Once a septic tank goes into the ground, the homeowner probably doesn’t think about it very often. Most of the time, septic tanks run themselves. Wastewater goes into the tank, and grey water filters out as the tank’s natural biome work its magic. Most often, homeowners don’t think twice unless something goes wrong. Even though septic tanks seem like set-it-and-forget-it systems, they need regular cleaning.
A well-functioning system will separate the waste into three layers. The sludge layer of solids sits at the bottom of the tank. The secondary layer is the watery effluent layer. The middle layer is the one that flows into the leach field. The final layer sits on top, which is made up of grease and scum.
Depending on use, a septic tank cleaning is necessary every three to five years. Of course, it really depends on how quickly the tank fills up. Some high-functioning tank biomes can go up to ten years without needing a clean-out. It all depends on usage and the materials put into the tank. So, how do you know it’s time for a septic tank cleaning?
A septic tank cleaning should be scheduled if the sludge layer is at least six inches thick. Another way to tell that a tank needs cleaning is if the scum layer reaches within 12 inches of the outlet drain. We would be happy to inspect your tank and give you an estimate on how often you will need to call us for septic tank cleaning. If you need your septic tank cleaning scheduled or need help figuring out where to start, give us a call at Degler Waste Services.