Maintaining And Repairing Septic Systems

Hanging out in your backyard is a tank designed to hold the waste that you flush out of your home. If you're like many property owners, this tank will barely get any notice unless something goes wrong. However, septic tanks can actually pose some hazards, especially if they are quite old, somehow dysfunctional, or you are trying to do DIY repairs when you really shouldn't be. Take a look at some of the safety rules every property owner with a septic tank should know and follow. 

Be mindful of the ignitable gases that a septic tank emits. 

When waste breaks down inside of a septic tank, it creates methane gas that gets released into the air. This is why most septic tanks have vents over them; to allow that gas to safely slip out of the tank. It is important that you know one basic fact about methane gas: it is explosive. It is completely possible to cause an explosion by doing something simple, such as lighting a cigarette or lighting a brush fire, near a septic tank that is producing a lot of methane gas. Stay mindful to this fact around your tank. 

Never leave a septic tank open and unprotected. 

Septic tanks have lids for a good reason. If you are doing work to your tank or having work done to your tank, it should be properly guarded or blocked off with some kind of barrier if the tank is left open. Some tanks can be especially deep, and when they are filled with waste, it could be nearly impossible for some people to climb out if they were to fall in and breathing in the methane gas and odors can be enough to cause breathing difficulties. Small children and pets are especially at risk if you leave the tank open during repairs without some kind of protection around the perimeter. 

Don't work on your septic tank without someone else present. 

It is always best to contact professional septic tank services for help with septic tank problems. However, if you must tackle something on your own, never do so by yourself. There are risks involved with working on the tank, such as falling in or aspirating too much methane and passing out. Bring along a friend or family member while you work and make sure there is at least someone nearby you can call out to if something goes wrong.