How does a septic tank work?

A septic tank receives domestic wastewater via pipes, which enters the pit where it separates into three layers: heavy solid waste falls to the bottom forming a sludge layer, grease floats to the surface forming a foam layer, and in between, the relatively clear effluent. Anaerobic bacteria in the pit break down the solids and some of the liquids, reducing the waste mass. The effluent then passes into a drainfield or filter bed where it slowly disperses into the soil through perforated pipes, allowing further purification by soil micro-organisms before reaching groundwater. 

Why empty your septic system?

Septic tank emptying is essential because in rural areas that are not connected to a city’s sewage and wastewater treatment system, the septic tank won’t empty. The build-up of organic matter, grease and wastewater leads to unpleasant odors and the development of undesirable bacterial flora, making your environment almost unliveable.

For comfort and peace of mind, it’s a good idea to have your home’s septic tank emptied by Drainavac and its septic tank emptying truck. You’ll be assured of a job well done by industry professionals.

Can I do the pumping myself?

You can, but we strongly advise against it. Not only is there a government requirement for emptying, but you’ll also need a certain amount of equipment, not to mention the knowledge required to do the job. What’s more, you expose yourself to dangerous accidental falls once the pit lids are removed.

That’s why it’s always best to call on qualified professionals like Drainavac, who are experts in septic tank management for residential and non-residential buildings, and who know all the preparatory steps involved in emptying a septic tank.

Can Drainavac drain all septic systems?

Drainavac offers a professional sump and sewer cleaning service for all types of septic systems, whether conventional, alternative or man-made. Conventional systems use gravity to convey wastewater to the tank, where it separates into solids and liquids, with the liquids then flowing to a leach field for natural decomposition. Alternative systems work in a similar way, but use oxygen to accelerate decomposition, requiring less space but costing more. Artificial systems, needed on difficult terrain, use pumps to move wastewater to the leaching fields, increasing installation and maintenance costs.

Whatever the type of sanitary installation, Drainavac is there to ensure its smooth operation and longevity.

When is a septic tank inspection required?

When buying a property located in an area not connected to a sewer system, inspection of the existing septic system (which includes the septic tank as well as the drainfield) is a highly recommended practice.

In fact, more and more real estate professionals (real estate brokers or banking institutions) are encouraging their customers to carry out an inspection of the individual wastewater treatment system to avoid a dispute over a defective installation or hidden defect.

In this way, you’ll know not only where the septic tank is located, but also its capacity, the date of the last pump-out, the history of pump-outs and how long the septic system has been in place. All this information will help you in the future when it’s time to empty your septic tank, or when it’s time to replace it.

Complete or selective emptying?

Selective emptying offers several advantages over complete emptying of septic tanks. This type of tank emptying makes it possible to:

• Reduce the volume and quantity of residual materials (sludge, scum and liquid) sent for treatment, recycling, reclamation or disposal.
• Reduce your consumption of drinking water. This can be an attractive option in places where water availability is a serious issue. In fact, when emptying a septic tank, it’s good practice to fill it to a certain level with clear water, to avoid deformation or displacement due to external pressures. During selective emptying, the clarified supernatant replaces the drinking water;
• Empty more septic tanks with one truck. Fewer trips mean fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the truck.

Of the two types of septic tank emptying, one requires more regular emptying, while the other can last longer but uses more water.