How To Enter A Septic Tank? (Correct answer)

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• Roots enter a septic tank through the access lid, inlet or outlet pipes, seams of the tank, and broken drain pipes. One of the more common ways roots enter the tank is through the lid; once in the tank, they can quickly take over the system. The roots will need to be manually removed, and tank sealed and or repaired.

How do I know my septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

1. Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
2. Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
3. Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
4. You Hear Gurgling Water.
5. You Have A Sewage Backup.
6. How often should you empty your septic tank?

Can a septic tank never be pumped?

What Are the Consequences of Not Pumping Your Tank? If the tank is not pumped, the solids will build up in the tank and the holding capacity of the tank will be diminished. Eventually, the solids will reach the pipe that feeds into the drain field, causing a clog. Waste water backing up into the house.

What to do after septic is pumped?

After you have had your septic tank pumped by a trusted septic company, there are some things you can and should do as the septic system owner.

1. 1) Get on a Schedule.
2. 2) Take Care of the System.
3. 3) Know the Parts of Your System.
4. 4) Check Other Possible Issues.

Can a septic tank have only one lid?

Septic tanks should have one lid per compartment. Most tanks have (2) compartments. So, most residential tanks should have (2) lids about 5′ away from each other.

How far down is a septic tank lid?

Often, septic tank lids are at ground level. In most cases, they have buried anywhere from four inches to four feet underground.

How do septic tanks look?

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 I clean my septic tank naturally?

You can mix about a 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon to make your own natural cleaning agent. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains. It’s a great cleaner and your septic system will thank you!

What are the new rules on septic tanks?

According to new regulations passed in 2015, if your septic tank discharges to surface water such as a ditch, stream, canal or river, you will have to upgrade your system to a sewage treatment plant or install a soakaway system by 1 January 2020.

What size septic tank do I need for a tiny house?

Tiny homes typically require a 500 to 1,000-gallon septic tank. Though, it’s not always possible to implement a tank of this size. In some states, for example, the minimum tank size is 1,000 gallons. There may be exceptions to this rule if your home is on wheels.

How do I prepare my septic tank for pumping?

3 Ways to Prepare for Septic Tank Pumping

1. Keep a Record of Septic Tank Maintenance. We recommend you keep track of all septic tank maintenance, service, and repairs that have been conducted since you’ve lived in the home.
2. Locate System Components.
3. Clear Away All Debris.
4. Choose Curt & Jerry for Septic Tank Pumping.

Septic Tank Safety Warnings

Please adhere to these safety precautions at all times.

• Do not bend over the opening of a septic tank or push your head into the tank to see its inside – you might be overpowered by fumes, fall into the tank, and suffocate. Leave tank cleaning and maintenance to the hands of skilled specialists only. Never enter a septic tank unless you have received special training and are wearing specialized equipment and clothing designed specifically for the task, such as a self-contained breathing apparatus. If you are not equipped with a self-contained breathing equipment, you should not enter a septic tank to rescue someone who has fallen in and become overpowered by fumes. Instead, contact for emergency services and place one or more fans at the top of the septic tank to allow fresh air to circulate through the tank
• Never work alone in or around a septic tank
• It is extremely dangerous. Don’t use any open flames or smoke cigarettes near or around the fuel tank. This has the potential to trigger an explosion. Inspect the tank and its access ports to ensure that the covers are solid and secure, that they do not collapse, and that they cannot be removed or shoved aside by youngsters or animals. Keep an eye out for septic systems that are outdated and crumbling. Unsafe septic tank covers have resulted in the deaths of children, adults, dogs, horses, and other livestock in abandoned septic tanks. Be on the lookout for signs of sinking soil, rusted-through steel septic tank covers, home-made wooden or weak tank covers, or homemade cesspools and drywells that are at risk of collapsing. When excavating in the yard, keep an eye out for electrical risks. Make sure you don’t dig into an electrical wire and cause it to short out (or other buried mechanical line such as a gas or water line). Buried electrical lines can have a similar appearance to tree roots. Hazardous areas should be cordoned off and marked
• Always be on the lookout for unhygienic circumstances such as surface effluent or sewage backups inside buildings, which might expose your family to major virus and bacterial risks. Depending on the situation, professional cleaning may be required indoors. Do not drive over your septic tank or the plumbing that connects to it. It has the potential to collapse. It is necessary to protect a septic line that runs under a driveway with specific materials or to install it in a concrete-covered and protected trench of sufficient depth if the line must be routed under the road.

