

Septic tank cleaning in Riverland can give locals an alternative, environmentally friendly waste management system that is long-lasting. That is because this type of waste management solution has processes that naturally and safely filter, treat, and store your household waste. As soon as the wastewater from your home flows down the various drains, there is a complex separation system that explains part of how a septic tank system works. In situations where too much sludge accumulates in the septic tank, there are issues about the proper breakdown of bacteria which arise. This is when you’ll need the help of our team to clean away the concerns as soon as possible. We’ll give you some tips essential for the upkeep of your septic tank cleaning below and maybe even some advice about keeping it working for longer.
Why does a septic tank need to be professionally cleaned?
As all the wastewater on your premises flows to the septic tank, the system is meant to manage the inflow of affluent as well as the outflow of it. There are elements which will settle in the system and those which will flow outward. It is the solids that settle at the bottom of the tank which is the main area of focus for cleaning procedures. The solids at the bottom of the tank become sludge over time and this sludge requires regular pumping out. If it isn’t pumped out regularly, the layer of sludge gets thick enough to allow some of the solids to flow into the drain field. This is one of the most common causes of drain failure linked to septic tanks and the process to fix this can be quite expensive. It requires that the soil is removed and replaced with uncontaminated contents which are only one of many expensive steps involved in the process.
How often do I need septic tank cleaning?
General industry safe parameters require that you completely empty and pump your septic tank system every 3 or more years. When comparing this to any other typical maintenance job you have to do on your premises, you can see how this particular system is one of the most sustainable waste management systems. Septic tanks have very intuitive processes to treat and then dispose of waste which makes them so effective. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly solutions because it naturally repurposes waste into the surrounding vegetation. Your entire septic tank system has the capability to last for many decades if it is well looked after. However, septic tank cleaning is essential to ensure this. With this in mind, the frequency depends on several pre-existing conditions, and we go over some of them below.
Factors that impact how often you need septic tank cleaning
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The size of your septic tank
The size of your tank will determine the frequency of the septic tank cleaning and even how much it may cost. Larger tanks need servicing less frequently than smaller tanks. It is the development of sludge that accelerates an overflow in your system and overflow happens at different rates for different sized systems.
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The number of people using the system
A big factor in when cleaning is due is dependent on the usage trends in your households. The more people that need to rely on the system and the more they use it, the more likely you’ll need to do some cleaning in more frequent increments.
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Septic tank maintenance
Some of the most experienced septic tank cleaners will tell you that systems that aren’t looked after will need more frequent work than those that are. If you actively invest in the regular maintenance and upkeep of your septic tank, then major clean up services may not be necessary as frequently.
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The substances your system is exposed to
The types of soaps, cleaners, and chemicals that you use in your home and how often they go down the drain are also factors that influence the timing of septic pumping. You will need to take into account the total wastewater generated, including laundry, dishwashing, and showers. Efficient water usage will lengthen the life of a septic system and reduce the risk of clogging, backing up, and leaking. If you frequently flush down potentially harmful objects and fluids, then you are contributing to the possible overflow of your system. You may need to set some clear guidelines about usage which strictly prohibit grease and oil down the drains and the disposal of hygiene and sanitary products. All these things will end up in the septic tank and they have the potential to distort the ecosystem in place.
Signs that your septic tank needs cleaning
If you’re here, reading this guide, because you suspect that cleaning is due, then we’ve put together a short list of signs which should help you to confirm it. The following are signs that you need a septic tank professional to come on-site as soon as possible:
- Strong smells coming from the drains or near the opening site of the septic tank system
- Slow draining sinks and toilets or even those that fail to drain at all
- The septic tank opening is covered in sewage or wastewater
- Regular clogging of your sink’s drains, bathtubs, and toilets
Advantages of regular septic tank cleaning
The point of septic tank cleaning is that it gives you the peace of mind to know that your system is back to where it should be when it was first installed. That means you can even forget about it for a few years and freely use the system without worrying about a fault in ideal circumstances. Your septic system won’t fail you out of the blue or expose you to potentially risky substances for your health. Unlike you, the professional drain and tank cleaning expert can handle the risks with ease. The cost to completely replace your septic tank can be extremely high and, in some cases, it could have been avoided. All it requires is that you are proactive in looking after it.