The Old Tank Is Crushed and Buried or Removed If it is made of steel, it will probably be crushed in place and buried. If it is made of concrete, the bottom or sides may be broken apart so the tank can no longer hold water, and then the tank can be filled with sand, gravel, or some other type of rubble and buried.
- The operator may use a muck-rake, an instrument resembling a long hoe, to stir sludge on the tank bottom during pumping to aid in sludge removal. The operator uses the muck raking tool to break up both the floating scum layer and settled sludge layer in the septic tank. A few minutes are spent with this tool before pumping begins.
What can I use to break down my septic tank?
Hydrogen Peroxide This used to be a common recommendation to help break down the solids in your septic tank. It takes some time to be sure it’s properly diluted to use.
Should old septic tanks be removed?
Septic tanks are decommissioned for safety reasons. If a tank is not going to be used any longer, the best decision is to render it inoperable. Tanks that were well constructed, as well as those that are surrounded by excellent soil for the drain field, can have a lifespan of 50 years.
How do you drain an old septic tank?
Abandoning Septic Tanks and Soil Treatment Areas
- Remove and dispose of the tank at an approved site (normally a landfill).
- Crush the tank completely and backfill. The bottom must be broken to ensure it will drain water.
- Fill the tank with granular material or some other inert, flowable material such as concrete.
Should an old septic tank be filled in?
Many people fill in old septic tanks when they switch to a public sewer system for safety reasons. Filling an unused septic tank will prevent it from collapsing, creating a sinkhole in your yard. Have a professional sewer company pump out the tank before filling it.
What eats waste in septic tank?
Large colonies of bacteria and enzymes in your septic tank keep the tank from backing up or overfilling. Enzymes go to work on the scum, and bacteria goes to work on the sludge. The microbes eat the waste and convert large portions of it into liquids and gases.
How do you dissolve sludge in a septic tank?
One is to inject air into the tank to try and mix the contents and break down the solids. The more common method is to use a mechanical mixer that acts somewhat like a baking mixer where the contents are mixed until they form a slurry that can be withdrawn by the vacuum pump.
Can you sell a house with an old septic tank?
If you’re selling a property with a septic tank, then you must be transparent with buyers about the fact the property uses a one and provide a detailed specification of the system. In fact, You are required by law to inform a buyer in writing about the presence of a septic tank.
How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?
How much does it cost to pump out a septic tank? The average cost is $300, but can run up to $500, depending on your location. The tank should be pumped out every three to five years.
Can septic tanks collapse?
Collapse of a septic tank Septic tanks can collapse for a variety of reasons. This is one of the most serious septic tank problems that can occur. That is why never place a driveway, building, or swimming pool above a septic tank. Once a tank is emptied of water, it is much more prone to collapse.
How were old septic tanks built?
Many of the first septic tanks were concrete tanks that were formed out of wood and poured in place in the ground and covered with a concrete lid or often some type of lumber. In the 1960s, precast concrete tanks became more prevalent as the standard of practice improved.
How long do septic tanks last?
A septic system’s lifespan should be anywhere from 15 to 40 years. How long the system lasts depends on a number of factors, including construction material, soil acidity, water table, maintenance practices, and several others.
How do you ruin a septic system?
9 Ways You’re Destroying Your Septic Tank
- Flushing Paper Products.
- Pouring Grease Down the Drain.
- Using Too Much Drain Cleaner.
- Introducing Additives to Your System.
- Flushing Cat Litter.
- Neglecting to Pump Your Tank Regularly.
- Planting Trees and Shrubs on Your Drain Field.
- Washer Lint Overload.
What does a buried septic tank look like?
Septic tanks are typically rectangular in shape and measure approximately 5 feet by 8 feet. In most cases, septic tank components including the lid, are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground. You can use a metal probe to locate its edges and mark the perimeter.
How do you cap a septic tank?
Expend the hole once you have located the septic tank to expose more of the tank. Continue digging until you locate a seam in the tank lid, then remove enough dirt to expose the entire seam. This will be the tank cap.
Can you build over an abandoned leach field?
Overall, it is not recommended to build over your leach filed and you should also not put anything heavy on top of it, such as parking a vehicle.
Septic Tank Pumping Procedure – Pumping out the Septic Tank
- Fill out the form below to ask a question or to make a comment on the stages and procedures involved in pumping out and cleaning a septic tank
InspectAPedia does not allow any form of conflict of interest. The sponsors, goods, and services described on this website are not affiliated with us in any way. Details on how to pump out or clean a septic tank may be found here. In this septic tank pumpout article series, you’ll learn how to locate, open, pump out, clean, and inspect conventional septic tanks, as well as how to locate, open, pump out, clean, and inspect conventional septic tanks using photos. In addition to septic pumping tank truck operators, this guideline is meant to provide basic information to homeowners and septic service providers that are concerned about septic system maintenance.
For this topic, we also have anARTICLE INDEX available, or you may check the top or bottom of the page.
Pumping Out the Septic Tank – how the solidswaste are removed from a septic tank
Conflicts of interest are not tolerated at InspectAPedia.com. No affiliation exists between us and any sponsors, products, or services mentioned on this website. Here are the specifics on how to pump out or clean a septic tank: In this septic tank pumpout article series, you’ll learn how to locate, open, pump out, clean, and inspect conventional septic tanks, as well as how to locate, open, pump out, clean, and inspect standard septic tanks using photographs and illustrations. As a general guideline, this document is designed for septic pumping tank truck operators as well as homeowners and septic service firms that are concerned about septic system maintenance.
