried in an area near the ground near the house. It consists of an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe allows the flow of waste from the home’s sewer pipe to the tank, while the outlet pipe allows the flow of the liquid waste to the drain field.

You cannot see the tank, as it has its top places under the soil’s surface. However, a couple of inspection tubes and a manhole cover are visible through which the septic tank pumping companies pump the sludge from the tank.

The Functioning of A Septic Tank

In a conventional septic system, the water carried the waste from the home’s drainage system through a sewer pipe to the septic tank. The wastewater flows due to gravity or is enhanced by an electric pump. The septic tank can hold the wastes for a long, allowing the solids to settle at the bottom and the scum to float at the top.

With the tank reaching its capacity, the liquids lying at the top flow through a series of porous pipes to a drain field prepared with gravel and other aggregates. These pipes help in dispersing the liquid waste. The liquid waste slowly filters down the soil as the bacterial action breaks down the pathogens. When the liquid waste filters down the groundwater supplies, it becomes virtually sterile.

Meanwhile, the anaerobic bacteria break down the solid waste in the tank. The reaction creates a sludgy material that collects at the tank’s bottom. The effective bacterial reaction reduces the solid waste by volume.

When To Pump The Septic Tank?

Experts recommend inspecting septic tanks every two or three months and opt for mechanical pumping every three to five years to empty the tank.

Pumping involves the process of removal of sludge from the bottom of the septic tank. You must call the septic tank pumping companies to pump the sludge before it blocks the outlet pipe. The frequency of pumping the tank depends on several factors, including:

• Size of the household: Larger households generate more waste, filling the septic tank faster.

• The amount of water generated: The amount of water flowing into the tank affects how fast the tank fills up.

• The volume of solids in the wastewater: Households with numerous toilets or withfrequently use garbage disposal, fill up the tank quicker.

• The size of the tank: Larger tanks have more capacity for holding more solid sludge and, therefore, require seldom pumping.

Signs Your Septic Tank Requires Pumping

If you see any enlisted signs, your septic tank requires immediate attention.

The Drains are Taking Longer Than Usual

Check if the drains take longer to move when you flush a toilet or if you have trouble flushing. If you experience similar conditions in all your toilets and sink, it is more than just a clog. Sluggish drains are one of the earlier indicators of a septic issue. You can eventually try using a septic-friendly drain cleaner. However, if it fails to give fruitful results, your septic tank requires an expert’s intervention.

Foul Odors From Your Yard

If you noticed any foul odor, it might be coming from the yard, especially from the drain field. You might get the smell of sewage water. If the smell persists, it might be that your septic tank requires emptying immediately.

Gurgling Water

Gurgling water is a warning sign of sewage backup. If you hear any gurgling water sounds from your pipes, it might indicate that your septic tank requires emptying.

You need to consider several things when you have concerns regarding septic tanks. Understanding the anatomy, the functioning, and the reason for its blockage helps a long way. It is also essential for routine inspection and pumping of the tank.