Septic Tank Pump Out Perth moves wastewater from the septic system to your drain field for treatment and disposal. A regularly pumped septic tank helps prevent future plumbing disruptions.
Homeowners typically must have their septic tanks pumped every two or three years. Unpumped tanks fill with gunk and create perfect conditions for plumbing disruptions.
Several types of pumps can be installed with a septic system. Depending on the needs of your septic system, you may have a grinder pump that liquefies solids or a lift pump that transfers sewage between two tanks. Most homes will have a septic tank pump, which pumps effluent into the home’s plumbing system to drain wastewater. Generally, a septic tank pump will be located in the final chamber or a separate pump sump after the septic tank.
A septic tank is a large concrete box that holds thousands of gallons of liquid. In use, waste enters the tank through an inlet hole on the bottom and is slowly “digested.” Solids settle to the bottom of the tank, and a waxy layer forms over the top. When the liquid in the tank reaches about a third of the way full, it will begin to overflow through an outlet hole near the top of the tank. A septic tank pump is necessary to prevent the liquid from flowing into the home, where it would cause septic system backups and clogs.
The septic tank pump is usually a small electric water pump submerged in the sewage liquid. A float switch triggers the pump, pushing the liquid through a series of pipes connected to the pump. The pump also keeps the septic tank’s final chamber (which is sometimes referred to as a septic tank sump) from overflowing into the absorption field.
A sewage pump may also be needed when the leach field or disposal area is elevated above the septic tank outlet and cannot be reached by gravity. A septic tank pump is also sometimes necessary if a home’s plumbing system requires the effluent to be pumped into an attic or crawlspace to avoid back-ups in the basement.
The septic tank pump should be checked occasionally to make sure it is working properly. The septic tank pump’s float switches may need to be readjusted, and the motor should be cleaned of grease or debris regularly. It is also important to keep grass and shallow-rooted plants mowed around the absorption field to prevent root growth into the pipes. In addition, a homeowner should conserve water and use appliances and fixtures that require less water to operate.
A float switch moves up and down with the liquid level, depending on its counterweight and pre-set trigger. As the float rises or lowers, an internal mechanical switch containing electrodes opens or closes, allowing electrical current to pass through and control devices connected to it, such as your pump.
Float switches are designed to work with pumps, sump pits, and other liquid monitoring applications. They come in various sizes and configurations, so it is important to select one that is right for your application. Depending on your needs, you can use a standard mechanical or mercury-activated float switch. You can also find a variety of styles, including ones with or without a piggyback plug that lets you connect them to power outlets. If you’re using a switch with or without the plug, you’ll need to wire it hard, which requires splicing into your pump’s hotline and should be done in a waterproof junction box to prevent water from getting inside the splice.
For example, a sewage float switch will tilt 45 degrees above the horizontal when the sewage level rises to a certain point. When it does, a magnet within the switch slides over and operates a reed switch, which then closes an electrical circuit and signals the sewage pump to turn on. When the sewage level drops, the reed switch flips away from the magnet, and the switch opens, allowing the electrical current to flow out and signal the pump to turn off.
Other types of float switches include those that are connected to a panel or used for high or low-level alarms. These are generally low amperage and what’s called narrow-angle, which means they need to move less than 10 degrees to change position. This makes them very sensitive to changes in water levels and is excellent for alarms. However, they can’t handle continuous duty like a pump-duty float switch and can eventually wear out over time. If this happens, you must replace it with a higher amperage model.
Inside or outside your tank, the pump moves sewage from your home to your drain field for final treatment. The bacteria and gravity in your septic system help separate the solids from the liquid, but when the tank fills with sewage, the septic tank pump will remove that waste. It typically lasts ten years but can require maintenance or repair before that, depending on household factors like usage and do-not-flush rules.
Whether you need a septic tank pump to relocate filtered water or to handle raw sewage, the type of power the motor provides is important. The pump will need to be able to push the amount of wastewater that flows through your system with each flush, so it’s worth checking the gallons per minute rating to make sure it meets your needs.
When a septic tank pump fails to work as intended, the most common issue is with the float switch or the motor itself. Checking the float switch is often as simple as adjusting it to ensure it reaches the correct level, but more serious issues may mean that you need to replace your pump altogether.
While you might be tempted to install a larger pump, there are better options than this. A bigger pump won’t necessarily work any better, and it could be even more costly in the long run. A bigger tank may cause the pump to overwork and shorten its lifespan.
A good septic tank pump should be able to move sewage quickly and quietly. Any noises or vibrations should be considered a warning sign, as they indicate that the pump is working too hard and is wearing out.
In addition to examining the float switch and the motor, it’s also important to inspect the tank itself for signs of damage or leaks. These can be difficult to spot, so it’s a good idea to have your tank inspected by a professional before you need to have it pumped.
If you’re looking for a reliable septic tank pump, consider the Liberty LE51A series. Its durable powder coat finish on the cast iron frame is designed to resist corrosion, while the hermetically sealed and permanently lubricated motor won’t quit when the going gets rough. It can pump 5,280 gallons per hour at five feet of head and pass 2-inch solids. The quick-disconnect 10-foot cord allows for replacement without breaking the motor seals, and the manual override feature is a welcome addition.
A septic tank pump is an important part of your home’s septic system. If it breaks, it can cause serious problems that will cost much money to repair. This is why it’s important to keep up with your annual inspections, which can head off problems before they occur.
To install the septic tank pump, first dig a hole that’s big enough. Then, place the sewage pump into the hole and hook it up to the sewer line. Be sure to use a heavy-duty sewage pump that can handle your house’s load. A good rule of thumb is to use a pump twice the size of your house’s maximum water usage.
After the septic tank pump is in place, dig another pit for the drainage pipe. This pipe moves wastewater away from the septic tank into the drain field, where the soil treats it. This helps to reduce the amount of harmful coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients that are discharged into groundwater.
When connecting the drain pipe, ensure it’s perforated to allow for sewage flow. Also, put a check valve to prevent wastewater backflow into the septic tank. The check valve should be positioned in the drain pipe so it’s higher than the septic tank, which will help prevent clogging. It’s also a good idea to install a vent to help release vapors from the septic tank.
Installing the septic tank itself is usually straightforward. After the septic tank is in place, it’s usually surrounded by concrete to keep it stable and secure. Then, a cover is placed over the top to prevent gases from escaping into the air. This is especially important since septic tanks often produce unpleasant odors.
It’s a good idea to map out your septic system or mark its locations with permanent stakes so it’s easy to locate the tank and other components when doing yard work or maintenance on your home. This will prevent you from accidentally damaging the system by running over it with vehicles or equipment. It’s also a good idea not to avoid building anything that would block access to the septic tank or drainage field.