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Septic Tank Alerts Septic Tank Alerts

Procedure for Opening Septic Tanks

• ASK a question or make a comment about how to open a septic tank safely and properly for inspection or cleaning.

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. Instructions on how to open the septic tank. The location of the septic tank cleanout or cover, as well as the access and opening processes. We discuss some of the things to look for before opening the septic tank, such as subsidence, indications of recent work, and septic tank coverings that are not suitable to use. Then we demonstrate how to remove the septic tank lid or the access port cover from the tank.

For this topic, we also have anARTICLE INDEX available, or you may check the top or bottom of the page.

Procedures for Safe Opening of a Septic Tank, Cesspool, or Drywall for Inspection or Cleaning

The following are the contents of the article:

• How to remove the lid from a septic tank
• When it comes to pumping out the septic tank, which septic tank entrance should be used? Why

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.

• There is a risk of dangerous, perhaps deadly collapse due to subsidence (depressions or low regions in the earth) near the location of the septic tank. Evidence of recent construction activity that may necessitate further investigation in order to determine the status of the septic system
• Backup or effluent breakout at the surface of the ground in the septic tank region.

• Here is an example of a septic tank cover that was discovered atop an unstable home-made collection of concrete blocks that had been piled by the owner to serve as an access well to his septic tank. Because the masonry blocks were misaligned and loose, and because the tank aperture into which the cover opened was bigger than the cover, there was a serious collapse risk that may have resulted in a deadly hazard. We covered the area with plywood and roped it off, and we quickly informed the residents and the property owner of the situation, both verbally and in writing

Procedure for Opening the Septic Tank Pumping Access Port

It is necessary to clean the septic tank using a cleanout port, which is normally positioned in the center of the tank. A small access opening, such as one over an intake or outlet baffle, does not provide enough space for adequate sludge removal from the septic tank bottom, and it increases the likelihood of future clogging of the tank’s inlet or outlet due to partially removed floating scum that has not been completely removed from the tank bottom. In this particular scenario, we already had the measurements to the exact placement of the septic tank cleanout cover due to previous work.

A wrecking bar is set to be used to remove the cover from the vehicle.

Reader CommentsQ A

@Ron, In order for a concrete septic tank lid to be correctly erected, it must feature both access openings and cast in iron loops to which a hoist may be attached. Alternatively, if your septic tank cover does not have those points of purchase for lifting, you will require a flat bar and a larger wrecking bar to pry up the excavated lid from the septic tank sufficiently to allow you to put a chain around the lid, most likely two Chainz, and lift the lid with a hoist and tripod mechanism or you will use an on-site motorized hoist.

• 1/2 x 27/4 removing the top of a septic tank @Phil, Although what you describe is theoretically doable, it may be less expensive and more rational to do so in a different way.
• This is due to the fact that just stitching a circular hole does not ensure that I am creating a hole through which the lid will not be dropped.
• Edge My concrete septic tank, which was constructed when the home was built in 1979 and does not have any manholes or openings for pumping out, is in poor condition.
• Is it feasible to cut two manholes using a concrete saw that are 20″/24″ in diameter and then build risers and a cover on top of them?
• Could you please share a picture of the tank top?
• It is common for the concrete top to be tapered; however, it may simply be stuck with effloresent salts and crud.
• I have a feeling that simply pulling will not be effective.

This would have stopped leaks but would have made it extremely difficult to open the tank for the next person who needed to open the tank.

Repeat this process several times all around the cover’s perimeter.

For me this has worked pretty much always.

If your septic tank lid isn’t close to ground surface, I’d consider installing a septic tank riser, sealed to the tank top, and a new secure cover atop the riser.

Never work alone.

I have set up 2 oak 4×4 over the top of the lifting ring.

All I have done 3 times is break those 4×4.

Any suggestions?

someone threw plastic grocery bags in the septic tank.

After having the septic tank pumped out, does it make sense to put a plastic bag over the top opening of the tank?

Gerard A plastic bag as a sewer line cap doesn’t sound right to me – not durable, wrong material if a cap is needed, and if it’s a vent not an access pipe then the vent needs to be open to the atmosphere and screened against animal entry.

What purpose does it serve?

A normal septic tank has clean out access covers at the right location.

it may be that something as simple as heavy flat piece of concrete or stone will suffice or not.

frankly I would have expected the contractor who made the hole to be responsible for leaving the system proper and safe.

how do I fix it Maree, You can find online septic tank vendors, but most practical is to find a nearby septic tank supplier where you live.

