Septic tanks separate water from solid sewage, with the solids settling to the bottom as sludge and rising to the top as scum. If not pumped out properly, these solids can build up in the tank and cause a number of problems.

Pumping your septic tank on time can help prevent many issues and decrease the severity of any that may arise. Some factors that can affect your Septic Tank Pump Out Perth schedule include your household size and water usage.

Clogged Toilets

A clogged toilet is always a major nuisance, but when it’s associated with your septic system, you need to take action. While a knee-jerk reaction might be to call in an expensive professional, there are some things you can do on your own.

First, check to see if the issue is actually in your toilet or with your septic system. If the clog is only in your home’s drains, it’s likely due to an object stuck in your trap, which is the S-shaped section between the bowl and drain line. Objects like children’s toys, giant wads of toilet paper, cotton swabs and paper towels can all cause this problem. A plunger can help dislodge the blockage and restore normal flow.

If the clog is closer to your septic tank, it could be because of foreign objects making their way into the septic system or sewer lines. Items such as wet wipes, coffee grounds, excessive amounts of toilet paper and sanitary products can all cause this problem, so be sure to only flush human waste and toilet paper.

It’s also important to avoid using bleach and other harsh chemicals in your home, as these can kill off the bacteria that are responsible for breaking down waste in your septic tank. This can lead to a buildup of solid waste that needs to be removed through a pump out.

You may also want to consider having your inlet baffle to the septic tank inspected and unclogged. This is a small opening at the bottom of your tank, and it can become clogged by large debris. If this is the case, a service professional can remove the debris and clear the baffle without having to empty your entire tank.

If the clog is farther out in your sewer system, you’ll need to have the septic tank itself pumped out. This is a more extensive job that requires access to the tank, so you’ll need to find a company with proper licenses and certification for this type of work. It’s a good idea to read reviews and choose a company with experience working on septic tanks in your area.

Water Leaks

If your septic tank is overflowing, it’s time to call in the professionals for a septic system pump out. This will prevent solid waste from escaping into the drain field and potentially damaging the soil there. The best way to avoid this is by putting a schedule in place for regular pump-outs.

A septic tank is designed to break down wastewater and solid matter through natural bacteria. As solid waste accumulates it forms layers of sludge and scum, while liquid effluent water flows through the tank into the drain field for treatment. Keeping a regular pumping schedule will keep the natural bacteria in balance, reducing the risk of problems with the drain field and preventing wastewater from leaking into the environment.

Leaking from a septic tank can be caused by structural damage to the septic system or by clogged pipes. Keeping a regular pump-out schedule will reduce the likelihood of these types of issues, but it’s also important to limit the use of synthetic materials in your home that can clog septic systems. This includes things like cotton swabs, tissues, cigarette butts and feminine hygiene products.

When these items enter your septic system, they can clog the inlet baffle and cause water to back up into your house. This can lead to a variety of plumbing issues, including clogged toilets and leaks in your yard. You can help reduce the likelihood of these issues by only flushing human waste and toilet paper, limiting the amount of water used in your home, and having your septic system inspected annually.

Another sign that it’s time for a septic tank pump out is puddles in your yard, especially when it hasn’t rained recently. This can be a sign of an oversaturated septic tank drain field that is allowing water from rainfall and sprinklers to seep into the surrounding soil. Over time, this can cause the soil to compact and create a sinkhole around your septic tank and drain field.

While a septic tank can last up to 20 years, it will need to be pumped out regularly to ensure it continues working properly and efficiently. The frequency of septic tank pumping will vary, but the average household should have it pumped every three to five years. The exact time frame will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the tank and the household’s water usage.

Damaged Pipes

The most obvious sign your septic tank needs to be pumped out is sewage backups. These are not only unpleasant and unsanitary but they also pose health risks and potential property damage. If you notice sewage backing up through toilets or drains, contact emergency plumbing services as soon as possible. A professional will be able to find the source of the leak and repair it quickly.

Another sign your septic tank needs to be cleaned out is if you notice foul odors around your home. This is due to the buildup of sewage residue and detritus. A reputable septic tank cleaning company will be able to clean the system and remove all the odor-causing debris.

In addition to sewage, your septic tank contains other waste products like cotton swabs, tissues, and cigarette butts that don’t break down. These items can clog your pipes and cause major problems, so it’s best to avoid them altogether. Regular septic tank pumping can help keep these items from entering your septic system in the first place.

If you don’t have a schedule for septic tank pump outs, it’s a good idea to ask the previous owners what their routine was. They should be able to give you a pretty accurate idea of how often the tank was pumped out.

While you may be able to clean out some of the minor issues yourself, a septic tank that’s overflowing is likely a sign of a bigger problem. It can cause solid waste to escape into the soil around your septic system, contaminating ground water. This can lead to a lot of costly repairs, not to mention the health and safety hazards that come along with it.

When the septic tank is overflowing, it’s usually because there has been a lot of rain in the area recently. This can cause mud or dirt to enter the tank and damage it. It’s important to have the septic tank emptied as soon as you notice it’s overflowing. A reputable septic tank cleaning service will be able to empty the tank safely and without damaging your septic system.

Unpleasant Smells

If you notice unpleasant odors, it is often a sign that your septic system needs to be pumped. Foul smells around drains and especially toilets are a sign that there is sewage back-up from your septic system. This sewage can enter your home through the toilets and drains, causing damage that is unhygienic and dangerous to your health. This sewage can also overflow the drain field, contaminating your lawn and posing a serious health risk for you and your family.

A septic tank pumper will bring the necessary equipment to your home to perform the job safely and quickly. This includes a septic tank vacuum, which looks much like a vacuum cleaner but is equipped to work with the waste in your septic tank. The pumper will locate the septic tank and, if needed, dig up or remove the cover to begin pumping the liquid and floating waste from the septic system. If there is a lot of solid waste that is difficult to pump, the pumper may need to use a muckrake to break up the sludge and solid waste to allow the suction equipment to remove it more easily.

During the pumping process, the pumper will listen and observe the septic tank and system to determine its current condition and any repairs that may be required. They will also check for any leaks or other problems that are affecting your septic system and may offer suggestions on how to avoid future issues.

Having your septic tank pumped regularly is the best way to keep it healthy and prevent problems. In addition, there are many preventive measures that you can take to extend the life of your septic tank and system. These include avoiding flushing non-biodegradable waste, such as paper towels, solvents, grease, and feminine hygiene products, into your septic tank or sewer system, and regularly cleaning drains to reduce the amount of waste that enters them. You can also conserve water and take steps to repair any leaks that you find promptly to limit the strain on your septic tank.