How to Empty a Septic Tank
Septic tanks are a part of a house. The tanks should be checked and emptied when necessary. When properly maintaining your tanks, you can keep them from causing inside plumbing to stop working. The biggest problem that can occur from not properly maintaining your septic tank is the overflowing of inside drains and toilets.
Items needed:
- Testing Stick
- Permanent Marker
- Face Mask
- Gloves
How to Empty a Septic Tank
- Put on a face mask and other protective gear. This will help prevent you from inhaling and coming in direct contact with toxic fumes. If you do not have a good mask, you may want to practice holding your breath before going to test the septic tank.
- Determine the size of your septic tank. Most tanks are approximately 8 feet long and 5 inches wide. It is possible to have larger or smaller septic tanks. Most people who have large families benefit from having longer and wider tanks.
- Use your testing stick to find out how much sludge is in your tank. Hold the stick sturdy so you will be able to receive an accurate reading.
- Push the testing stick into the tank and then pull it out. Be prepared for the sludge to stick to the stick. Consider wearing gloves when testing the sludge.
- Make a call to a professional septic tank cleaner. Only licensed and professional septic tank cleaners can remove the sludge from the area because of the toxic fumes. Be prepared to pay a hefty price to have your septic tank cleaned properly, but it will be worth the costs.