Septic tanks serve a useful purposes in many houses due to their ability to operate effectively off the grid. This makes them particularly helpful for a variety of urban planning purposes, as well as for rural regions.
However, proper and adequate maintenance of your septic tank is essential for it to function properly. This is often something that people wish to hire a maintenance company to deal with, which is perfectly okay.
Knowing the cleaning process can help homeowners make more informed decisions about the cleaning of their septic tank. This blog outlines a number of common methods that people use to achieve this.
Septic Tank Cleaning Explained
However, this waste will continue to accumulate, and will not go away on its own, making a clean out essential not just for its longevity but also for general health and safety.
Additionally, cleaning a septic system exposes any possible faults that might exist in the system. Clean outs are therefore an important part of the maintenance process.
Septic System Maintenance Timeline
The intervals at which septic tanks need cleaning are dependent on various factors, many of which are fairly self evident. Larger families or households would need more regular clean outs than smaller households, for instance.
There is no universally applicable formula or measure, but on average, people have to sanitise tanks every 3 to 5 years. Domestic septic tank cleaning is no different to industrial septic tank pump outs or other general septic tank services.
However, there are certain warning signs that can signal the need for maintenance. This is something that we cover quite extensively in our blog.
Common Methods of Cleaning Septic Tanks in Australia
To clean septic tanks, a variety of techniques can be applied. Each of these techniques has its own distinctive perks and downsides. Below are the most common techniques that have been used by practitioners in Australia.
Because septic waste involves raw sewage, wastewater, and other hazardous liquid waste, it is important that septic tank owners employ a professional septic tank pump out team.
1. The ‘Pumping and Vacuuming’ Method
Pumping and vacuuming involves the complete cleaning of septic tanks with the aid of a vacuum-type truck that scrapes off the scum and sludge in a septic tank. The technique is both effective and time-sensitive.
A contractor or a septic service company comes to your location, determines the location of the access ports of the septic tank, places a vacuum truck at the top of the septic tank, and attaches a hose. The hose is then used to remove the waste material from the waste tank and the truck then transports the waste to a desirable location for treatment and disposal.
Because the technique removes a large portion of stinking sludge as well as scum, which tends to clog drains and pipes, it prolongs the lifespan of the septic tank.
This technique is however the most expensive and also requires trained personnel, specialised equipment and due to the nature of the work, there is a high chance of being charged additional fees for difficult to access septic tanks.
2. High-Pressure Water Jetting
High-pressure water jetting is an effective method of cleaning sewage tanks. It works exceptionally well when dealing with sludge as well as blockages in pipes leading to and from the septic tank.
While using a high-pressure vacuum truck, a hand hose is attached and inserted into a pipe or a septic. Water is pumped through at extremely high levels and causes sludge and other debris within the tank to break down. The waste is then pumped out with the aid of the truck.
This method is useful because aside from assisting in the cleaning of the septic tank, it also provides a greater level of cleanliness to the inlet and outlet pipes that were unused.
The overall level of cleanliness improves as a result and so does the efficiency and flow of the system. In the end, not as much effort is needed to clean the tank during every cleanout session.
3. Biological Additives
Instead of professional cleaning, the tank can also be treated with enzyme or bacteria additives to supplement maintenance through biological decomposition. These additives are specifically made to target and break down organic waste to keep the sludge and scum from becoming too much.
The additives can be poured into pipes on a toilet or a drain where they can do the solid waste liquefying and make it much easier to pump out during the next clean.
Still, this does not supersede professional cleanings, and its effectiveness is dependent on the quality of the tank and the product being used. Furthermore, sustaining relations with a certified waste management company like Cleanway is crucial.
4. Mechanical Agitation
Mechanical agitation is referred to as a method used to form a loose mass and break up the generated solid sludge in the septic tank to facilitate easy removal during pumping.
Devices known as mechanical agitators are inserted in the tank to mingle liquid waste with the sludge and break it into smaller, less dense particles. A vacuum suction device is employed for the removal of the suspended waste.
This technique is recommended for use in tanks having large amounts of dense sludge because it increases the pumping efficiency.
On the other hand, this method requires a mechanical pump and trained staff. Also, for tanks containing less dense sludge, it can be considered an inefficient use of resources.
5. Chemical Cleaning
Chemical cleaning is the application of chemicals that are aggressive enough to liquidise sludge and scum contained in a septic tank. It is effective, however, the side effects on the nature and eco-system make it one of the more rarely used methods.
The solvents are added into the septic tank where they will work on the solid waste by dissolving it to allow for easy evacuation.
This approach may work for stubborn sludges and provides quick results even for household septic tank cleaning.
Still, the harm done to the useful bacteria in the tank may be worsened by the effect on the environment because of the negligent use of the solvents.
Ways to Look after your Septic Tank or Grease Trap System
In general, looking after the system involves following the same types of best practices one might follow if they were using a regular municipal sewage system. What do I mean by this? Quite simply, look after it.
Minimise Water
Excessive water, whether greywater or general water, should be managed. Systems get overloaded when they are over worked, so redcing the amount that flows through it can help it function better.
Use Septic Safe Products
Anything that goes down the ssytem should be approved. Nothing that can clog the system should be flushed as this will cause massive issues in the long run.
Monitor the Surrounding Environment
Frequently monitoring the surrounding area around the septic system is essential in spotting early leaks or contaminations. These can point you in the direction of something being wrong with the overall system.
Regular Inspection
Regular inspection and maintenance needs to be constantly done in order to ensure that the system is working. This is best done with a professional team like those found at Cleanway.
Conclusion
Regular septic tank cleaning is a vital part of maintaining a healthy and efficient system. By understanding the common septic tank cleaning methods and following best practices for maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs and protect the environment.
Whether you opt for pumping, high-pressure jetting, or biological additives, always rely on qualified professionals to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.