Septic Tank Cleaning Perth is essential to maintaining a home’s septic system. Without it, the system becomes less efficient, and solids may clog pipes or soil absorption fields.

A septic tank is a large, buried container that holds wastewater until it is clear enough to drain into the drainage field. Regular cleaning and inspection prevent the solid matter in the tank from polluting groundwater.

The septic tank process relies on a microbial population to help treat wastewater and reduce sludge buildup. But when these microorganisms are disrupted, problems can occur. Keeping up with routine maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure the septic system works correctly.

The first sign of trouble is a strong sewage smell that can permeate the home or yard. If you notice this smell, call a septic system professional immediately. They can assess the situation and determine whether or not there is a clog in the ventilation system that is trapping septic gases.

In addition to septic tank cleaning, a pro can recommend other maintenance tasks that will help reduce the buildup of sludge and keep the septic tank working properly. For example, using a commercial bacteria treatment can promote healthy microbial populations in the tank, which will in turn minimize sludge buildup. These treatments are typically available at hardware and plumbing stores, but a pro can also administer them for a more thorough septic tank cleaning.

Septic tank sludge is a natural part of the waste treatment process, but too much can cause the system to stop functioning. The septic tank needs to be regularly pumped in order to remove the excess sludge and prevent it from building up beyond the point where it can clog the leaching field.

A pro will use a special piece of equipment to check the sludge depth inside the tank. It’s often called a Sludge Judge and has measurements on it to help the pro determine how deep the sludge is. This information will help them determine when the next septic tank cleaning should be.

Some homeowners may be tempted to clean the septic tank themselves, but this can be dangerous. The septic tank is a highly contaminated space that contains raw sewage and sewer gasses. Homeowners should never try to access the septic tank without having it professionally marked by an excavation company.

Besides having the septic tank pumped, a homeowner can help minimize sludge buildup by reducing what is being flushed down the drains. This includes things like non-biodegradable plastic items, coffee grounds, and food scraps. Other measures include using low-flow toilets, spreading out laundry loads throughout the week, and parking vehicles off the septic tank site to protect the drain field.

Clogs

If you notice slow drains or gurgling noises in your home, there’s a good chance that the drain pipe that leads to your septic system is clogged. This can cause waste to back up into your home and also lead to an unpleasant odor. Thankfully, there are several ways that you can remove these clogs without having to call a professional.

Start by trying to clear up the clog with boiling water. This can often take care of small clogs and won’t damage your pipes or septic tank in any way. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a combination of baking soda and vinegar. This can create a fizzy reaction that breaks up and removes clogs. Pour the mixture down your drains followed by boiling water half an hour later to flush away any remaining clogs.

Harsh chemical cleaners like bleach can be extremely damaging to your septic system and should never be used. This is because these chemicals kill the bacteria that is responsible for breaking down waste in your septic tank. As little as a single ounce of Drano can be enough to destroy the bacteria that is necessary for your septic tank to function properly.

Keeping your waste traps well maintained can also prevent these types of clogs from occurring. These traps are designed to catch grease and other large particles before they enter your drainpipes and septic tank. In addition to this, you can use a drain snake to help with larger clogs that may not be easily removed.

If your septic system is experiencing a severe clog that you can’t resolve, it might be time to call a professional. They can inspect the septic tank to see if it needs to be pumped, as well as run a video camera through the septic system to locate the clog and determine what is causing it.

A professional can also use a mechanical auger to break apart clogs that are too large for your DIY methods. However, this can be dangerous if you don’t have experience with it and can even damage your septic line if used improperly.

High Water Levels

The septic tank is a large, underground, watertight container where all household wastewater flows. Heavy solids settle to the bottom where bacteria reduce them into sludge and gasses. Lighter solids, such as grease, rise to the top where they form a scum layer. When the septic tank is full, the solids cannot decompose and they overflow into the drain field, where they can cause extensive damage. To prevent this, the septic tank must be regularly pumped.

If you notice wastewater is backing up into your house, the first thing to check is the septic tank. If the septic tank is at its normal level (about 8” – 12” below the outlet pipe), then there is probably no issue with your septic system.

However, if the septic tank is above its normal working level, then you must call a professional to investigate. It could be that the tank has a plugged inlet filter or the dispersal field is clogged.

In some cases, the problem may be caused by overuse of household plumbing. Using too much water can cause the septic tank to fill up quickly, leading to overflow. It’s a good idea to reduce your water usage as summer approaches to avoid this.

Another cause is excessive rainfall. Heavy rains can saturate the soil around your septic tank, causing it to fill up more quickly. If this happens, it’s a good idea to limit water use as the weather turns stormy.

If you’re unsure whether your septic tank is at its normal level, uncover both the inlet and outlet access covers and measure the thickness of the sludge and scum layers. If the sludge layer is more than 12” thick or within 3” of the bottom of the outlet baffle, it’s time to have the tank pumped.

Never use a septic tank additive; these products do not eliminate the need for regular pumping and can be harmful to your septic system. Instead, contact a septic service for a cleaning and inspection. They can help you determine if the tank is full, and recommend the best course of action.

Odor

A septic tank odor can be one of the most unpleasant problems to deal with. It is not only a sign of poor plumbing, but it can also lead to airborne bacteria that can cause respiratory illness and other health problems. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of these nasty odors from your septic tank.

Septic tank odors can be caused by anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria are responsible for breaking down solid waste in the septic tank, but they can also produce a noxious gas that is a result of this process. These gases can be released into the house when a septic tank becomes full, which is why regular septic tank pump-outs are so important.

Another possible reason for septic tank odors is a clog in the home plumbing system. These clogs can be a difficult problem to deal with, especially if they are deep. In these cases, you may need to use a professional plumber to address the issue.

Other potential septic tank odor causes include groundwater seepage. If the septic tank is not protected, rainwater can seep into the tank and create an unpleasant smell. This is why it is so important to protect your septic tank with an appropriate cover.

It is also important to check the septic vent stack for any obstructions that could be blocking it. The vent stack is responsible for sending septic tank gases out around the roof, so it is important to ensure that this pipe remains open.

Lastly, it is also important to check for any leaks in your septic system. If there are any major leaks, they should be addressed immediately as they can cause serious damage.

If you have tried all of the DIY septic tank odor solutions and you still find yourself dealing with bad septic tank odors, it is time to call the professionals. A professional septic tank cleaning can eliminate the odors and prevent other serious plumbing issues from developing in your home. They can also ensure that the septic tank is properly functioning to prevent future odors and other plumbing issues.