There is an article index for this topic available as well, or you can use the page top or bottom navigation options.
Reader CommentsQ A
Last month, our septic system overflowed into two bathrooms, which was a nightmare. According to the report, the circuit breaker had tripped and the sump pump was not operating properly. Because it had been 5 years since the tank had been filled, I phoned a local pumper to empty it. Surprisingly, they just opened the overflow tank and pumped the contents of it. That is something I have never seen before. We’ve always had the septic tank itself opened and pumped, which is a good thing. When I questioned the pumper, they said that pumping the auxiliary/overflow tank was standard procedure.
- Is it possible that we were duped?
- When the tank’s inlet and exit baffle conditions are checked, the task is done better, and providing a second access point may make cleaning sludge and crud at that end easier to reach.
- In the intake end of the tank, I’ve drilled a hole and exposed one at a depth of around 13 inches.
- Thank you in advance for any advise you may provide!
- It is dependent on the pumping machinery used by the individual pumper truck, as well as the horizontal and vertical lift lengths involved.
- During this section, we will discuss the limitations of septic tank pumper trucks in terms of both horizontal distance and vertical lift.
There you’ll discover particular examples that will help you solve the question. In order to pump out the septic tank, how near does the truck need to get to the tank?
Question: pumper said can’t pump septic tank because of hair
A photo shows evidence that some buildings may really be exposed to significant amounts of hair: thick clumps of dog hair were dragged into this water heater draft hood, causing the heater to become dangerous and putting the occupants at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning On May 24, 2020, a hair in a septic tank stated: I had a septic tank pumping business come out to my house. This is something I do every three years (1000 gallon tank). The operator informed me that he would be unable to pump it because I had an excessive amount of hair in the machine.
He stated that he would consult with his supervisor, but that he would consider a chemical therapy and retrying in three months.
I’m happy I did, because some of these therapies may be really hazardous to your health.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Moderator reply: Problems Caused by Hair in the Septic Tank?
Unusual circumstances, such as finding so much hair in a sewage tank that the tank cannot be drained, require more inquiry. It is also necessary to clarify that the hair is indeed hair, and to provide an explanation. You may want the services of a septic pumping contractor who is equipped with a reliable grinder pump. But first and foremost, we must determine whether or not there is a blocking item in your septic tank, and if there is, how it got there and what exactly it is. When it comes to septic tank hair, don’t rely on chemical treatments to “fix” the problem.
Is it conceivable that roots have infiltrated your septic tank and caused damage?
Details: hair may clog traps and drains, but a clogged septic tanks such that it can’t be pumped would be unusual.
I was taken aback by your remark that there is so much hair in your septic tank that it is impossible to clean the tank properly. It is not possible for hair to disintegrate in the drain system or in the septic tank, whether it comes from people or pets. Although the regular amounts of hair entering the building drain/waste pipe system from routine family washing and bathing do not generally cause problems in the septic tank, they can cause clogging at the drain or trap of a sink, shower, or bathtub.
Large amounts of hair can potentially clog a septic pump or a lift pump, depending on their design.
Having that much hair in a sewage tank that it prevents the tank from being pumped by the septic pumping truck would be an unusual and difficult thing to explain to others.
A hair will normally float and adhere to the floating scum and grease layer in the septic tank, but hair may also settle to the tank bottom and become part of the settled organic matter in the tank on rare occasions.
Septic pumper trucks can usually handle hair as well as floating scum and settled sludge
You have caught my attention with your remark that there is so much hair in your septic tank that it can’t be cleaned. I am shocked. If you have hair in your drain system or septic tank, it will not degrade since it is either human or pet hair. Although the regular amounts of hair entering the building drain/waste pipe system from routine family washing and bathing do not generally cause problems in the septic tank, they can cause clogging in the drain or trap of a sink, shower, or bathtub. Large volumes of hair, such as that generated in a beauty salon, barber shop, or pet washing company, on the other hand, can clog building drains, and if the hair makes its way into the septic tank, it may clog the inlet baffle, outlet baffle, or outlet filter of the septic tank.
A septic tank that has so much hair in it (assuming it is truly hair) that the tank can’t be emptied out seems a little strange.
A hair will normally float and adhere to the floating scum and grease layer in the septic tank, but it may also settle to the tank bottom and become part of the settled organic matter in the tank on occasion.
Septic Tank Pumping Articles
- PUMPER TRUCK VACUUM PUMPS
- HOW TO FIND A SEPTIC TANK
- SEPTIC TANK LEVELS OF SEWAGE
- SEPTIC TANK PUMPING MISTAKES
- ERRORS IN THE TIMING OF THE SEPTIC TANK’S PUMPOUT
- SEPTIC SYSTEM BACK-PUMPING-consumer warning
- SEPTIC TANK OBJECTIVE INFORMATION
- SEPTIC TANK PUMPOUT TIMING ERRORS
- WHEN SHOULD A SEPTIC TANK BE CLEANED
- WHEN SHOULD A SEPTIC TANK NOT BE PUMPED
- A consumer notice about the back-pumping of the SEPTIC SYSTEM
- SEPTIC TANK objective data
- SEPTIC TANK PUMPOUT TIMING ERRORS
- A SEPTIC TANK PUMPOUT OBJECTIVE DATA
- WHEN SHOULD A SEPTIC TANK BE CLEANED
- WHEN SHOULD A SEPTIC TANK NOT BE PUMPED
- BEFORE PUMPING, INSPECT THE SEPTIC TANK
- AFTER PUMPING, INSPECT THE SEPTIC TANK
- CLOSE THE SEPTIC TANK
- INSPECT THE SEPTIC TANK
- NOTE THE LOCATION OF THE SEPTIC TANK AND THE CONCLUSIONS OF THE SEPTIC PUMPING.
