5 Steps to Keep Your Septic System Safe and Secure
With proper care, septic systems are a safe and efficient way to dispose of the waste products that flow from your home. However, accidents and injuries can result if you don’t take proper precautions. Here are five steps you can take to make sure that your septic system is safe and secure.
1. Secure the Riser Caps
If you have young children, keep the riser caps secure. Riser caps are designed to allow for easy access of septic tanks. Once a riser is in place, the tank doesn't need to be exposed for maintenance. However, if the riser caps aren't secure, they pose a risk for young children.
That's because risers are anywhere from about 6" to 24" in diameter. The larger the diameter of the riser is, the greater the risk that a small child falls into the septic tank. To protect your children, always ensure that the riser cap is securely in place.
2. Keep People Away From the Open Tank
If you need to open the septic tank, be sure to keep people away from the pit. An open pit poses several risks. First, leaning over the sides to look into the tank could cause someone to fall in, which can lead to serious injuries. Second, the soil around the pit may collapse, which can also lead to injuries.
In addition, the soil inside the tank could lead to system failure. Finally, septic tanks emit hazardous fumes, such as sulfide gas. The fumes also contain harmful bacteria that can lead to serious illnesses or breathing problems. For safety’s sake, always keep people away from an open septic tank.
3. Never Enter a Septic Tank
If you experience problems with your septic system, never enter the tank. You may be tempted to climb into the tank as a way to identify the problem. However, when you attempt that, you run the risk of injuries. First, the inside of a septic tank can be quite slippery, especially if it contains raw sewage.
Second, the raw sewage contains bacteria that can expose you to disease. Finally, if you enter the tank, you could be overcome by harmful fumes and be rendered unconscious. If you have problems with your tank, leave the repairs to a professional septic service company.
4. Take Care With Open Flames
If you have a septic system in your yard, take care with open flames. Not only is methane gas harmful if inhaled, but the gas is also highly flammable. Methane gas is naturally emitted from your septic system and can escape into the air.
If you have methane gas in your yard, flames from your barbecue, fire pit, or even the match you use to light a cigarette, it could be enough to cause an explosion. To avoid the risk of fire or explosion, keep open flames away from the septic field.
5. Schedule Periodic Inspections
You should have a professional inspect your septic system at least once every five years. Inspections can catch safety hazards before they become costly problems or lead to accidental injury.
For example, a professional might notice cracks on the tank’s cover that could lead to a septic system collapse. If that happens, you or a family member could end up inside the tank, which can result in fatal injuries. If an inspection shows that your septic tank is a risk to others, you may need to have the system removed from your property.
Don't take chances with your septic system. Use the tips provided here to avoid accidents and injuries associated with septic use. For assistance with your septic system maintenance needs, contact us at AAA Pumping Service, Inc.
Contact Information
Address: 2855 2nd Street Southwest , Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505-345-3965
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