Tom, In my opinion what you want to do is perfectly reasonable.

I had my tanks cleaned last week everything was fine, But he had to dig below ground about 12 inches for two lids.

I am not sure why only that one was slightly above ground level.

It will make easier to dig the two tank lids.

What are pro and cons.

Any other suggestions.

Sorry for long post.

Sorry “True Bolt” is not a term I know nor associate with septic tank lids.

Not necessarily, Mary as the pumper may be able to access all of the tank bottom from one opening; it depends on tank size and shape; but you might want both openings opened to check the condition of the tank baffles if your pumper can’t do that from one end.

My septic tank has two openings. Do both have to be opened for a pump out?

Question:cannot find the manhole cover of the septic tank

(8th of August, 2014) “We’ve located the cesspool concrete lid (about 12 foot diameter), but after digging a 2 foot perimeter, we were unable to locate the manhole cover, which was required for an inspection.” vicki levin stated Help? My husband is becoming increasingly upset with the digging!

Reply:

If it’s a cesspool, rather than a septic tank, and it’s spherical, the access lid is normally located in the center of the container.

Question: how do i remove septic tank lid that is stuck

The entrance lid would normally be in the center of the cesspool, if it is in fact a cesspool rather than a septic tank, and it is spherical.

Reply:

Anon:WARNING: If the septic tank cover, lid, or access aperture has partially caved in or sank into the tank, the condition is extremely dangerous – an unsecure cover implies that someone might fall into the tank, which is generally lethal very quickly. Please keep everyone away from the septic tank area until such time as you have had the tank inspected and opened for additional inspection by a professional. Depending on the tank type and condition, lifting the lid may necessitate the use of a pry bar or wrecking bar, as well as a small portable winch (which is unusual).

Alternatively, consider the following:

Septic Pumping ProcedurePumper Truck Operation Articles

• PROCEDURE FOR SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION
• MISTAKES MADE IN SEPTIC TANK PUMPING
• PROCEDURE FOR SEPTIC TANK PUMPING

• HOW TO CLEAN A SEPTIC TANK
• WHEN TO CLEAN A SEPTIC TANK
• WHEN NOT TO PUMP A SEPTIC TANK
• HOW TO FIND A SEPTIC TANK
• HOW TO OPEN A SEPTIC TANK
• INSPECT THE SEPTIC TANK BEFORE PUMPING
• SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
• SEPTIC TANK LEVELS OF SEWAGE
• PUMPER TRU

Suggested citation for this web page

HOW TO OPEN A SEPTIC TANK at Inspect a Tank An online encyclopedia of building environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, and issue preventive information is available at Apedia.com. Alternatively, have a look at this.

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES:ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

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How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:

• 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 frequency with which a septic tank is pumped is influenced by four key factors:

• 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

In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure.

• 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.

Take Precautions In Confined-Space Entry Situations

Receive safety articles, news, and videos delivered directly to your email! Now is the time to sign up. Safety+ Receive Notifications I covered several safety considerations for onsite system service providers and inspectors in a previous post a few months back. The contractors I meet with as I continue my travels throughout the country to speak with wastewater specialists have told me that they need to enter tanks in order to perform repairs to baffles and other components. Yet hardly a single year goes by without someone dying after accessing a septic tank without the proper training or protective equipment for such an undertaking.

Any enclosed working space seen by onsite experts should be regarded as potentially hazardous, but the septic tank is the limited space with which septic service specialists are most familiar.

Deep excavations to provide access to septic tanks or pump tanks involve some of the same confined-space concerns as shallow excavations, as well as the possibility of the excavation collapsing.

THREAT OF TOXIC GAS

Three key causes of concern spring to mind when confronted with a confined-space situation: oxygen deficit, hazardous gases, and explosive circumstances. Suffocation induced by oxygen shortage occurs as a result of the biological and chemical activity in the tank depleting the oxygen in the tank. In addition, the amount of oxygen in the air is decreasing as a result of the creation of gases such as carbon dioxide and methane in the environment. The oxygen content of the atmosphere is 21 percent.

1. Humans can tolerate levels as low as 12 percent for a short period of time.
2. It is necessary to utilize an oxygen deficiency meter to assess whether or not the levels are sufficient.
3. They are both created as a result of anaerobic decomposition that takes place in the septic tank.
4. A hydrogen sulfide detector or lead acetate paper can be used to detect the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas.

Because it is heavier than air, it will be located at the bottom of the tank, where it belongs. As a general rule, if oxygen levels are sufficient, it is likely that carbon dioxide levels will be within acceptable limits.