- Reasons for Septic Tank Pumping
- Septic Tank Pumping Schedule
- Septic Tank Safety
- Septic Tank Chemicals
- Septic Tank Pumping Reasons
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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES:ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS
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How to Break Up Solids in Your Septic Tank
If you rely on a personal septic tank to filter and treat your wastewater, it is critical that you keep it in good working order at all times. Having to deal with clogged drains and sludgy tanks is not pleasant. Maintaining the right level of solids in your septic system is one method of keeping it in good working order.
If your tank becomes overflowing, you’ll have a messy situation on your hands. Is it possible to break up particles in your septic tank on your own, and when should you hire a professional to do so?
Ways to Break Up Solids in Your Septic Tank
Keep in mind that there is no substitute for regular septic pumpings in most cases. When the time comes to service the system, we recommend that you use a qualified technician. When we talk about breaking up solids in your tank, we are simply referring to the process of occasionally breaking up the bottom layer of sludge to ensure that everything runs the way it should. If your tank is in in need of a rapid treatment, consider one of the options listed below.
Storebought Remedies
The sludge that accumulates in your toilet tank may be eaten away by items that you can flush down the toilet. However, it is recommended that you run these goods by a septic system servicing specialist first because not all tanks are made same. Some additives can actually be damaging to your tank, thus it is critical that you only use things that are safe and beneficial to your tank.
At-Home Remedies
Likewise, while at-home remedies are frequently less expensive than store-bought alternatives, they should still be used with caution. If you want to try a DIY treatment, you may try flushing 14-12 cup of quick yeast down the toilet. In order for wastewater to pass through, the yeast eats away at the sludge and aids in its loosening, allowing it to break down. Avoid running your washer, dishwasher, or shower for a few minutes after using a store-bought or home-made cleaning solution. This will allow the solution to do its job before being rinsed away.
Backflushing
Backflushing is the process of sucking wastewater out of your tank using a wet vacuum and then spraying it back into the tank. Most of the time, the power of the water is sufficient to break up some of the solids. Of course, if you don’t have the proper equipment, you might as well hire a professional to perform a septic tank pumping for you.
Septic Stirring
Although it may seem disgusting, “septic stirring” is merely the process of breaking up sediments using a long stick or other long implement. This treatment is often most effective for modest accumulations. Although it is possible to avoid your septic sludge from becoming overly comfortable, you must be committed to doing so on a regular basis.
Regular Tank Pumping
Of course, even if all else fails, you should continue to schedule professional pumpings on a regular basis. Removing excess particles from your septic tank is the most effective strategy to extend the life of your system and avoid costly problems from developing.
How Often Should You Have Your Septic Tank Pumped?
When your tank reaches 25 percent capacity (in other words, when one-fourth of your tank is full with sludge), it’s time to start thinking about hiring a professional to pump it out. The length of time required depends on the size of your system, the number of people that reside in your house, the total load placed on the tank, and other factors. However, in general, most tanks require professional septic pumping every two to three years, depending on the circumstances. Keep your tank’s capacity below 50% at all times.
Take the essential steps to keep your septic tank running well, and never flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Paper towels, feminine products, wipes, diapers, and napkins, among other things, all contribute to the clogging of pipes and tanks.
How Can Norway Septic Help?
Located in Norway, Indiana, Norway Septic Inc. is a customer-focused company devoted to delivering outstanding septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to homes and business owners in the Michiana area. We take great delight in finishing the task that others have left unfinished. For more information on purchasing a new effluent filter or scheduling a septic tank cleaning with one of our specialists, please contact us right now.
How to Fill in Old Septic Tanks
Septic tanks that have collapsed are a safety threat in your yard. It is common practice for people to fill in old septic tanks when they migrate to a public sewer system for the sake of safety. Before you fill a septic tank, check to see if the regulations in your state allow you to do so rather than having to remove the tank entirely. If you fill up an empty septic tank, you will prevent it from collapsing and causing a sinkhole in your yard to form. Before filling the tank, have it pumped out by a competent sewer service firm.
Step 1
Inquire with your local health department to see whether you require a permit to fill your septic tank with water. If this is the case, you must seek a permission.
Step 2
A water pump should be used to remove any standing water in the septic tank. Rainwater or groundwater will be used to fill the septic tank if there is any.
Step 3
Take the cover off and throw it away. Break up the concrete lid with a jackhammer so that it may be disposed of more easily. Most hardware stores provide jackhammer rentals on a short-term basis.
Step 4
Make holes in all of the septic tank’s side walls and the bottom to allow for drainage. Drainage for all future rain and groundwater will be enabled as a result of this. If you do not drill holes and water accumulates in the septic tank, it may float to the surface of the earth and cause damage.
Step 5
Fill the septic tank with soil or gravel to prevent overflowing. The earth above the tank will not be able to collapse as a result of this.
Why Your Old Septic Tank Needs to be Removed, Now
An ancient, collapsing septic tank has caused a sinkhole in the backyard. Abandoned mobile homes are one of the things we encounter around our area. Those homes that were built before our community was established are about 60 years old, and so are the septic systems that served them. In truth, the old mobile house has been demolished just a few yards away, but the septic tank, which is in dire need of replacement, remains in the ground. These outdated septic tanks are a health hazard! To avoid a possibly dangerous situation if a loved one or a pet falls into an unattended septic tank in your yard, you must take immediate action to remedy the issue.
