In today’s article, we want to provide answers to most commonly asked questions and misunderstandings about septic tanks, how they work, and how often they need cleaning.
How Often Do Most Septic Tanks Need to be Emptied and Cleaned?
Generally speaking, an average household’s septic tank should be emptied every 3-5 years and completely cleaned every 5-6 years.
This varies from home to home, depending on many factors, including how big the septic system is, how long since it was last emptied, how many people are living in the home, tank size, and more.
How Does a Septic Tank Work?
Unless there is a separate pipe for grey water (such as water from the shower), all drains in your home or business are sent to the septic tank.
Septic tanks are designed to allow heavier solids sink to the bottom, while lighter waste, such as oil and fats, float on the top of the surface. This is called a scum blanket or scum layer.
The liquid, called effluent, is filtered out and flows into the leach drain, a pipe buried beneath gravel where the water can flow out and be absorbed by the soil over time.
What Are the Signs that Your Septic Tank is Full?
Typical signs that your septic tank is full include:
- Very slow drains
- A gurgling sound from the drains
- Very bad odour from the drains
- Black or dirty-looking water in the toilet
- Very lush grass around the drain field or the top of the septic tank
- Significant increase in insects, especially flies, around the septic tank area
- Sewage backup
Many people are unaware that their septic tank is full until they reach the sewage backup stage.
If you notice any of the above signs, it means your septic tank needs to be pumped. Don’t delay any longer, call Perth Septics today for an immediate septic tank pump-out.
Misconceptions about the Septic Tank System
Many Perth residents move into new homes knowing nothing about their septic system.
Common misconceptions include:
- Septic tanks are maintenance-free: Not entirely true. Septic systems operate for years without service but will eventually require pumping and cleaning.
- Anything can be dumped down the drains: Unlike sewers, septic systems are not designed to handle a great deal of chemicals, grease, bleach, or anything inorganic.
- Septic tanks don’t need to be pumped if they aren’t overflowing: Even if you remove the lid and see some space in the septic tank, this does not mean you can wait. The accumulation of sludge and scum inside the tank will reduce its overall efficiency and can even lead to tank failure.
- A septic tank will last forever: Everyone wishes this were true, but it isn’t, especially if the tank is plastic. Cement tanks will last much longer than plastic but will eventually need replacing.
- The drain field can absorb unlimited amounts of water: The drain field, also known as the leach drain, can “wear out” with time, especially if rainfall is not handled by a soakwell or other type of drain.
- Tree roots don’t matter: Unfortunately, tree roots DO matter and can collapse the entire septic system. DO NOT plant trees near your septic tank and avoid planting trees too close to the leach drain.
- Additives are super beneficial: When used properly, your septic system uses natural bacterial digestion of regular household waste. Some additives might be beneficial, but we haven’t seen proof that any of them really do much of anything.
There are many other myths surrounding your septic system. If you still have questions, call the professionals at Perth Septics.
Do Modern Septic Tanks Need Emptying?
Yes, despite what a salesperson may have told you, ALL septic tanks will eventually need to be pumped out.
Some tanks will take longer to fill than others, and even when solid waste will undergo bacterial digestion, sludge levels will still require septic tank pumping.
What Happens if You NEVER Empty Your Septic Tank?
This is an ugly thought. Raw sewage (yes, we mean poop) will eventually reach the top of the tank and allow household wastewater to back up into your home.
Pipes leading to the drain field can become plugged, allowing effluent to flow from under the lid and into your yard.
This causes a health and environmental hazard that no one wants to think about.
Your entire septic system can fail, costing you thousands of dollars.
Don’t let this happen to you!
Call Perth Septics for any concerns about getting your septic tank pumped.
Why Choose Perth Septics?
We are a family-owned and operated business with more than 14 years of experience helping Perth residents with household wastewater disposal.
We are experts in liquid waste management.
We offer affordable rates for all Perth residents.
Call us first when you want professional septic tank emptying, septic tank cleaning, leach drain installation, leach field repair, and other septic waste management services.
Local Experts in Waste Management You Can Count On!
Don’t you hate taking a day off of work for someone to come to your home and they are a no-show? Ugh.
That won’t happen with Perth Septics. We are the local, reliable septic pumping company that most Perth homeowners and businesses count on.
Call us today for the best service at an affordable price.
Our Waste Management and Drainage Services
While this article is about septic tanks, Perth Septics offers a wide range of services, including:
- Grease Trap Cleaning
- Septic Tanks Installs and Sewers
- Leach Drain Installs and Systems
- Septic Tank Pumping and Cleaning
- Leach Drain Repairs and Maintenance
- Soakwells and Stormwater Drainage Services
Whether you need your septic tank cleaned, your leach drains appear to have an issue, or you have questions about general guidelines for your septic system, you can call the professionals at Perth Septics!
Need Immediate Assistance? Contact Us NOW!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can a septic tank go without pumping?
A: A septic tank can go many years without pumping, even up to 5-6 years in some cases. The actual number of years depends on the size of the tank, the overall efficiency of the system, and the number of people living in the home.
As a general rule, you should get your tank pumped every 2-5 years to maintain its efficiency. If you aren’t sure about your septic system, call us today.
Q: Will the toilet flush if the septic tank is full?
A: If the septic tank is close to full, you might find that it takes two or three tries before the toilet flushes, and the water might be a dirty grey or brown colour. Sometimes, it flushes, but the raw solid waste will come right back because it has nowhere to go.
Don’t wait until you reach this point. Call Perth Septics for tank pumping today!
Q: What’s the worst thing for a septic tank?
A: It’s hard to choose just one, but we would say harsh chemicals, such as bleach. Your septic tank is designed to undergo natural bacterial digestion, which means it turns solid waste into something more like sludge (think of mud), allowing greater capacity. Bleach kills bacteria and can stop your septic tank from working properly.