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Cleanout

Clean out septic tanks every 3-5 years, depending on tank size and the amount and quality of solids entering it. Determine the cleanout interval on the basis of 100 gallons of tank capacity per person per year. For example, clean out a 1000-gallon tank used by a family of two after 5 years [1000 ÷ (100 X 2)]. Commercial septic tank additives do not eliminate the need for periodic cleanout.

You may routinely pump out your tank every 3-5 years. Or, to determine when to pump the septic tank, measure both sludge and scum depths at the outlet side of the tank at least once a year, starting with the third or fourth year after a cleaning. In a two-compartment tank, measure at the outlet of the first compartment to the second compartment, if possible.

Measuring Sludge Depth. Wrap a long measuring stick with a terry cloth towel to a height of about 4 feet. Remove the observation hole cover nearest the discharge end of the tank, and look at the outlet baffle. If it is a tee-type or a flat, vertical plate with an opening at the top, run the measuring stick down through the baffle opening to the tank bottom. If the baffle is an elbow type with no top opening, make a hole in the scum mat near the baffle with another stick, and then lower the measuring stick through the hole. Next, press down and slowly rotate the measuring stick a couple of times to make sure it reaches the bottom. Finally, slowly remove it. Black particles clinging to the towel distinguish the sludge layer from the liquid depth. Measure the depth of this black portion to determine sludge depth.

Measuring Scum Depth. Use a 3-inch square piece of wood attached to the end of a long stick. Push the measuring device through the scum layer into the liquid layer. As you move the stick carefully up and down, a change in resistance on the wood indicates the bottom of the scum layer. When you find the bottom, mark the stick at a convenient reference point, such as the top of the tank opening. With the same device, locate the bottom of the outlet baffle. Use the same reference point to re-mark the stick. The distance between the marks equals the distance between the scum layer bottom and the outlet baffle bottom.

Clean a septic tank when the top of the sludge is within 12 inches of the outlet baffle bottom, or when the bottom of the scum layer is within 3 inches of the baffle bottom. Hire a reputable septic service company or otherwise experienced operator with appropriate equipment to clean your septic tank. Their service usually includes pumping, inspection of tank openings and baffles, and disposal of the sludge in an approved manner. Pump the tank as empty as possible to remove most solids and restore tank capacity.

Fit septic tanks with concrete or fiberglass risers over the observation hole, so that the tank can be located and inspected without digging up your lawn. Make sure the risers have secure covers to prevent accidents or mischief.

Maintenance

When septic tank systems are improperly located, designed, installed, or maintained, liquid wastes can flow to the ground's surface and can also pollute groundwater. Surface flow creates offensive odors and can be a health hazard, often containing organisms that cause typhoid fever, dysentery, and other diseases. Surface sewage flow into ponds provides a breeding ground for mosquitos and other disease-carrying insects. It is particularly hazardous for children and pets playing in the area.

To maintain a septic tank properly, inspect it at least once every two years and pump it out if necessary. Tank size, sewage volume from the home, and the sewage's solids content determine how often this must be done. Sewage volume depends upon the number of people the system serves and the amount of waste they create. The number and types of household appliances also influence sewage volume. Using a household garbage grinder, for example, requires more frequent pump-outs unless the tank is large enough to accommodate the additional wastes. A better solution is to not use a garbage disposal, since they can increase solids by 50 percent.