The age and type of tank will determine whether or not you should fill it with water or whether or not you should remove it altogether.
To be clear, this information also applies to anybody who has an old cesspool on their land). The technicalities of making a cesspool safe may differ slightly from those of making a septic tank safe, but the safety information is the same in all instances.)
Why Are Old Septic Tanks Dangerous?
You could assume that an outdated septic tank isn’t a health hazard. At the end of the day, it’s just an underground tank, right? Is it true that out of sight, out of mind? That may be true for a short period of time. Even over a lengthy period of time. years and years. However, ancient septic tanks that are no longer in use (or even old tanks that are still in use!) can pose a serious threat to the health of your family and pets in your yard. Someone walking over the sinkhole faces the risk of being sucked into a disgusting and potentially fatal tangle of sewage and choking methane fumes, which may result in their death.
- An all-steel box with a stainless steel cover.
- And what do we know about metal that has been buried for a long period of time and has been regularly exposed to water?
- Steel septic tanks are subjected to the same fate.
- until one day you or your child is walking through it and the lid and the ground above it give way.
- A decaying septic tank top gives way, resulting in a sinkhole and a potentially perilous situation for anyone around it.
- But it gets worse.
- Septic tanks made of steel typically last for 25 years or more in most cases.
- It is necessary to remove a steel septic tank from a house in Door County, Wisconsin.
- However, up to 90 percent of steel septic tanks are now in need of replacement.
- The covers on these tanks are susceptible to crumbling and collapsing, which might result in a septic sinkhole in your yard.
What Are My Options with an Old Septic Tank?
No matter whether you’re legally leaving your own operating septic tank because you’re being connected up to a sewer line, or if you discover an old septic tank on your land, you basically have two options: you can either fill it with water or you may dig it out. The specific regulations for abandoning your septic tank will be established by the county or state in which you live, however the following is the general procedure: 1. Hire a septic pumping firm to pump out and properly dispose of the contents of your septic tank.
- Disconnect and remove any electrical or mechanical components, such as a pump or an alarm system, from the system (if applicable) Cutting the septic sewage line from the home to the tank is the third step to take.
- A possible explanation is that the home was changed from septic to sewer during the conversion process).
- Removing the tank involves digging a trench around it or crushing and collapsing it into the earth.
- Backfill the hole with the proper material.
Crush and collapse the tank, leaving the debris on the ground, then backfill with gravel and fill dirt. 2)
What About the Leach Field?
Even when a septic tank is being abandoned, the leach lines and drain field are not necessarily required to be removed. Once again, this is something that should be confirmed with your county.
How Much Does it Cost to Abandon an Old Septic Tank?
The cost of removing or filling an old septic tank will vary depending on a variety of factors, as it will with most things:
- Geographical location
- Ease of access to the tank
- Size of the tank
- Whether you can do the most of the deconstruction and filling yourself or if you must employ a contractor removing an old tank from the site or deconstructing it in place The type and cost of fill materials
- Who is responsible for filling the hole
Here are some very preliminary estimations, which may vary significantly depending on the above-mentioned conditions, but they should give you a general sense.
- For a normal 1,000 – 1,500 gallon septic tank, the cost is $300 – $400
- Fill dirt is $225 based on 15 yards at $15/yd
- And installation of a new septic tank costs $300 – $400. Backhoe and operator – $500, based on a rate of $250 per hour for two hours (including travel and other expenses)
- TOTAL VERY BRIEF ESTIMATE:$1225 to properly abandon your septic tank and obtain certification of such from your county
- (this will increase if your leach field lines need to be removed as well)
- TOTAL VERY BRIEF ESTIMATE:$1225 to properly abandon your septic tank and receive certification of such from your county
Concrete septic demolition is carried out with the use of (small) heavy equipment.
Can I Remove a Septic Tank Myself?
It’s probable that you’ll be able to do everything alone, with the exception of pumping out the tank. Septic pumping should be conducted by an appropriately certified septic pumping business, and you will need to provide proof of this pumping to your county in order to receive your certification of abandonment. Please check with your county to see whether or not you are legally permitted to remove or refill your tank yourself. You may be able to complete the filling in or removal yourself, after which you may call the county to examine and provide you with the required paperwork of the abandoned property.
That being said, many individuals out there would sneer and scoff at the prospect of paying $1000 or more merely to remove an old septic tank, and they are determined to finish the project on their own time and with their own resources.
- Methane gas can be found in sewage treatment plants. Being trapped inside a tank filled with methane gas will kill you – how quickly it will kill you will depend on the amount of methane present and the length of time you are exposed to it. Old steel septic tanks are rusted and have sharp edges, which should be avoided. Consider tetanus. Septic tanks hold biological waste that is teeming with bacteria. Keep an eye out for any open wounds you may have.
Financial Help – Loans for Septic Tank Repair, Replacement and Removal
We understand that money is limited for many families, and that paying to have your septic tank abandoned may not be a viable financial option. The good news is that there are loans and other financial programs available to help with septic system repair, replacement, and removal costs. Because these loans are dependent on geography, the terms and conditions will differ from county to county and state to state. Try searching for “Septic System Loans” or “Septic Tank Financing” on the internet, making sure to include your state or county in the search, and you should be able to discover at least one option that works for you.
