Self-contained wastewater disposal systems are called steri tanks.If your system is not connected to the city water supply, you are responsible for keeping it running.A system collapse can be caused by sludge and scum that can't be broken down bybacteria, when a septic tank is neglected.You need to keep your tank clean for this reason.If you want to clean your tank, you need to uncover it, look for cracks and leaks, clean out the filter, and have a professional pump the waste out.
Step 1: Find your tank.
If you can, start in the lower level of the house.As it exits the house, follow the direction it takes.There is a chance that your tank is buried.Locating the tank saves time and money even if an inspector cleans it.
Step 2: Take out the top of the tank.
It is possible that your tank is buried underground.The dirt around the top of the tank should be removed with a shovel.The access port lid on your tank should be strong.There are risers on top of the tank.You can locate and access the tank without digging.These can be added by sewage system pumpers.
Step 3: The tank should be inspected for cracks.
There are damaged areas along the tank.Once the tank is pumped, cracks need to be fixed by a professional.Look for rusted or broken pieces on the inlet and outlet pipes.If your tank has one attached, check the distribution boxes and pump chambers.It is a good idea to run some water from your house to see if the water makes it to the tank.
Step 4: A pipe can be cut.
You need a ten foot (3 m) pipe.If you want to separate it into two parts, use a saw or a cutter.
Step 5: Glue the pipes together.
Put cement in the elbow joint.Attach the smaller pipe to the larger pipe with a cement and joint.In an L shape, the pipe will stick out straight to the right or left.
Step 6: Each end has a cap.
The pipes, cement, and cutters can be found at the hardware store.The caps should be pushed onto the pipes to resist water flow.
Step 7: Put the stick into the hole.
The scum stick should be held with the smaller pipe at the bottom facing out to the side.Lower the pipe until you can hold it against the top layer of the waste.
Step 8: The stick should be marked.
A piece of tape or a marker can be used to indicate the scum's upper point.Place your mark where the pipe crosses from the ground to the top of your tank when it rests on the scum layer.
Step 9: Push through the scum.
The stick should be pushed down through the scum.The pointed part may need to be turned so that it breaks through.You will feel the stick moving through water when you reach the bottom of the scum layer.Hold the stick against the bottom of the scum, keeping the smaller pipe flat and to the side, so that it takes on the "L" shape.
Step 10: The stick should be marked again.
Again, use a marker or tape to mark where the scum layer ends.The pipe crosses the ground at the very top of the tank.
Step 11: Measure the marks.
Remove the stick and place it on a tarp.Measure the distance between the two marks using a tape measure.This is the level of scum.The tank must be pumped when the fat and oil layer is only three inches above the bottom of the outlet pipe.
Step 12: A pipe can be cut.
Cut a ten foot (3 m) pipe into five foot subsections.This will allow you to make a stick.
Step 13: The pipes should be Glued together.
The two pipes need to be connected with a straight accessory from the hardware store.Fasten the ends with cement.
Step 14: Each end has a cap on it.
There are caps at the hardware store.One at each end of the stick.No sewage can get into the pipe if it's pushed on tight.
Step 15: White material should be wrapped around one end.
If you want to see the depth of the sludge, you can use a white rag, towel, sock, or Velcro.Wrap the material around one end of the pipe.The material should be secured with the backing, tape, or string.
Step 16: Push the stick through the hole.
To poke a hole through the top layer of the tank, use a stick made for testing scum depth.When you feel the sludge reach the bottom of the tank, lower the stick through the hole.
Step 17: Take the stick out for three minutes.
Allow the stick to rest for three minutes.The longer you hold the stick, the better able you are to make sure the sludge doesn't stain the white material.
Step 18: The stick should be removed.
As you pull the stick up through the hole you made, hold it steady.You wont stain the stick if you don't move it.You will be able to clean the stick later if you lay it out on a tarp.
Step 19: The stain should be measured.
You can use tape measure to see how long the stain is from the bottom of the stick.When a third of the tank is filled with sludge or scum, it needs to be pumped.The tank needs to be pumped if the sludge layer is less than six inches from the bottom of the outlet pipes.
Step 20: The tank needs to be opened.
The cover of the tank needs to be pulled up.Place the cover aside and look for the pipes that lead to the tank and water out of it.Scum and sludge are held in place by the baffles.Some tanks come with filters.
Step 21: The filters have to be pulled up.
Put on some gloves.Use your hands, a rake, or a hoe to reach the outlet baffle.The filter needs to be removed.If your tank is brightly colored and has a handle on the end, it will be inside the outlet baffle.
Step 22: The filter needs to be cleaned.
You can either spray the filter with a hose or dip it in a bucket of water.The solids need to fall back into the tank or bucket.Pour any waste back into the tank when you are done rinsing.
Step 23: The filter should be inspected for damage.
Look for any cracks in the filter.The filter stops working when it isn't cleaned regularly.If you can't clean it or it looks damaged, replace it with a new one.
Step 24: The filter should be replaced.
If you want to put back the old filter or install a new one, look along the sides.An arrow may be on the filter.The arrow will point to the drainage system when you install the filter.The tank's lid should be tightened when the filter is in the baffle.
Step 25: The tank should be pumped every few years.
Many people think that the tank doesn't need to be treated if the plumbing is working.You will save thousands of dollars in repairs if you keep the tank clean.If you measure the amount of sludge and scum in the tank, it should be done every three years.The smaller the tank, the more often it will need to be treated.A 750 gallon tank is standard in a two-bedroom home and will last two residents for four years.It will last less then two years for four people.The annual treatment costs a couple hundred dollars and will keep the tank clean and allow any problems to be detected before they turn into serious failures.
Step 26: The waste should be pumped out.
There is a cast-iron pump that can be switched on.Solids that can't be broken down bybacteria are sucked out by the pump and taken to a container such as the inside of a tanker.You don't need to bring inbacteria or water after the sludge and scum are removed.
Step 27: Dispose of waste that is not sanitary.
You need to dispose of the waste in a legal manner even if you attempt to pump out the tank yourself.The waste has to be moved away from water and areas where people gather by tanker.It is better to let a professional handle it.