Septic tanks are the main waste water disposal systems for those living in rural or urban areas where no connection to a main sewer line exists. There is nothing particularly complex about how they work; yet they are extremely efficient at what they do. They can accommodate large amounts of waste and can be properly maintained through regular cleaning. The cleansing process involves the use of septic trucks to remove the sludge that has piled up in the system.

Clogging Problems

Typical household tanks can accommodate 1,000 gallons or more and have the ability to separate liquid wastes from solid ones. Liquid wastes are readily absorbed by the soil through leaching while the solid parts are treated by anaerobic bacteria to decompose. One of the common problems encountered with this system is clogging.

This happens as a result of some household owners throwing their cat litter, tissue paper and sanitary napkins into the toilet and subsequently flushing them into the system. Though these materials are biodegradable, they will cause an increased buildup of sludge and heighten the tendency for clogs to occur. It is important not to carelessly flush certain things down the toilet to maximize the efficiency of the tank and to prevent spending large amounts of money for repairs.

Repairs

If something does go wrong with the septic tank, it is necessary to immediately contact the nearest septic truck service to asses and repair the situation. They have all of the necessary tools to clean the tank and bring it back to a good working condition. They will pump and remove the sludge build-up that caused the clog. Usually a system with a 1,000 gallon capacity should be cleaned every three to five years, while a smaller cistern should be pumped more often. Septic tank maintenance is extremely vital in keeping the system in good condition and to extend its useful life.

Safe Working Conditions

Working on or near septic trucks can include the potential hazard of inhaling toxic gas. The waste inside these systems produces methane gas through an anaerobic process. This gas is extremely hazardous and can cause dizziness if inhaled. There are cases where workers have lost consciousness or even died due to the inhalation of toxic fumes coming from the septic tank; therefore safety should always be a top priority. Operators of the truck and other nearby workers should have proper training on how to identify and keep away from hazards if facing such an exposure.

Septic tank servicing is one of the dirtiest jobs imaginable. Yet, without businesses that offer this service, there would be no one to repair these systems if they became clogged or were not working properly. Septic trucks handle sewage and waste water problems as well as transport the waste that has been pumped from the system to another site for disposal. Other than being used for septic tanks, these vehicles can clean pit tanks, man holes, culvert sumps and other related structures. They can also do jet washing to remove mud on these structures. These tasks all sound repulsive; nonetheless it is a decent job, and after all - somebody has to do it!