Empty sewage treatment plant
A sewage treatment plant or septic tank is still frequently used to treat wastewater in areas without a sewage system. These pits are nothing more than a tank with some bulkheads. A certain type of decomposition takes place in the pit. Micro-organisms break down the organic substances. This happens mainly anaerobically (without oxygen). This process is slower than aerobic decomposition. However, some of the material is not degraded, resulting in a thick layer of sewage sludge over time. Various substances can also cause the sewage treatment plant to function less well and therefore fill up more quickly. It is then necessary to have the treatment plant emptied. The drains often become less permeable or there is a stronger odour. Would you like more information about the function of a wastewater treatment plant? Read more here.
When do I need to have my wastewater treatment plant emptied?
There are several indicators that the sewage treatment plant or septic tank is full:
- The toilet or shower drain is no longer flowing well
- The system is causing a bad odour
- The water being drained is very dirty (may contain toilet paper, for example)
When the sewage treatment plant is full, it must of course be emptied. The plant is then pumped out with a pump truck. You can read how this works further down on this page.
Empty your wastewater treatment plant less often? It is possible!
There are also products available that ensure that the sewage treatment plant fills up more slowly by optimising microbiological degradation. This reduces odour and the frequency of emptying. Bacterial products such as Roebic K37 and Bio Septic ensure that organic material is broken down as quickly as possible. Dosing these products has several advantages:
- The sewage treatment plant fills up more slowly.
- Less to no odour.
- Emptying is cleaner, which is better for the environment.
- Also works very well when the plant is put back into use after emptying!
Bio-Septic+
- Extra strong clarifying bacteria for heavily polluted or new systems
- 1 kg is sufficient for the maintenance of one year
- Powder
Roebic K37
- Contains patented bacteria that promote decomposition in your septic tank
- 1 bottle is suitable for a 1500 litre tank
- Liquid
How do you empty a wastewater treatment plant?
If the sewage treatment plant is full, you should have it emptied. There are various companies that specialise in this. Farmers can also often help you with this. But how exactly does emptying the septic tank work? If you call in a specialised company, they will often send out a vacuum truck. A vacuum truck is a specially equipped lorry that is often used for cleaning technology. The extraction lorry has a powerful pump with which it can empty storage tanks and sewers. Ideal for emptying septic tanks! The extracted dirt is stored in the storage barrel on the LKM.
The extraction trolley can usually do its work with snakes up to a distance of around 100 metres. Of course, attaching the snakes takes some time, which is why you often need more time. The closer the truck can get to your septic tank, the easier it is for both sides. When the vacuum truck is ready, the manholes of the septic tank are opened and the tank is emptied. Water must always remain in the system to prevent odours and ensure proper functioning. If you have the sewage treatment plant emptied by a specialised company, you can be sure that the extracted waste will be disposed of responsibly. The contents of the septic tank cannot be used as rubbish; it contains germs and pathogenic bacteria.
Once the septic tank has been emptied and can be reused, it is a good idea to restart the bacterial culture. The decomposition is then further optimised, which means that the septic tank does not have to be emptied as quickly. The septic tank activator is particularly suitable for starting. You can find this product here.
A typical extraction trolley has approximately the following dimensions:
- Length: 11 metres
- Width: 2.5 metres
- Height: 4 metres
- Suction depth: +/- 20 metres
- Suction distance: +/- 100 metres
- Weight: 40 tonnes
Important!
Entering the septic tank is very dangerous! People regularly die as a result! They are fogged by the toxic gases and drown or suffocate. Simply ventilating the pit is not enough: some gases are heavier than air. Never stick your head through the manholes. Always ask a professional for help and measure the concentration of harmful gases first, as some of these gases are odourless at high concentrations. Toxic H2S is one example.