Final Thoughts
A decaying septic tank may cost anywhere from $1000 to $3000 or more to repair or replace, and this is especially true if you haven’t had any difficulties with it in the past. However, there is a very real danger hiding underground that is becoming more severe by the day. It is possible that you will not even be aware of a threat until it is too late. Homeowners may see a depression in their yard beginning to form, which might be a sign of a septic sinkhole forming, or it could be fill from a prior fill-in that has settled in.
Don’t let the expense of resolving the problem before it becomes a problem deter you from taking action. Your family is way too valuable for such a thing!
How to Care for Your Septic System
A decaying septic tank may cost anywhere from $1000 to $3000 or more to repair. This is especially true if you haven’t had any difficulties with it in a long time. The threat lying underneath, however, is quite real, and it is becoming more dangerous by the minute. Until it’s too late, you might not even realize there’s a problem. Homeowners may see a depression in their yard beginning to form, which might be a sign of a septic sinkhole forming, or it could be fill from a prior fill-in that has settled.
Avoid being deterred by the cost of resolving the issue before it becomes a major problem.
- Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
- Conserve water
- Dispose of waste properly
- And keep your drainfield in good condition.
Inspect and Pump Frequently
Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.
- The size of the household
- The total amount of wastewater produced
- The amount of solids present in wastewater
- The size of the septic tank
Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.
When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.
In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.
An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.
Use Water Efficiently
When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over the years. Document any maintenance work done on your septic system in written form for future reference. Your septic tank is equipped with a T-shaped outlet that prevents sludge and scum from exiting the tank and flowing to the drainfield. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet.
When you receive your system’s service report, the technician should record the repairs that have been made and the tank’s condition.
You should engage a repair person immediately if more work is recommended. An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to locate service specialists in your region.
- Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
- Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.
Properly Dispose of Waste
Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.
Toilets aren’t trash cans!
Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:
- Cooking grease or oil
- Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
- Photographic solutions
- Feminine hygiene items Condoms
- Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners
Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.
Think at the sink!
Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:
- If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
- Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.
Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?
If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.
- The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.
Maintain Your Drainfield
It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:
- Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.
How to Break Down Solids in A Septic Tank [6 Quick Hacks]
Your septic tank is one of the last things you want to have to think about when you’re trying to relax. Many people are intimidated and perplexed when it comes to understanding how to properly break down solid waste in a septic tank. For those who live in homes equipped with sewage systems, however, there are several things you should be aware of in order to avoid worse difficulties down the road.
How Do I Know If I Have a Septic Tank?
This information would have been provided to you as part of the inspection process when you purchased your house. If it’s been a while and you’re not sure where you reside, take a look around your surroundings. Homes in rural regions are frequently equipped with a septic system and septic tank. You can also do the following:
- Take a glance around your yard and see if there are any strange peaks in the horizon
- Find out if any of your neighbors have one and where it is positioned in their yard by speaking with them. Consider looking at your water bill
- If you don’t have one from the county, you’re very certainly on a septic system. If you want a copy of your property records, you should contact your local government.
In this blog post, you will learn more about how to determine if you have a septic tank.
How Do I Take Care of My Septic System?
Following your discovery of the presence of a septic tank and its location, you’re undoubtedly asking how to properly maintain the tank. The naturally present bacteria in your septic tank are responsible for dissolving and consuming the solid waste in your tank. This is the type of beneficial bacteria that you require to keep your septic tank system operating correctly. Once this happens, the liquid in your tank flows into your drain field through small holes in the pipes. An examination of your septic tank will be one of the first things you’ll want to conduct after you’ve moved in.
- You’ll also want to make certain that you’re utilizing goods that are safe for your system to utilize.
- This toilet paper has been specially engineered to break down quickly and efficiently in your septic system.
- You should avoid flushing any inorganic items down the toilet, regardless of how little they are.
- Things like diapers, feminine hygiene items, and excessive toilet paper can cause a septic backlog if they are flushed down the toilet.
It is effective at destroying bacteria on your hands, but if you flush too much of it down the toilet, it can kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic system. Septic systems rely on a healthy population of bacteria to break down the solid waste that is introduced into the tank.
How Do I Break Down the Solids in My Septic Tank?
In order to properly size a septic tank, you must first determine its capacity. It is important to know the size of your tank in order to ensure that you are utilizing the proper quantity of septic tank treatment for your septic tanks. It is possible to damage the healthy bacterial environment that is necessary for your septic system to work efficiently when you use dangerous chemicals for septic tank treatment in bigger septic tanks. Additionally, employing a treatment that is intended for smaller septic tanks will not produce the results you are looking for.
- The majority of septic tank treatments are recommended to be performed once a month.
- Please keep in mind that we are not discussing drain cleaners here, but rather treatments.
- When it comes to keeping the amount of solids in your septic tank stable, the bacteria that live in your septic tanks are critical.
- It can also cause problems with your pipes, drain field, scum layer, and the entire septic system if not handled properly.
- Some things you may do to assist in the breakdown of solid waste in your septic tank are as follows:
Active Yeast
Using your toilet bowl as a vessel, add 14 to 12 cup of active dry yeast and flush it down the toilet. It is important for your pipe yeast to have time to sit in order for it to function properly, so avoid doing things like running your dishwasher or having a shower that will wash the yeast down too soon. Yeast is beneficial in septic systems since it helps to keep the bacteria and enzymes happy.
