Why Does Your Septic Tank Need To Be Fully Cleaned?
Septic tanks need to be regularly pumped in order to keep operating properly, but there's a difference between pumping and cleaning a septic tank. If you haven't had your septic tank fully cleaned in a while - or ever - it may be time to change that. Here's what you should know about having a septic tank cleaned.
Pumping vs Cleaning
The biggest difference between pumping a septic tank and cleaning one is how much of each substance gets removed.
When you have a septic tank, the fluids and the sludge - or build-up of solids - tend to stay separate. Some sludge floats on top of the tank, but most of it stays accumulated on the bottom.
When you have a tank pumped, it removes all of the fluid and the sludge that's on top of the tank. However, what's at the bottom of the tank remains.
When a tank is fully cleaned, everything in the tank is taken out, including the built-up sludge in the bottom.
When the Sludge Builds Up
Removing this sludge is a must because it will just continue to grow in size as you continue to use your septic tank. If you only sign up for septic pumping and not cleaning, then you'll eventually have the sludge level rise so far that it will start to interfere with your septic tank's natural drainage system. This drainage system is designed to get rid of excess fluid so that you can keep using your septic tank. However, if sludge rises to that level, it'll get stuck in the drainage pipes and will cause a big problem for your septic tank. Without immediate help, this will likely damage your septic system to the point that the drainage pipes - and possibly the whole system - need to be replaced.
What to Do
The best thing you can do in this situation is to have your septic tank cleaned right now. With that out of the way, you won't need to worry about it for a few more years. Your plumber can tell you how often you should have it done based on the size of your septic tank and how regularly it's used. Follow their advice, and you shouldn't have any issues with your septic tank overflowing or causing damage to the system.
Septic tanks require a bit more care and attention than standard sewer plumbing, but with a good plumber by your side, you'll be set for the future.
To learn more, contact a residential septic system cleaning company.
