Property owners need to get their septic tanks cleaned periodically. Many people aren’t aware of the potential issues that septic tanks may have. If you understand the value of regular pumping, you will surely get this critical maintenance task done in its due time. Septic contractors can help you with septic tank pumping. Read on to know more!
WHAT ARE SEPTIC TANKS & HOW DO THEY WORK?
Septic tanks are large underground tanks that have the capacity to hold gallons of waste water. They come in standard sizes ranging from 1,000 – 2,500 gallons. Waste water from showers, sinks, bathtubs and toilets is drained into the septic tank.
Once the waste water enters the septic tank, it gets separated into three layers: sludge or solids at the bottom, scum or oils and fat on the top and water in the middle. The sludge gets broken down into liquid by the bacteria that lives in the tank.
Close to the top of the septic tank, there’s a pipe which leads to a section of the yard which is called the drain field. Once the waste water in the septic tank reaches the pipe, it flows away into the drain field and is filtered through the soil cleansing the impurities of the waste water. This prevents contamination of ground water in that particular area.
WHY DO YOU NEED TO GET THE SEPTIC TANK PUMPED?
As time goes by, sludge accumulates in the tank’s bottom. The bacterium in the tank does not help in controlling the amount of the sludge that forms and helps breakdown the sludge at a rapid pace. This helps keep the tank clean. If the tank is pumped, the sludge is instantly removed and emptied. Years of reckless use and sludge buildup can ruin the capacity of the septic tank. The smell from waste water can be avoided by pumping the septic tank.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T PUMP YOUR TANK?
If you don't get the septic tank pumped you may have to face these problems:
Decrease in the tank's holding capacity
Clogging of drain field pipe
Sewage smell in the yard
Waste water overflow
Drain clogging
Growth of grass over the drain field
Swamps over drain fields
It will not take long for these problems to get critical. The only solution during these times is to seek professional help. Don't wait until things get out of hand. Your health and safety come first, always.
HOW FREQUENTLY DOES THE SEPTIC TANK NEED PUMPING?
The duration after which septic tanks need to be pumped depends on the size of the tank and the amount of wastewater that is potentially produced by the household. On an average you should pump the septic tank every 3-5 years. It is important that the size of the septic tank is in accordance with the number of people living in the household.
For example, a 1,000 gallon tank is enough for a household with 3 bedrooms. If a 750 gallon tank is used in that household, the waste water produced may be too much compared to the size of the tank. In that case, the tank would require frequent pumping, which isn’t economical.
WHY SHOULD YOU CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL?
You cannot pump the septic tank alone without professional help. Depending on the size of the tank and the number of people living in the house, septic contractors can advise you on how often you should get the tank pumped. They can answer all questions about the measures you can take to keep the septic tank in proper working conditions.
High Country Vac Services is one of the most preferred septic contractors in Calgary and surrounding areas. We are fully committed to abide by the health and safety standards of the industry. You can expect us to work with utmost efficiency and safety. Contact us to know more about our services.