Septic tanks – knowing when to pump
Americans have a very fitting rule in so far as it pertains to treatment of waste and septic tank systems: i.e.: Think at the sink in other words think before you dispose of anything that could cause problems with your septic digester system.
It’s important to understand that your septic tank relies heavily on living organisms called anaerobic bacteria that digest and process one’s house hold black water sewerage. Typically one’s kitchen and utility sinks, bathtub and shower drainage systems are routed to septic tank system.
In order ensure the health of your septic tank, be sure to avoid using chemicals designed to unblock drains as these can result in a serious chemical imbalance within the bowls of your septic system.
Precautions with Septic Tank Systems
Where a septic tank is in use and the home owner has a problem with blocked drainage pipes, only hot water and drain snakes should be used to attempt to unblock pipes.
Car oils, oil based paints, solvents, toxic cleaning products and cooking oil should never be poured down the drain. The same applies to Latex based paints.
Be sure to maintain your septic tank’s drain field as this is a critical component of the overall system. Be sure to never drive over or park on the drain field.
Be aware that tree roots will wreck havoc with drain fields and indeed the septic tank system itself.
Finally never route rain water drain spouts or sump pump outlets via a septic tank system as the excess flow of water will prevent the anaerobic bacteria from digesting the waste.
Additional considerations when scheduling septic tank pumping sessions
It is important to understand that scheduling septic tank pumping sessions based purely on the number of occupants in the house is a flawed strategy and will not keep one’s septic system functioning optimally. If a household regularly experiences spikes in the number of occupants, uses harsh washing detergents in one’s laundry machine or if a business such as a day care, hair salon, cheese making, guest house or any business that requires regular extensive cleaning and disinfecting is operated from the home, each of these activities place additional strain on one’s septic system.
Septic tanks are designed such that the system works optimally until the tank has filled with sludge to around 50% of it’s volume measured from the bottom of the tank to the tank outlet. At this point the scum can be expected to reach the top of the inlet and outlet area. Once a septic tank reaches this level, it becomes inefficient at processing waste and arrangements should be made for the system to be pumped by a licensed sewerage disposal service sometimes referred to as a honey sucker.
It is also prudent to schedule a pumping session before and after heavy use so as to avoid sewerage backup.
It is a good idea to have your septic tank system inspected at least once a year and certainly whenever it is pumped.
Items to look for include scum levels, verifying that the system’s piping network is intact and in good condition. The drain field also needs to be thoroughly inspected to ensure that waste water is percolating through the system efficiently.
Other components of the septic tank’s system should also be inspected such as the dosing chamber and any mechanical treatment components which will be unable operate once sludge levels accumulate beyond 50% of the tank’s capacity.
Where does the pumped sewerage go after it’s been pumped?
Municipal laws prohibit the dumping of raw sewerage and there are strict protocols pertaining to the disposal of pumped raw sewerage.
In South Africa, most municipalities have designated disposal sites that have been designed with the capacity to handle bulk waste disposal.
A valid permit is required to discharge sewerage at these facilities.
Why a septic tank system should never be allowed to overflow
Regular Septic tank pumping will ensure that one’s septic system never overflows. Overflowing tanks can potentially result in untreated sewerage flowing back into the home, especially through the toilets or drains located at the lowest point.
Under normal conditions, effluent is decomposed enough to be filtered by the various soil and stone layers in the drain field and whatever organic matter is left in the effluent acts as a fertiliser making anything that grows above or near it lush and green.
Overflow however will lead to the drain field being inundated with untreated raw sewerage which will easily contaminate streams, rivers and importantly ground water eventually affecting wells and boreholes required for drinking and general household consumption.
What should be done in preparation for a pumping session?
Home owners should ensure that the tank manhole is easily accessible and that the working area around the septic system is clean and will not impede pumping operations. Commercial operators can be expected to charge extra if they have to cut tree limbs in order to get to the man hole covers.
Lead time
Although pumping can sometimes be scheduled for the same day, ideally a lead time of 2-5 days is required. Customers can simply log a call to schedule a pumping session
Certified vacuum tankers pump sewerage safely and hygienically
Highveld Toilet Hire have a fleet of 8 000 litre vacuum tankers certified to pump sewerage safely and hygienically. Our licensed operators possess code 10 and code 14 licences as well as professionals driving permits. All our pumping vehicles are fitted with vented exhausts systems designed to minimise and eliminate odours. Our staff are trained and experienced in hygienically pumping raw human waste or effluence.
We are required by law to maintain detailed records of our operations noting the location of private waste facilities as well as details and method of waste disposal.
Highveld Toilet Hire is Middelburg’s trusted professional Septic Tank Pumping service with decades of experience, qualified staff and reasonable rates.
We offer 24 hour emergency service ensuring that you are never left high and dry.