A septic tank is an efficient and convenient method for getting rid of household water, and treating it in the process. Modern septic tanks usually contain two chambers, separated by a wall. The waste water or sewage from all the plumbing fixtures accumulate in one of the chambers through the inlet pipe and baffle. A separation occurs between the heavier solids which settle down at the bottom and the lighter solids like grease which form the scum layer above. The solids continue accumulating; some of it is anaerobically digested or decomposed and the others are not. This solid layer goes on increasing and can clog the drain field. In a septic tank which is maintained properly, there is a liquid between the two layers called effluent. As the solid layer increases, the liquid area decreases, giving a warning that the tank needs to be pumped.
Routine plumbing is required to keep your septic tank in good shape and ensure its longevity. If not regularly cleaned, the sewage blocks the drain field and finally overflows. Some of the proper methods of maintaining your septic tank are to avoid grease, reduce the water use, and pumping it on a regular basis. Pumping your septic tank periodically reflects a sanitary and healthy lifestyle and should be followed by all. For pumping septic tank in Jefferson, NJ, there is help available by professionals.
Sometimes the question arises as to how to determine the right time for pumping your septic tank. How would you determine when to clean the tank? Firstly, it is necessary to know the size of your tank. The local health department is likely to give you all the information regarding this. Normally it is advised to go for pumping of your tank every other year, but it may vary. It must be remembered that the frequency with which your tank has to be pumped depends on the size of your tank, the number of people in your house and the yearly rate of the accumulation of solids. If the solid content or sludge accounts for 30-40% of the total capacity of the tank, it means that your tank needs pumping.
The thickness of the sludge layer is indicative enough of whether your tank needs pumping or not. Inspection of the tank on a yearly basis is the best way to know the right time for pumping. While cleaning the tank, also make sure that you pump both the compartments of the tank. It is estimated that the more the people use the septic system, the faster the tank fills up, accumulating sludge in the process. So if you have a large family, or many people using the same drainage system, check regularly to see if the sludge layer has crossed its mark.
Apart from the number of occupants, the size and capacity of your tank and the frequency of your sludge accumulation should be monitored. If monitoring is not possible, at least get it checked by a professional waste management company to avoid any hassles later. Sometimes when a septic tank is neglected, it backs up and pumping is necessary. You do not need to pump your tank as frequently, if it is not used that often. For all cases of septic tank pumping in Jefferson NJ, leave it to the experts on call. On the other hand, if you are using a garbage disposal, the number of times you may have to pump the tank is likely to increase.
Ensure a healthy and better lifestyle by pumping your septic tank periodically. This automatically increases its lifetime as well, saving your money later.