Septic tanks should be pumped out regularly. A septic cleaning specialist will inspect the tank and its components to ensure all material is removed.

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A clogged drain can indicate that your septic tank or plumbing system needs cleaning. Rather than reaching for the plunger or chemical drain cleaners, a quick call to your local septic professionals can save you money.

As wastewater enters your septic tank, lighter solids rise and form the scum layer, while heavier solids sink and gather into the sludge layer at the bottom of the tank. This separation ensures that sewage and solid waste do not clog your pipes or soil absorption field. However, if the tank becomes too full or the sludge layer does not break down, solids may flow into the absorption field and clog pipes.

During the pumping process, it is crucial to have all accumulated material, both liquid and solids, removed from the tank. Pumping should only occur through the large service opening in the septic tank. Pumping through sanitary tee or baffle inspection ports can damage the baffles that prevent solids from flowing to the absorption field.

If it has been three to five years since your last septic tank cleaning, consider having a professional inspection. In addition to checking that the septic tank is safe, an expert can determine if the inlet and outlet tees need cleaning or replacement.

Avoid dumping items into your septic system that aren’t designed to go there, including paper towels and cleaning wipes. These materials may resemble toilet paper, but they are not biodegradable and can cause serious clogs. It is also important to not use chemical drain cleaners, especially those that aren’t specifically made for septic systems. These products may eat away at clogs, but they can also kill beneficial bacteria in your septic system and disrupt the natural balance of organisms that keeps the tank functioning properly.

Be sure to use rain gutters and downspouts that direct water away from the septic system. Also, limit the number of people using the bathroom at one time and wash clothing over a few days instead of back-to-back. This will help keep your septic tank and plumbing from overworking, which can lead to premature wear or even system failure.

Unpleasant Odors

If a septic tank is too full or the drain field lines are clogged, odors can travel from the house to the outdoors. These odors are usually very strong and unpleasant, especially on hot days. Regular maintenance should prevent septic tank odors. If septic tank odors persist, check the plumbing vent stack to make sure it is not blocked by leaves or debris. A professional can clean or extend the vent if necessary to alleviate septic tank odors.

Another possible reason for septic tank odors is an acidic pH level. The microbes inside a septic system depend on a balanced pH level for their job. If the septic tank’s pH becomes too low, it can cause a foul odor similar to that of rotten eggs. Homeowners can try to correct the pH by adding a cup of baking soda to their toilets and sink drains each week. They should also avoid flushing non-flushable waste such as cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products, trash, oil, coffee grounds and cleaning products.

Airborne bacteria from septic tank odors can lead to respiratory illnesses and other health concerns. Septic tank odors can also carry gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and methane into the home, which can cause unpleasant smells.

Clogged septic tanks and failed drain fields can produce sewage backups, which can create costly damage and pose serious health risks. When hiring septic tank service, ask how often the company recommends septic tank cleaning. A thorough septic tank cleaning should include all access points to the tank, couplings, baffles and inlets. A professional should also inspect and clean all of the system’s drain field lines to ensure that they are clear of clogs, deposits and other residue.

During septic tank cleaning, the technician should use a high-pressure water jet to remove all the accumulated sludge. This step will prevent clogs, reduce odors and help the drain field lines to work more effectively. The technician may also perform a detailed inspection of the vents to see whether they are obstructed by rodents, small animals or frost.

Sewage Backups

If you notice sewage backups into your home or yard, it’s likely time to have your septic tank cleaned. If sewage is allowed to flow back into your house, you may experience flooding and a host of other issues. Sewage carries disease and can cause health problems for you and your family members. It’s essential to hire a professional who can clear the sewage and sanitize the affected area.

If a strong, foul odor wafts through your drains and into your living spaces, this is another sign that the septic system needs to be cleaned. The odor is caused by hydrogen sulfide, which forms from the breakdown of organic matter in the septic system. It is a toxic gas that can be fatal if inhaled. If you suspect this is happening, call a professional immediately.

When a septic tank is full, wastewater will start to flow into the home through the toilets and other drains. This waste is pushed through the pipes by an inlet and outlet tee and by a microbial ecosystem that breaks down the septage. If this process is disrupted, the septic system will overflow and clog the drain lines.

One of the most common causes of septic tank overflow is flushing inappropriate materials down the drains. Wet wipes, feminine products, and fats and oils are not meant to go down the drain, so they can build up in the septic system and create a clog. This can be very dangerous for the septic tank and your plumbing.

Overflowing septic tanks are also caused by not having them pumped regularly. Typically, you should have the septic tank pumped when the bottom of the floating scum layer is within 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) of the top of the sunken sludge layer.

Sewage backups into your home can also be the result of a faulty septic tank line or a cracked pipe. If the septic tank line is near trees, the roots of the tree can grow into the line and block sewage flow. Professionals can help you with preventative measures like installing new pipes or relocating the trees.

Health Hazards

When septic tanks get full and overflow, the untreated sewage waste can spill into groundwater sources such as streams and rivers. This contaminates the water with harmful bacteria, parasites, and pathogens that cause gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, and respiratory problems. It also pollutes soil, reducing its capacity for water absorption.

In addition to the direct health risks, septic tank overflows can send airborne fungus and bacteria into homes. This spore-filled debris can trigger allergies, sinus infections, and asthma attacks in people with these conditions. It can also encourage the growth of dangerous mold in places prone to moisture, such as basements and bathrooms.

It is recommended that you have your septic system cleaned regularly to prevent these hazards. A septic professional will inspect the system for leaks and clogs, then measure the scum and sludge layers to determine if cleaning is necessary. In most cases, if the top sludge layer is within 12 inches of the septic tank’s preventative outlet or the bottom scum layer is within six inches of the septic tank’s drain pipe, it is time to schedule a septic tank cleaning.

Cleaning the septic tank involves removing the solids and liquid waste from the tank. A professional will use a special pump and high-powered hose to remove all the contents of the septic tank. In addition, they will clean the access lid, remove the float arm, and clean the baffles inside the septic tank.

However, it is important that you don’t attempt to clean your septic tank on your own. Doing so could result in damage to the septic tank components, causing more expensive repairs or even replacement of the entire septic system. It is also important not to add any bacteria-enhancing products that are advertised as septic tank starters, such as bacterial cleaners and additives. These products will kill the existing bacteria in the septic system, making it more difficult for the system to break down solids and toxins.

Homeowners can avoid the need for septic tank cleaning by practicing water conservation, using low-flow fixtures, spacing out large water usage events, and not flushing non-biodegradable items or chemicals down the drains. Having the septic tank professionally inspected and pumped regularly is another great way to extend the life of the septic system and protect human health and the environment.