Septic tanks play a crucial role in the sanitization of every home which means you must have one. Installing one isn’t enough, you also have to maintain and clean it regularly to ensure it remains in great and serves its purpose properly. Failure to do so could lead to clogging that eventually leads to the failure of the entire system. You will then have to replace the whole system, something that will be very expensive.

Prepare the tank

Before you start the actual cleaning process you have to find the location of the tank and prepare it. If you’re not where the tank is, find the sewer line of your home then follow it until you get to the septic tank.
The next step is to open the tank. You may have to remove the dirt covering it if it is buried but if not, you just open the lid.

Inspect the lid to see if there are any cracks or damages before you start cleaning. You have to check everything including the pipes for any rust, the pump chambers, and the distribution boxes. You should also check if it works properly by running water from the house to see if it will drain properly. In case you notice any damage, call a professional to do the repairs.

Next, you have to check the quantity of sludge that’s causing the clog, if there’s any. This can be done using an L shaped pipe. You can make one by cutting one long pipe into different pieces then taping them together. Make sure one side is longer than the other to get the L shape. To prevent water from flowing into the pipes, use PVC caps to block both ends of the pipe. Remember to use markers as you push the pipes to see the level of the sludge and scum.

Cleaning the tank

For the actual cleaning, you have to work on the baffle filters. These are located on both sides of the septic tank. They are inside the pipes that lead waste into the tank and also in the pipes that lead water outside the tank. Although they are important in holding scum and sludge, they are not always in all septic tanks.
Remove the filters. You can use your hands but wear some gloves first. You can also use a hoe or a rake.

Rinse the filter either in a bucket or by spraying. If you use the former pour the wastewater back into the tank. If it’s the latter hold the filter inside the tank then spray.
After rinsing, check the filter for any damages. If the filter is still in good condition, place it back. Otherwise, you have to replace it.

Conclusion

Taking care of your septic tank should be given priority. Cleaning isn’t enough, you also have to pump the tank regularly. You don’t have to wait for the plumbing to stop working before you treat the tank. Instead, treat the tank every couple of years. In some cases, you may be forced to treat the tank sooner. For example, if the tank is small or if many people are using it, the sludge and scum may collect faster. Pumping sucks out all the solid waste and puts them inside a closed container.

 

For more information, contact Vinny’s Jersey Plumbing, located in Wayne, New Jersey.  We also service other towns in New Jersey, such as Edgewater, Elmwood Park and Englewood.