Septic Tank Cleaning
If you’re reading this, the likelihood is that you are already in the know about what a septic tank is exactly. But for those out there who are more unsure, let’s start with a short explanation, before delving into the grittier details of septic tank cleaning and all it entails. Used mainly in rural areas, septic tanks are waste management systems. They are designed to treat waste water and sewage in both domestic and commercial properties. Cleverly separating the solids from the water and draining the liquid away. Solids are exposed to a careful bacteria treatment so that they break down over time. It’s important though that septic tanks are maintained and serviced properly, in order to keep them functioning at their best. Which is what we explore in more depth, in this article.
Why does a septic tank need servicing?
If you have property with a septic tank, then it’s very important that it receives a septic tank service every 1 to 3 years. Without servicing and proper maintenance, problems can occur in and around your property. These can range from drains backing up, to the toilet filling with sewage or flooding of sewage or waste water around the location of the septic tank – to mention a few. Not only does this create highly unhygienic situations but it is can also be unsightly, smelly and expensive to rectify. If your property is a commercial business, or a place of custom then this is something to avoid at all costs to protect the business’ reputation.
What happens during a septic tank service?
There are several steps that comprise a septic tank service. Some of the solid sewage that collects inside septic tanks, does not decompose and can build up, layer by layer, at the bottom of the tank. This is usually referred to as sludge. So firstly, this sludge is removed. This is done by using a large vacuum like pump, which draws all the sludge out and into a container, to be disposed of safely. This is an essential part of the process since leaving it in there reduces the space available for continued use. A septic tank should never get full, as long as it is maintained and serviced properly.
Is there more to a septic tank service than pumping?
Enlisting the expertise of a reputable septic tank serving company should mean that pumping out the sludge is just a starting point. As well as dealing with the sludge, they will also clean out the drain field lines. These are the pipes that allow the waste water and sewage flow into and out of the septic tank. If these are left untended to, over time, they can become blocked, clogged or damaged. This is another situation you want to avoid at all costs, since the outcome is similar to the problems outlined above. Your septic tank service should also include an inspection and cleansing of its filters. These are in place to collect materials that cannot be broken down by the tanks bacterial system. If they become clogged or too full, your septic tank will not function effectively and the area that collects the solids will fill up too quickly.
How often should a septic tank be serviced?
As touched upon above, you should schedule a service for your septic tank between every 1 to 3 years. The variation in time here is dependent on the size of your tank vs how regularly it is used. For example, if the septic tank in question is for a domestic property, with only two residents who live there only part of the year (such as a second home), then it would require the minimum amount of servicing. By
comparison, a commercial property, such as a hotel, which is constantly in use, with many guests, would require a septic tank service at least once a year to ensure health and safety guidelines were met.
Dr Drainage – The experts you need for all your septic tank servicing
As specialists in septic tanks, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including installation, repair, inspections and servicing for both domestic and commercial customers.
Based in Leeds and Yorkshire, but providing services nationally, we can be on hand to help with all your septic tank needs. Contact us today for a friendly consultation to discuss or with any queries.