Rotten Tomatoes
It may sound a little unusual, but they contain proteins called pectinase that help them digest food. These substances degrade pectin and the cell walls of plants. All of this contributes to the breakdown of solid waste and the recycling of waste plant components, which are all beneficial to your septic system. Reduce the size of your rotting tomatoes to little bits and flush them via your waste disposal. Make careful to run some water down the drain as well to avoid clogging your pipes with debris.
Hydrogen Peroxide
This used to be a typical tip for helping to break down the particles in your septic tank, but it is no longer recommended. It takes some time to ensure that the solution is suitably diluted before using it. This isn’t something you see recommended very frequently anymore because it may be quite detrimental to the soil and cause problems with your drain field.
Inorganic Acids
While they are quite effective at clearing obstructions, they can be detrimental to your septic tank’s health.
The bacteria in your tank can be killed by them, resulting in raw sewage leaks and a far more serious issue down the road. It is also possible that these strong chemicals will cause damage to the pipes and walls of your sewage system.
Chemicals
If you want to aid in the breakdown of solid waste in your septic tank, you can purchase chemicals to add to your tank. Make sure you follow the instructions on the label to avoid causing any harm to your septic system.
Pumping
In order to aid in the breakdown of the solid waste in your septic tank, you can purchase chemicals to add to your tank. Remember to follow the instructions on the label to avoid causing any harm to your septic system.
What Happens When My Septic Tank is Full?
Due to the inability to view your septic tank, you may be wondering how you will be able to tell when your septic tank is full. It’s not one of those things that you can just put behind you and forget about. Plan to have your septic tank cleaned out every three to five years, as recommended by the EPA. This reduces the likelihood of a sewage backlog occurring. The Environmental Protection Agency has also issued a similar rule in this regard. It’s critical to cooperate with certified specialists to ensure that your septic tank, drainage field, or septic system is not damaged in the process.
As disgusting as it may sound, this is a standard technique of keeping your septic system in good working order.
In addition, our staff will come out to empty your septic tank.
We can also plan your septic tank pumping in the Atlanta region to ensure that your septic system is operating correctly at all times.
How To Deal With An Abandoned Septic Tank System – B&B Pumping – Top Rated Septic Cleaning Services
Septic systems are one of two contemporary options for properly disposing of human waste (the other being connected to your city’s sewage system), and they are becoming increasingly popular. That this is crucial cannot be overstated since human waste, when it contaminates our water supply, can create deadly infections that can lead to death, as was commonly the case hundreds of years ago before the development of modern sewage systems. Septic Pumping Services by B B Pumping Cleaning your home or business septic system in the Fort Worth region is the focus of Aerobic Cleaning’s services.
Septic systems, on the other hand, can be abandoned from time to time, whether by previous homeowners, present homeowners, or those who have been foreclosed upon.
In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the procedures that must be followed when dealing with a septic system that has been abandoned.
HOW ARE ABANDONED SEPTIC SYSTEMS DANGEROUS TO HUMANS?
- Sinkholes. Septic systems are built beneath the ground surface. When these systems are abandoned with human waste and water sitting in them, the water and waste have the potential to disintegrate the underlying rock and erode the surrounding landscape. When enough of this rock has dissolved, a hole of sorts is left in the ground, and the soil above it is no longer able to sustain itself. When the earth finally collapses, it is generally as a result of an external force acting on it, such as when you walk across it. Diseases that are extremely dangerous. It is possible for people to get infections when human waste comes into contact with our drinking water supply. Diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis A, leptospirosis, cholera, dysentery, and gastrointestinal sickness have been linked to this situation. Gases that are toxic. Gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide can accumulate in abandoned septic tank systems, posing a risk of explosion or illness to anyone exposed. This is related to the decomposition of human feces, which occurs when it is left in one location exposed to the elements.
Cesspools, which were little more than a large pit under your yard where human waste was flushed, were commonly used in homes built before city sewer systems became the standard (mostly before the 1970s). When the city sewage system was eventually able to provide service to these properties, many of the cesspools and old septic tanks were simply abandoned and neglected, with little effort made to ensure that they were properly turned off.
The owner of BB Pumping in Fort Worth points out that local laws have been put in place to ensure that your septic system has been properly abandoned before connecting to the municipal sewage system.
SIGNS OF AN OLD ABANDONED LEAKING SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM
- If you have an excessive amount of weed growth on your lawn, or if you have a pond on your property, you may see a lot of algae development
- The same part of your grass never appears to be able to dry up fully, and it is always damp
- A specific region of your yard has an awful odor, similar to that of human feces. When compared to the rest of your lawn, a portion of your lawn appears to be unstable and may be sinking in
- However, this is not the case. You can see the pipes that are part of the dispersion system. Surface erosion, for example, might cause them to be pushed up from the ground by water or other factors.
