Septic tanks store and disperse solid wastes from toilets and drains in a home. When the system is working properly, a microbial ecosystem breaks down most of the septage sent to the tank. However, over time the sludge layer in the tank will build up and it needs to be pumped out.
Why clean drainage?
Depending on the size of the tank and the number of people in the household, some septic systems may need to be pumped less often than others. Our inspectors can measure the sludge and scum layers in your septic tank to determine when it’s time for an inspection or pumping.
There are products on the market that claim to extend the period of time between septic tank pumping. These products are usually septic tank cleaning chemicals that are designed to hasten the natural process of breaking down the sludge. Unfortunately, such additives can throw the primordial ecosystem out of balance and interfere with the microbial party going on beneath your lawn.
If a professional conducts an inspection and finds that your septic tank isn’t working as it should, you’ll likely need to pay for repair costs. These can range from simple issues like repairing lids or pipes to complex jobs such as loosening compacted soil around the drain field.
When septic tank pumping is necessary, it’s important to shut off any electrical components that are attached to the tank before the job begins. Organic wastes produce methane gas as they decompose, and if the methane comes into contact with electricity it can cause an explosion that can cause severe injury or death.