How Septic Tanks Are Examined?

By Author: Emman Sioco
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If you're planning on investing in a house which has a septic system, you might have been recommended to invest in a suitable examination of the septic tank. It is essential to possess the residence's septic tank examined not just before buying the residence, but also around every 1-3 years over the lifespan of the system. Since these systems allow scum and sludge to develop as time passes, you should check the levels to avoid blocked inlet or outlet baffles. Most systems need pumping every three to five years, based on the size of the tank, household use and other issues. For you to know how septic tanks are examined, you must first have an idea of how these systems work.

How Does a Septic Tank Work?

Listed below is a common outline of the major components of any septic system:

Sewer line - this is the primary waste line leading from your house's plumbing to the septic tank
Septic tank - this is the underground tank which gets and treats your residence's waterwaste
Leaching system - this is the drainage system that enables for waste effluent to be sent out into the ground

The Actual ...
... Examination

The process of examination most commonly used is the "stick test." Below is a listing of materials used in this kind of examination.

2 10-foot PVC pipes*
4 end caps*
1 90° elbow*
PVC cement (blue cement utilized in rain and wet)
2 adapters, SxMPT, threaded*
1 coupler, threaded*
2 feet of white rag or old towel or old gym sock
String or duct tape
Pencil or waterproof marker
Rubber gloves
Disinfecting solution made of 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water in a bucket
Plastic bag for disposal of towel, rag/sock, gloves

Step one in the septic tank examination is elimination of the manhole cover so that you can uncover the tank.

Second, the scum level is measured. This is done by making a "scum stick" from the PVC pipes, elbow and end caps. A board or stick is put covering the manhole and the scum stay is put onto it so that one end dips into the tank. The stick is then worked through to the top of the scum layer and marked. The stick is then worked through to the bottom of the scum layer and marked again. The length between the marks is measured.

Third, the sludge amount is measured. First, a hole is created in the scum that reaches through to the highest level of the sludge layer. A "sludge stick" of about 10 feet is made of PVC pipe and adapters. Cloth is covered around the base of the stick and secured with duct tape or string. The sludge stick is then decreased into the septic tank carefully through the hole in the scum till the stick reaches the very top of the sludge layer. A mark is made on the sludge stick, then the stick is decreased all the way down to the bottom of the tank and marked again. The stick is held in spot for 5 minutes allowing the sludge to produce a stain on the cloth. The length between the marks made on the stick signifies the working depth of the container, while the height of the stain on the cloth is called the depth of the sludge level.

Lastly, the baffles are checked. They're exposed and examined for corrosion and obstructed vent holes.

After the examination is done, correct cleanup and disinfection is conducted.

Visit http://www.ukseptictanks.co.uk/septic-tanks for further information and resource about septic tanks.