When it comes to your septic tank, you may think that the terms septic cleaning and septic pumping are interchangeable, but they are not. There is a small difference between the two types of services, but the small difference can mean a lot when it comes to the health of your tank.
Septic tank pumping involves removing the liquids that are contained within the septic system. Often, some of the solids are removed as well, but no actual scrubbing takes place.
Septic tank cleaning involves the actual removal of all of the water in the tank along with all of the solids and sludge buildup. Overtime, the solid waster contained in the septic tank builds up and can become hardened onto the walls and bottom of the tank.
Household Appliances That Affect Your Septic Tank
One of the reasons you need to clean your septic tank is because waste builds up from a number of sources. Flushing waste down the toilet is not the only matter that sits in your septic tank.
For instance, your garbage disposal empties into your septic tank and can cause a buildup of scum and solids in the tank. Often, garbage disposals can take up half of the room inside the tank causing you to need to pump the tank more often.
Maintaining Your Septic System
Maintaining your septic system is important and there are some steps you can take to ensure that you catch any problems early on. The sooner you identify a problem, the quicker the repair and the less expensive it will be in the long run.
1. Know where your system is located.
Some homeowners do not know where their septic tank is located, and it is important that you always have an idea of where it is. Knowing where it is will allow you to keep an eye on the area to ensure no sewage seeps through the top. If you do not know where your septic tank is, your local technician can locate it for you and show you where it is.
2. Avoid flushing objects down the toilet.
You should avoid flushing any harmful objects down your toilet such as tampons, diapers, dental floss, and similar. These items can clog your system and cause sewage to back up into your home.
3. Regular cleaning and pumping is required.
It is important for you to keep records of service and maintenance performed on your septic tank. These records will help you know when it is time for a cleaning or a pump of the system.
Your septic tank is an important part of your home's plumbing and waste removal system. If you are not properly caring for it, you run the risk of the tank failing and sewage backing up into your home and yard. Always call a professional out to clean and pump the tank for you. For more information, contact a business such as Gordon's Septic & Water Services.
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