A properly designed, installed and maintained septic system provides a safe and effective means of treating and disposing of household wastewater. A well designed septic system will usually provide dependable service for years if it is inspected every year or two and pumped as needed which is usually every three to five years.
However, homeowners should not become complacent and attempt to handle the septic tank inspection or septic tank pumping themselves. Septic tank pumping and septic tank inspections are strictly for trained, qualified septic system professionals. Trying to do it yourself can lead to a serious injury, illness or even death.
First, an inspection or pumping involves accessing the septic tank which contains the poisonous gas hydrogen sulfide. This gas is created by the bacterial action in fecal matter and smells like rotten eggs. Hydrogen sulfide attacks the central nervous system. Inhaling this gas can kill you or make you very ill so you never attempt to open the septic tank or even an access port unless you have been trained in how to do it safely.
Next, the septic tank can contain methane gas which although non-poisonous, is highly flammable. A spark, open flame, or cigarette can set off a methane gas explosion.
Finally, it goes without saying that a septic tank contains raw sewage that may contain viruses, harmful bacteria, and other pathogens. Exposure to raw sewage can cause infections, diarrhea, and intestinal distress.
The bottom line is that any maintenance that involves opening the septic tank including septic tank inspection and septic tank pumping should only be accomplished by a professional with the training, equipment and experience to handle the job safely.
