The septic tank is a buried water-tight container that holds wastewater until microorganisms decompose it. Solids sink to the bottom forming sludge, while fats and oils drift to the top creating scum. Liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the tank through a distribution box and into a drain field or leach area. Contact Septic Tank Armadale now!

Clogs

Clogged drains are a real nuisance. Not only can they slow your normal flow of household wastewater, but they also cause foul odors and lead to wastewater backups that can seep into your home through sinks, showers, toilets and drains. The best way to avoid these issues is by following a few simple tips.

The first thing you can do is use a plunger on toilets and drains connected to the septic tank. This can help dislodge or break up a clog without damaging any parts of the system.

Other natural cleaners, such as baking soda and vinegar, can be used to break up clogs in plumbing lines that feed into your septic tank. However, it’s important to remember that bleach and harsh chemicals should never be used in your septic tank or drain line, as they can kill the beneficial bacteria that break down waste in your tank. This can leave your system vulnerable to future problems.

Another common problem with septic systems is a clogged drain field or leach field. This occurs when the septic system becomes overloaded with solid waste. This is usually due to overuse of your septic system or improper waste disposal. Keeping your family and visitors aware of this issue can help prevent it from happening.

A septic system that is overloaded with solid waste will have trouble emptying the tank completely and may begin to back up into the house. If this happens, you’ll need to contact a septic tank service professional to inspect and repair the system.

Some common causes of a clogged drain field include:

In addition to the above, other common reasons for a clog can include excessive water usage, which overloads the system and leads to septic tank overflow; and foreign objects that find their way into the septic tank or plumbing lines. Wet wipes, diapers, coffee grounds, grease and excessive amounts of toilet paper are all items that should never be flushed or poured down the drains. These items can clog the inlet baffle to the septic tank or the drain pipe outlet to the septic tank, absorption field or dry well.

Leaks

Leaking is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. It is best handled by a professional septic tank service but it is also a good idea to understand what causes leaks in order to avoid them.

The most obvious sign of a septic tank leak is sewage odors that are noticeable around the home or yard. The odor is caused by hydrogen sulfide that is released during the anaerobic digestion process. If the septic system is working properly, the septic tank vent should keep these odors from entering the house. If they do, it is a clear indication that the plumbing vent is blocked.

Another sign is if the liquid level in the septic tank drops. This can be caused by a variety of things but the most common is that the tank is full. Usually, this means that it is time to have it pumped.

If the septic tank isn’t full, but the liquid level is still dropping, it could be an indication of a leak somewhere in the system. This could be in the septic tank itself or in the line that connects to it. This is often difficult to diagnose and will require a professional inspection.

Other signs that the septic tank is leaking include soggy soil and standing water. This is often caused by a cracked baffle in the septic tank or by a damaged drain field. The best way to prevent this is to add 8 to 12-inches of mulch over the area around the septic tank, pipes and drain field. This should be done carefully to avoid compacting the soil around these areas.

Another cause of septic tank leaks is when the lid or riser of the tank is damaged or misaligned. This can allow water or sewer gases to escape from the tank. This can also happen if the septic tank is overflowing. If this is the case, you will need to have it inspected and repaired right away. The leaking can be a health and safety hazard for your family as well as the neighbors who use the same septic system as you do.

Odors

Septic tank odors are a sign that your waste digestion process isn’t functioning properly. If the odors are so bad that they’re spreading into your home, you need to call in a professional. The odors will only get worse if you wait. It’s also possible that the smell will spread to other parts of your property, which can be very unpleasant.

Odors may be caused by a clog in your septic tank or from other components of your system. The smell is created when methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides escape your septic system into the air. These gases can cause irritation to the lungs and nose and are toxic to pets.

A septic tank is designed to hold and partially treat household wastewater before it reaches the absorption field. It has a sludge layer where solids settle and decompose, and a scum layer where fats, oils and grease rise to the surface. The septic tank also has inlet and outlet tees that force water to enter and leave the tank using hydraulic pressure.

When the liquid exits the septic tank, it goes to the absorption field through the distribution box. The distribution box evenly distributes wastewater to pipes in the absorption field in one or more trenches. The wastewater is absorbed into the soil and becomes groundwater.

The septic tank must have the correct amount of bacteria in it to digest sewage and other organic waste. Companies sell biological additives to help a septic tank’s bacteria thrive. These products can have a negative impact on the health of your septic system, so it’s important to have a professional inspect your septic tank to make sure that it isn’t contaminated.

Another reason for septic tank odors is that the septic system’s ventilation stack can get clogged. This is a common problem in winter when cold weather can cause the vent stack to freeze. The resulting clog allows the odors to get trapped in the home and yard instead of being released through the roof vents. A plumber can extend the plumbing vents for better odor control.

Pumps

When wastewater enters the septic tank, solid waste sinks to the bottom while lighter material floats to the top. Over time, these solids can build up and reduce the amount of space available for new wastewater. This can lead to clogs, system failure, and environmental contamination. Septic tank pumping removes accumulated solids, minimizing the risk of these issues.

When it comes to septic tank cleaning, it’s important to have experienced technicians handle the job. A professional will be able to identify potential problems and take the necessary steps to prevent them from worsening over time. Taking this approach to the cleaning and maintenance of your septic tank can help you save money, time, and headache in the long run.

Keeping your septic tank pumped regularly is important for the longevity of your system. It can help prevent future plumbing disruptions, clogs, and costly repairs. Getting your septic tank pumped regularly can also eliminate unwanted sewage odors and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the absorption field.

Many people assume that the longer they go without septic tank pumping, the stronger and more robust their system is. This is not the case, and in fact, going too long can cause serious and expensive damage to your septic system. If you’re not sure how often your septic tank should be pumped, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your septic system and recommend a pumping schedule.

Septic tanks with pumps should be designed to transfer septic tank sludge and effluent to a drain field, aerobic treatment systems, or a wastewater collection system. We carry a wide range of sump and effluent pumps from some of the industry’s leading manufacturers. When selecting a pump, it’s important to consider the particle size that the model can handle as well as whether it’s used for septic or raw sewage.

A quality septic tank can increase the value of your home, and it can also protect the environment around your septic system. If you’re planning to sell your home, a professionally maintained septic system will be more appealing to potential buyers.