HOW TO PROPERLY ABANDON A SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM
- Make use of the services of specialists. Most likely, you’ll be required to demonstrate that your septic tank system has been abandoned in accordance with the city’s regulations, which a professional septic tank system firm, such as BB Pumping in Fort Worth, can attest to in this scenario. The majority of people just lack the necessary information to properly decommission a septic tank system. Furthermore, it is filthy, difficult labor that is best left to professionals who are capable of performing the task correctly and efficiently rather than you wasting days attempting to do it yourself. The septic tank must be entirely emptied and disposed of in the right manner. We utilize a powerful vacuum to pull the muck out of the tank and into our trucks, where it can then be hauled to the appropriate location for proper disposal
- When we empty a septic tank, we use a high-powered vacuum to pull the muck out of the tank and into a storage tank on our trucks, where it can then be hauled to the proper location for proper disposal
- Remove the tank from the vehicle. In some cases, the procedure may alter depending on the local codes. For those who want to have their septic tank removed, there are various possibilities. One option is to remove the entire tank and dispose of it in a landfill, which seems likely. You may totally crush the tank and backfill it, making sure that the tank has a hole in it for adequate drainage of rainfall in the process. Another option is to fill the tank with a substance such as concrete or another granular material and then cover it with another material (making sure that is a drainage hole as well). The most essential thing to remember in this situation is that the tank will not be in danger of collapsing in the future. Determine whether or not the dispersion system should be eliminated. A dispersion system, which drains the treated material onto what is usually known as a leach field, where the material is cleaned through the soil process, is typically installed after the human waste has been treated in the septic tank. These pipes may need to be removed in certain cases, but they may also be able to be kept underground in others. It is necessary to take additional measures since human excrement has come into touch with the soil in this location
- Otherwise, the pipes will have to be removed. Dispose of any electrical components or gadgets in the proper manner. Modern septic tank systems might have electronics installed that monitor your septic tank system, but previous systems may have employed mercury floats that must be properly disposed of before backfilling the tank with water. All wires should be disconnected, and the conduit should be sealed with a cover. Mercury is considered to be a hazardous substance, which is another another reason why you should entrust your septic system abandonment to the pros at BB Pumping in Fort Worth to handle it for you. Fill in the gaps. This frequently necessitates the hauling in of more earth, especially if the septic tank is removed in its entirety. For the purpose of ensuring the general public’s safety, this is the most critical component.
HOW BB PUMPING IN FORT WORTH CAN HELP
BB Pumping provides the most dependable residential and business septic services in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area, including If you keep your septic system in good working order, you’ll not only increase its lifespan, but you’ll also avoid unpleasant scenarios such as backups into your house, which are not only unsightly, but also toxic and potentially hazardous to you and your family. We can assist you with the repair and maintenance of both aerobic and traditional septic tank systems. BB Pumping is a family-owned and run septic company that places a strong emphasis on providing excellent customer service.
Choosing us to do your next septic tank maintenance service will ensure that your septic tank system will survive for years to come.
OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES GET IN TOUCH WITH US
How Does a Septic Tank Work?
Residents in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth region may depend on BB Pumping for the best septic services available today. Keep your septic system in good condition and you will not only increase its longevity, but you will also avoid unpleasant circumstances such as backups into your house, which are not only unsightly, but also toxic and potentially damaging to you and your family. Whether you have an aerobic or traditional septic tank system, we can assist you with the repair and maintenance of both.
Your garbage is appropriately disposed of so that you and your family may maintain a healthy environment.
To get started, please call us if you reside in Decatur, Azle, Haslet, or any of the nearby cities, including Dallas/Fort Worth, now.
How does a septic tank work?
Pumping the tank on a regular basis eliminates sludge and scum, which helps to keep a septic system in good working order. It is possible for a well-designed and well built septic system to last for decades, or it might collapse in a matter of years. It is entirely up to you as long as you can answer the question of how do septic tanks function. Healthy septic systems are very inexpensive to maintain, but digging up and replacing a septic system that has completely collapsed may easily cost tens of thousands in labor and material costs.
It’s critical to understand how a septic tank works in order to maintain one.
Let’s take a look below ground and observe what happens in a properly operating septic system, shall we? After that, I’ll explain why things go wrong and offer you some tips on how to keep your system in peak operating condition.
Understand that a septic system is a cafeteria for bacteria
Bacteria are responsible for the proper operation of a septic system. They decompose garbage, resulting in water that is clean enough to safely trickle down into the earth’s surface. The entire system is set up to keep bacteria healthy and busy at all times. Some of them reside in the tank, but the majority of them are found in the drain field. 1. The septic tank is the final destination for all waste. 2. The majority of the tank is filled with watery waste, referred to as “effluent.” Anaerobic bacteria begin to break down the organic matter in the effluent as soon as it enters the system.
- A layer of sludge settles to the bottom of the container.
- 4.
- Scum is mostly constituted of fats, greases, and oils, among other substances.
- Grease and oils float to the surface of the water.
- (5) A filter stops the majority of particles from reaching the exit pipe.
- The effluent is discharged into the drain field.
- Effluent is allowed to leak into the surrounding gravel because of holes in the drain septic field pipe.
- The garbage is completely decomposed by aerobic bacteria found in gravel and dirt.
- Potable water seeps into the groundwater and aquifer system from the surface.
Septic Tank Clean Out: Don’t abuse the system
Septic systems that have been correctly planned and constructed require just occasional ‘pumping’ to remove the sludge and scum that has built up inside the tank. However, if you don’t understand how a septic tank works, you may unintentionally hurt or even destroy the system.
- Drains are used to dispose of waste that decomposes slowly (or not at all). Cigarette butts, diapers, and coffee grounds are all known to cause issues. Garbage disposers, if utilized excessively, can introduce an excessive amount of solid waste into the system. Lint from synthetic fibers is emitted from washing machine lint traps. This substance is not degraded by bacteria in the tank and drain septic field. Bacteria are killed by chemicals found in the home, such as disinfecting cleansers and antibacterial soaps. The majority of systems are capable of withstanding limited usage of these goods, but the less you use them, the better. When a large amount of wastewater is produced in a short period of time, the tank is flushed away too quickly. When there is too much sludge, bacteria’s capacity to break down waste is reduced. Sludge can also overflow into the drain field if there is too much of it. Sludge or scum obstructs the flow of water via a pipe. It is possible for tree and shrub roots to obstruct and cause harm to a drain field. Compacted soil and gravel prevent wastewater from seeping into the ground and deprive germs of oxygen. Most of the time, this is caused by vehicles driving or parking on the drain field.