NO SMOKING

Methane is the most often encountered explosive agent. Methane is a colorless and odorless gas that is not poisonous, but it has the potential to deplete the atmosphere’s oxygen supply. When present in quantities ranging from 5 to 15%, it is explosive. Everyone has a tale of an explosion that was caused by someone smoking in the vicinity of the tank while it was being pumped. That is a compelling argument why service providers should refrain from smoking while pumping a tank of gas. Recognize the danger of an explosion and refrain from utilizing electrical equipment or any other objects that might cause a spark or flame until the situation is no longer a danger.

• When someone enters the area, they should be restrained by a lifeline that is linked to a safety harness.
• When someone enters a tank, two physically able persons should remain on the surface of the water.
• The majority of the time, when someone enters the tank to save a worker without following these criteria, two fatalities occur.
• State worker safety agencies provide confined-space training classes, which may be found here.

How Does a Septic Tank Work?

Mr. Fix-It-Up-For-The-Family You may save a lot of money if you understand how a sewage treatment system works—and what can go wrong—so that you can handle your own septic system maintenance.

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.

1. A layer of sludge settles to the bottom of the container.
2. 4.
3. Scum is mostly constituted of fats, greases, and oils, among other substances.
4. Grease and oils float to the surface of the water.
5. (5) A filter stops the majority of particles from reaching the exit pipe.
6. The effluent is discharged into the drain field.
7. Effluent is allowed to leak into the surrounding gravel because of holes in the drain septic field pipe.
8. The garbage is completely decomposed by aerobic bacteria found in gravel and dirt.
9. 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.

Lifesaving Septic Tank Safety Tips

Don’t allow your tank cause you financial hardship. Get quotations from as many as three professionals! Enter your zip code below to get matched with top-rated professionals in your area. Septic tanks may appear to be a daunting task, but by conducting the required study on how to effectively manage your system, you can take matters into your own hands and make a difference. You can keep your tank in excellent shape all year long if you have a little knowledge and patience. The following are some helpful septic tank safety recommendations that you may put to use the next time you’re working on your system.

1. Work With a Friend

According to the Department of Health and Environmental Control, you should not attempt to resolve septic problems on your own. Due to the possibility of exposure to risks such as germs, fumes, and electrical shock when working on septic tanks, this is being done as a preventative step. By collaborating with another person, you may be assured that if an accident occurs, you will not be on your own. You can work out a deal with a friend in which they come help you work on your septic tank in exchange for you doing the same for them when they want assistance.

2. Inspect Your Septic System

It’s understandable that arranging a septic system inspection isn’t at the top of your priority list, but it’s an important duty to complete. Septic tanks that are not operating correctly can create health problems. For example, if your tank is not emptying properly, bacteria might enter your home and pose a threat to your health. It is possible that sewage will seep into your household water supply, introducing hazardous chemicals that can make humans and animals sick. In addition to being helpful to your pocketbook, having frequent inspections is an important safety precaution to incorporate into your routine.

The typical cost of a septic tank inspection is between $100 and $200, whereas the average cost of a new septic tank system ranges between $6,420 and $7,200.

When a professional septic specialist inspects the system, he or she will be able to assess whether or not the system is properly clean and will check for any indicators of damage or serious difficulties, such as water collecting near the drainfield, gurgling sounds, and algae development.

3. Schedule Regular Septic Pumping

Getty Images Plus / Getty Images / iStock / Michael G. White / Getty Images It’s quite acceptable if septic pumping sounds completely strange to you; it’s actually rather straightforward. Septic tank pumping is only one important aspect of septic tank maintenance. When you pump your tank, you are removing the sludge that has accumulated over time. This is a critical operation because it avoids the problem of sludge clogging the output pipe in the process (which drains liquids). You should try to have your septic tank emptied every three to five years, but the frequency may vary depending on how much water you use and how many people live in your house.

4. Watch Out for Odors

This septic tank safety advice is straightforward and simple to put into practice: Take attention of the smells. If you’re smelling a bad stench emanating from your septic tank, this might be a warning sign of anything wrong. Septic tanks that smell bad are generally a sign that something is wrong with the tank’s internal mechanisms. Other factors that might contribute to an odor emanating from your septic tank include clogged drains, blocked vents, and a damaged pump. Some of these difficulties will be simple enough for you to address on your own, but if you’re not confident in the issue or your capacity to tackle the problem, you should consult with a septic tank specialist who can assist you in diagnosing and resolving it.

