Safety Tips for Cleaning a Septic Tank

Have you ever cleaned your septic tank? Unless you are a septic professional, you probably have never seen the inside of your septic tank. Septic tanks are located underground and can be dangerous to access. The fumes created during the breakdown of waste are toxic and can be very dangerous if you do not have the right experience and equipment. Here are some safety tips you need to know about getting your septic tank cleaned.

  • Be careful around the septic tank opening. Once the lid is removed from the septic tank, it becomes a falling hazard. The area showed be marked to avoid anyone falling into the hole; also keep pets contained while the lid is off to avoid having a pet fall into the tank.
  • Beware of fumes. Even when you are only above the septic tank, the fumes can be strong enough to cause you to blackout. Stay away from the opening without the right expertise and breathing protection.
  • Cover your skin. Any small wound or break in the skin can be easily infected from the substances in your septic tank. Make sure all skin is covered and protected before going anywhere near your tank.
  • Hire a professional. There are too many risks involved to try to clean your septic tank yourself. You need the right equipment to pump the tank clean and the waste must be properly disposed of to avoid hefty fines.

The only safe way to clean your septic tank is to hire a licensed septic service professional. Don’t every try to clean or repair your septic tank on your own – the risks are too great.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

Septic Tank Access Cover Hazards

Most septic tanks have a tank cover which allows access to the system. While this porthole is important for repairs and maintenance of your septic system, this access area can hazardous if not properly designed. Many children and even adults have been seriously, even fatally, injured by falling into a septic tank access hole. It is important to understand septic tank cover safety to ensure that your septic tank does not become a hazard.

Septic Tank Access Cover Safety

Your septic tank’s access cover can be a double-edged sword. It needs to be accessible by you and your septic maintenance professional; however, it also needs to not be accessible to children or pets. It only takes a minute for a child to get a poorly designed cover off and be at risk of falling down into the tank. To prevent this hazard, follow these safety precautions:

  • Proper septic tank cover. Covers should not easy to remove by a child. They should be heavy enough that only an adult can move, or secured in another way. Make sure that if the cover is in an area where it could be driven over, it’s a heavy-duty cover which will not break.
  • Preventive nets. There are nets that are designed to be installed under septic tank lids to prevent falls into the tank. These are an extra preventive step which may be a good idea for families with small children.

In addition to securing your access tank cover, let your children know that this is a dangerous area which needs to be avoided. Talk to your septic professional to ensure that your tank access cover meets all safety regulations.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728