When was the last time your septic tank was emptied? If you can’t remember, it may be time to call for septic pumping services. A septic tank is a big investment and failing to maintain it can result in an expensive repair job. It’s a good idea to sign up with a company to do regular system inspections.
Signs of Septic Problems
A foul odor from the direction of the tank is not good news. Head in the direction of the foul odor and check for pooling water. The excess water indicates something is going on. Further, there are signs inside the house. The toilet may be flushing slowly and the plunger is your best friend. This is a sign the tank is near capacity. Likewise, the washing machine may not be draining the way it should. Call for help with the Septic System in Bellingham WA before there are overflow problems. Overflow sludge and waste need to be handled very carefully.
It’s not uncommon to have an overflow in the drain field. This is awful for the environment. Water floods the yard and the runoff gets into creeks and streams. Moreover, waste gets into the groundwater and makes drinking water toxic. Waste carries all kinds of harmful diseases.
How the Tank is Emptied
Companies that pump the Septic System in Bellingham WA have large tanker trucks. Workers dig up the tank and attach a pump to it. The waste goes from your septic tank into the holding tank. The federal government outlawed the process of dumping septage into landfills. Now, the septic company often takes the septage to a nearby municipal wastewater treatment facility.
Uses for Septage
It’s hard to believe that septage can be useful. Who would believe that septage can be used to generate power? Methane is a byproduct of sewage as it breaks down. Further, scientists know how to break down methane to generate electricity. The fuel that’s produced is not combustible so it’s not bad for the environment. One plant can generate enough electricity to power 1,000 homes. Wastewater can also be cleaned and used as fertilizer. Cleaning the septic tank can be a win-win for everyone.