5. Limit Garbage Disposal Use

Image courtesy of Thomas EyeDesign / E+ / Getty Images One strategy to ensure that your septic tank is properly maintained is to reduce or eliminate the use of your waste disposal. As a result of garbage disposals, the number of pollutants that build up in the sewer system is increased. As a result, when an excessive amount of fats, greases, and particles build, the tank might get blocked. If you do decide to utilize a trash disposal, you should consider having your septic tank drained more often in order to avoid issues in the future.

6. Avoid Flames Near a Septic Tank

The final septic tank safety tip on our list is one of the most important. You should avoid using open fires at the bottom of your septic tank since your tank produces methane gas as a byproduct, and methane gas may be extremely explosive. For the sake of your safety and health, you should generally avoid smoking near any septic tank, even one that is completely closed, because even a single flame can quickly result in a potentially explosive reaction.

Septic Tank Pumping

Septic tanks are used in the vast majority of on-lot sewage systems nowadays. The subject of how frequently a septic tank should be pumped has been a source of contention for several decades. For example, there are some homeowners who say they have never drained their septic tank and that it “appears” to be in fine working condition.

While trying to establish a standard pumping strategy, authorities have taken a more conservative approach and have declared that all septic tanks should be pump out every two to three years.

How a Septic Tank Works

Box 1.Can you tell me how much solid trash you generate? The average adult consumes around one quart of food every day. The body removes just a very little percentage of this meal and utilizes it to provide energy for the body’s functions. The remaining portion is discharged into the waste water system. This translates into around 90 gallons of solid waste being discharged into the septic tank per adult each year. Based on the assumption that the anaerobic bacteria in the septic tank reduce the waste volume by around 60%, this indicates that each adult contributes approximately 60 gallons of solids to their septic tank each year.

• Consequently, it will take around 5 years for one adult to completely fill a 1,000-gallon septic tank with sludge and scum, which is approximately 300 gallons.
• It is simple to infer that a septic tank should be pumped every two to three years after accounting for adults who work outside the home for a third of the time and children who attend school after making these modifications to the study.
• Single chamber septic tanks were the most common type of septic tank until recently.
• Septic tanks are designed to facilitate the removal of particles that are heavier than water by encouraging these heavy particles to settle to the tank floor, resulting in the formation of the sludge layer.
• It is also designed to keep particles that are lighter than water by encouraging these lighter particles to float to the surface and be maintained in the tank, resulting in a layer of scum on the surface of the tank.

In part, this is due to the fact that the temperature of the septic tank is equal to that of the soil surrounding it, and the anaerobic bacteria require higher temperatures in order to effectively decompose organic material in wastewater and thus reduce the biological oxygen demand (BOD) of the wastewater.

• Holding on to the heavy (settleable) and lighter (floatable) solids allows the septic tank to slowly fill with solids from the bottom up as well as from the top down.
• Septic tanks with an exit filter will capture and reduce the flow of solids into the absorption area when the tank is properly designed and installed.
• As a result, it is critical that every septic tank be pumped on a regular basis to remove the organic particles that have been captured and partially decomposed.
• Small amounts of the solids retained in the tank decompose, but the vast majority of the solids remain and build up in the tank.
• Under no circumstances should you enter a septic tank.
• With continued use of the on-lot wastewater disposal system, an accumulation of sludge and scum builds up in the septic tank.
• As the volume of sludge and scum in the tank fills up, wastewater is retained in the tank for a shorter period of time, and the solids removal process becomes less effective as a result.

It is necessary to pump the tank on a regular basis in order to avoid this. Asseptage is the term used to describe the material pumped. Cross-sectional view of a two-chamber septic tank (Figure 1).

Number of bedrooms in the home	Estimated daily flow (gallons/day)	Minimum septic tank size (gallons)
3	400	900
4	500	1,250
5	600	1,400
6	700	1,550

How Frequent should a Septic Tank be Pumped?

Pumping frequency is determined by a number of parameters, including:

• The capacity of the septic tank
• The amount of wastewater that is put to the septic tank each day (see Table 1)
• The amount of solids in a wastewater stream is measured. In this regard, it should be noted that there are various different types of particles that are regularly dumped into a septic system. This group of solids includes (1) biodegradable “organic” solids such as feces (see Box 1), (2) slowly biodegradable “organic” solids such as toilet paper and cellulosic compounds, which take a long time to biodegrade in the septic tank, and (3) non-biodegradable solids such as kitty litter, plastics, and other non-biodegradable materials, which do not biodegrade and quickly fill the septic tank It is possible to significantly reduce the quantity of slowly biodegradable organics and non-biodegradable trash that is introduced to your septic tank by reducing the amount of organic waste that is added to the tank.