Get your tank pumped…
Your tank must be emptied on a regular basis by a professional. Pumping eliminates the accumulation of sludge and scum that has accumulated in the tank, which has caused the bacterial action to be slowed. If you have a large tank, it may be necessary to pump it once a year; but, depending on the size of your tank and the quantity of waste you send through the system, you may go two or three years between pumpings. Inquire with your inspector about an approximate guideline for how frequently your tank should be pumped.
…but don’t hire a pumper until you need it
Inspections and pumping should be performed on a regular basis. However, if you’re not afraid of getting your hands dirty, you may verify the sludge level yourself with a gadget known as The Sludge Judge. It ranges in price from $100 to $125 and is commonly accessible on the internet. Once you’ve verified that your tank is one-third full with sludge, you should contact a professional to come out and pump it out completely.
Install an effluent filter in your septic system
Garbage from your home accumulates into three distinct strata.
The septic filter is responsible for preventing blockage of the drain field pipes.
Septic tank filter close-up
The septic tank filter is responsible for capturing suspended particles that may otherwise block the drain field pipes. Obtain an effluent filter for your tank from your contractor and place it on the outflow pipe of your tank. (It will most likely cost between $50 and $100, plus labor.) This device, which helps to prevent sediments from entering the drain field, will need to be cleaned out on a regular basis by a contractor to maintain its effectiveness.
Solution for a clogged septic system
If your septic system becomes clogged and you find yourself having to clean the filter on a regular basis, you might be tempted to simply remove the filter altogether. Hold on to it. Solids, wastewater, and scum are separated into three levels in septic tanks, which allows them to function properly (see illustration above). Solids sink to the bottom of the container, where microbes breakdown them. The scum, which is made up of trash that is lighter than water, rises to the surface. In the drainage field, the middle layer of effluent leaves the tank and goes through an underground network of perforated pipes to the drainage field.
- Keep the effluent filter in place since it is required by your state’s health law.
- Waste particles might flow through the filter and clog the perforated pipes if the filter is not used.
- Your filter, on the other hand, should not require cleaning every six months.
- A good chance is high that you’re flushing filter-clogging things down the toilet, such as grease, fat, or food scraps.
- A garbage disposal will not be able to break down food particles sufficiently to allow them to flow through the septic tank filtration system.
- Plastic items, disposable diapers, paper towels, nonbiodegradable goods, and tobacco products will clog the system if they are flushed through it.
- More information on removing lint from your laundry may be found here.
Get an inspection
Following a comprehensive first check performed by an expert, regular inspections will cost less than $100 each inspection for the next year. Your professional will be able to inform you how often you should get your system inspected as well as how a septic tank functions. As straightforward as a septic system appears, determining its overall condition necessitates the services of a professional. There are a plethora of contractors who would gladly pump the sludge out of your tank, but many, in my experience, are unable to explain how a septic system works or how it should be maintained.
A certification scheme for septic contractors has been established in certain states; check with your state’s Secretary of State’s office to see whether yours is one of them.
Also, a qualified inspector will be able to tell you whether or not your tank is large enough to accommodate your household’s needs, as well as the maximum amount of water that can be passed through it in a single day.
You may be able to boost the performance of your system by using a product such as RID-X to introduce bacteria into the system. As you learn more about how a septic tank works, your professional should be able to tell you whether or not your system will benefit from this treatment.
Alternatives to a new drain field
If an examination or a sewage backup indicate that your drain field is in need of replacement, the only option is to replace it completely. As a result, it’s important to talk with a contractor about other possibilities before proceeding with the project.
- Pipes should be cleaned. A rotating pressure washer, used by a contractor, may be used to clean out the drain septic field pipes. The cost of “jetting” the pipes is generally around $200. Chemicals should be used to clean the system. A commercial solution (not a home-made one) that enhances the quantity of oxygen in the drain field should be discussed with your contractor before installing your new system. Septic-Scrub is a product that I suggest. A normal treatment will cost between $500 and $1,000. Make the soil more pliable. The practice of “terra-lifting,” which involves pumping high-pressure air into several spots surrounding the drain field, is authorized in some regions. Some contractors use it to shatter compacted dirt around the pipes. Depending on the circumstances, this might cost less than $1,000 or as much as $4,000 or more.
Protect your drain septic field from lint
When this device is in place, it inhibits lint from entering the system, especially synthetic fibers that bacteria are unable to digest. One of these filters, which I’ve designed and termed theSeptic Protector, was invented by me. An additional filter is included in the price of around $150 plus delivery. Learn more about how to filter out laundry lint in this article.
Don’t overload the septic system
Reduce the amount of water you use. The volume of water that flows into your tank, particularly over a short period of time, can be reduced to avoid untreated waste from being flushed into your drain field. Replace outdated toilets with low-flow ones, install low-flow showerheads, and, perhaps most importantly, wash laundry throughout the week rather than just on Saturday mornings to save water.
Meet the Expert
Septic systems, according to Jim vonMeier, are the solution to America’s water deficit because they supply cleaned water to depleted aquifers, according to vonMeier. He travels the country lobbying for septic systems, giving lectures, and giving testimony. For septic system inquiries, as well as information on the operation of the septic tank, contact him by email.