Your septic tank is a large underground container where wastewater and solid waste are stored until bacteria break it down. This process creates a layer of sludge on the bottom of your tank while liquid waste, called effluent, floats on top.

Without regular cleaning, your septic tank could clog and release untreated wastewater into the environment. Here are a few signs that it’s time for septic tank cleaning. Contact Septic Tank Cleaning Perth now!

Septic tank odors often indicate a problem with your Chattanooga home’s septic system. A clog or a full tank usually causes them. When a septic tank gets full, all the waste solids in the system have nowhere to go. This prevents wastewater from flowing through the drains, and it can cause foul odors to emanate from your pipes or toilets.

If your septic tank smells, you should first check the interior of your house for a clog in a toilet or sink drain. If you don’t have a clog, the foul odors may be coming from the septic tank vents. If this is the case, you should contact a plumber to repair or replace the vents.

It’s also important to have your septic tank inspected and pumped regularly to avoid the sludge and organic waste buildup that causes the odors. Getting your septic tank pumped regularly will ensure that all of the waste material in the tank is processed before it has a chance to overflow into your home or yard.

The organic waste material in septic tanks breaks down into several gaseous compounds, including hydrogen sulfide (which has a rotten egg odor) and methane. These gases are dangerous to breathe in high concentrations. They can cause a range of health problems, such as breathing difficulty, irritation to the skin and eyes, and nausea.

There are some septic tank additives on the market that claim to eliminate odors, but these products can interfere with the natural process of breaking down waste in a septic system. They are also not safe for the environment. Using these products can result in the release of toxic gases into the air, which is not good for the environment or your family.

The easiest way to get rid of septic tank odors is to pour a cup of baking soda down any toilet or sink drain once per week. This will correct the pH levels within your septic system to a level that is healthy for microbes to survive.

Blocked Drains

During a regular septic tank cleaning, professionals use high-powered steam to dislodge and flush out stubborn drain clogs. They also inspect septic lines for signs of physical damage. This prevents future clogs and costly plumbing repairs for homeowners.

A septic tank works as a waste disposal system that transports liquid waste to a leach field or drain field, and solid waste sinks to the bottom of the tank. When the septic tank fills up with waste, the sludge overflows into the drain line that runs to your home. This causes foul waste odors and can cause your home’s drains to back up, which is dangerous. Regular septic tank cleanings prevent this.

There are many life hacks and DIY solutions for clogged drains, but they can make the problem worse and lead to expensive plumbing repairs in the future. These at-home remedies can include putting boiling water down the drain or pouring vinegar down your drains, but they’re not always effective. During a septic tank cleaning, a professional can use high-powered steam to break up and flush out all the debris in your septic tank and drain lines, making it possible for the septic system to function normally again.

Clogged septic tank drains are often the result of fats, oils and grease (FOGs) that aren’t properly disposed of by home owners. These waste products can solidify into a slime-like material that blocks the drain pipe between the septic tank and your home. Keeping your tank bacteria topped up with Muck Munchers will help to keep the fats out of your septic tank and drain lines.

During the septic tank cleaning process, the technician will check the sludge depth in your septic tank with a piece of equipment called a septic judge. This is a small device that a pro pushes down into the septic tank to measure the sludge layer. If the sludge is deeper than usual, it could indicate that the septic tank is full or that your drain field is overtaxed with waste. You might also notice that your yard is greener than usual, which can mean excess nitrogen in the soil from a malfunctioning septic system.

Damaged Pipes

A septic system works well as long as the sewage and waste move through it without disrupting the balance of bacteria that breaks down solids. Unfortunately, certain household products like chemical drain cleaners disrupt this balance and interfere with a septic system’s function. These chemicals can also cause clogged drains and other problems throughout the home.

Regular septic tank cleaning prevents these chemicals from entering your drain pipes and causing damage. During this service, a professional will thoroughly clean your entire sewer system, removing all clogs and foreign objects from your septic tank, drain line, and sewer pipe. These preventative services can save you money in repair costs and water-related emergencies.

During a septic tank inspection and cleaning, a technician will check the condition of your septic tanks, baffles, and filters. They will also look for cracks and other physical damage to the tank and its contents. They will also examine the septic tank outlet, checking for signs of a broken line between the tank and drain field.

Septic systems are not only buried underground, but they can be damaged by vehicles driving over them. This can shift the septic tank or cause vibrations that break down the pipes. It is a good idea to keep vehicles and heavy machinery away from your septic tank, as well as the drain field.

If you notice a septic tank leak, the first thing to do is shut off the main water supply. After that, you should call a plumbing professional for help. These experts can use high-powered water jets to quickly dislodge and remove tough clogs from your septic tank, drain lines, and pipes. The results are a more efficient septic system and fewer costly repairs down the road.

The best way to avoid costly repairs is with preventative maintenance. Monitor what goes down your drains, and never flush items like wet wipes, cotton balls, or grease. You can also limit garbage disposal use and make sure to regularly inspect and fix any household leaks. Finally, plant grass and shallow-rooted plants over your septic tank and absorption field to keep roots from penetrating the pipes.

Health Risks

Your septic tank is a massive concrete or plastic container that holds all the wastewater that comes from your house. It treats all the dirty water that flows out of your home when you wash clothes, do dishes and bathe. The septic system then sends the water to your drain field for treatment in the soil. A septic tank that is not properly cleaned can lead to health problems for you and your family.

The bacteria inside your septic tank generate gases that can cause issues for your health. Hydrogen sulfide, which has the smell of rotten eggs, is one of these gases. This gas can irritate your nose and throat if you inhale it for extended periods of time. Other harmful gases produced by the bacteria include sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. These gases can also irritate your skin and eyes. They can also trigger asthma and other respiratory issues.

If a septic tank is not cleaned regularly, solid waste will build up inside the tank. When this happens, the liquid that should flow into your drain field can become stagnant and pollute groundwater sources in your area. Regular cleaning and pumping prevents this from happening.

Leaving your septic tank unclean can also cause your septic system to fail. When this occurs, dangerous bacteria will enter the environment around your home and could cause illness. The bacteria in sewage waste includes protozoans, which can multiply inside the human body and cause diarrheal diseases like amebic dysentery. In addition, parasitic worms, including tapeworms and roundworms, may live in sewage waste.

Failing to clean your septic tank and the surrounding septic system can lead to health risks for you, your family and your pets. Indirect contact with septic system bacteria can also lead to fungal infections and sinus and ear infections. Inhaling septic tank fumes can also contribute to chronic coughing and wheezing in children and seniors. Finally, a failing septic system can release toxic mold spores into your home, which can aggravate allergies and breathing issues. A professional septic tank cleaner can clean the entire septic system for your peace of mind.