Another factor that influences how soon a septic tank will fill with solids is one’s way of living. In terms of septic tank function, the two most essential aspects of one’s lifestyle are as follows: Homes with expanding families, having children ranging in age from tiny children to adolescents, often consume more water and deposit more sediments into the septic tank than other types of households. Empty nesters, and especially the elderly, on the other hand, have a tendency to consume significantly less water and to deposit significantly less solid waste in septic tanks.

• The particles in a septic tank tend to be taken away from the tank to the soil absorption region, as previously indicated.
• As additional materials collect in the absorption region, these sediments begin to choke the soil, preventing wastewater from being able to fully absorb.
• In most cases, the removal of these biomats is both expensive and time-consuming.
• Pumping the wastewater that has accumulated in the soil absorption area is required for the removal of the biomat.
• The biomat normally decomposes within a few days after the absorption area has been completely dewatered and has been aerated.

Is It Time To Pump Your Septic Tank?

So, how does one go about determining how frequently a septic tank needs be cleaned? We are aware that residences who dispose of huge volumes of non-biodegradable and slowly biodegradable organic waste into their septic tank require more frequent pumping. It is also known that prior to the time at which the collected solids have accumulated to the point that they are being taken with the tank effluent to the absorption region, the septic tank should be pump out. When it comes to determining when (and how frequently) to pump your septic tank, there are two generally safe ways to use.

The alternative method is to open the access port to the first chamber (as shown in Figure 1) once a year and insert a long pole to the bottom of the tank and then pull it out of the tank.

If the sludge has accumulated to more than one-third of the tank’s total depth, it is time to have it drained out completely. The majority of households will benefit from having their tanks drained every two or three years instead.

The Pumping Process

Contractors who specialize in septic tank pumping and hauling may pump your septic tank. It is a good idea to be present to check that everything is completed correctly. For the material to be extracted from the tank, it is necessary to break up the scum layer, and the sludge layer must be combined with the liquid section of the tank. In most cases, this is accomplished by alternately pumping liquid out of the tank and re-injecting it into the bottom of the tank. Not the little intake or outlet inspection openings situated above each baffle, but the two huge central access ports (manholes) are required for pumping the septic tank.

• It is not suggested to use additives in septic tanks to minimize the volume of sludge or as a substitute for pumping in order to achieve these goals.
• When you have your septic tank pumped, you should consider taking an additional step to ensure that your septic system continues to perform correctly for a long time.
• This inspector can tell you whether or not your septic tank needs to be repaired, as well as whether or not other components of your sewage system require upkeep.
• Mark the position of the tank as well, so that it may be found simply in the future for pumping.

Schedule Septic Tank Pumping

Homeowners should develop the practice of getting their septic tanks drained on a regular basis. As long as you are able and willing to schedule regular septic tank pumping (every two or three years, for example), it may be feasible to improve the overall performance of your complete on-lot wastewater disposal system. According to research conducted at Penn State, your soil absorption system will benefit from frequent resting periods (a period during which no wastewater is added to the absorption area).

In other words, the whole system, particularly the soil absorption region, will have the opportunity to dry up, and any organic waste (biomat) that may have formed in the soil absorption area will degrade swiftly in the absence of water.

Summary

A septic tank is simply one component of a complete on-site wastewater treatment system. Its purpose is to remove solids from the effluent prior to it reaching the soil absorption region, to allow for the digestion of a part of those solids, and to store the remainder of the solids in a holding tank. It is not necessary to use biological or chemical additions to enhance or speed the breakdown process.

Grinders contribute to the solids load on the system by reducing the size of garbage. Solids must be removed on a regular basis in order to prevent them from accessing the soil absorption zone. Every two to three years, you should have your septic tank drained and examined by a professional.

For additional assistance contact

Your local Sewage Enforcement Officer or Extension Educator can help you with these issues. A contact for the Pennsylvania Association of Sewage Enforcement Officers (PASEO) is as follows:4902 Carlisle Pike,268Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 Phone: 717-761-8648 Email: [email protected] Philadelphia, PA 18016 717-763-7762 [email protected] Pennsylvania Septage Management Association (PSMA)P.O. Box 144 Bethlehem, PA 18016 717-763-7762