Safety Precautions for Inspecting Your Septic System

If you are concerned about the current condition of your domestic wastewater treatment system, consult a specialist in septic services for inspection. In general, septic tanks and their attached components are durable and resilient. However, the performance of the setup can decline due to general wear and poor maintenance practices.

Moreover, septic systems may sustain damage as a result of accidents like a truck driving over the tank. An inspection will help in identifying underlying problems and conducting timely repairs. If you would like to conduct a preliminary assessment of your septic system, consider the potential risks. Here are safety precautions for preventing accidents.

Acquire Protective Gear

The right protective gear is essential when dealing with domestic wastewater. The risk of contamination during the inspection is high. Therefore, consider the best precautions to limit the danger. Protective gloves are crucial for preventing microbial contact. These items are particularly important if you suspect that the tank or the pipes are releasing untreated waste. Suitable work boots will protect the feet from getting wet. Additionally, consider acquiring a self-contained respirator or breathing equipment. If you do not have this item, avoid going near the tank. The air from the wastewater container is toxic.

Avoid Open Flames

The breakdown of wastewater in a septic tank releases a lot of gases, including methane. This gas is highly flammable and explosive. If the tank is opened and an open flame is in the vicinity, the results could be catastrophic. Therefore, ensure that there are no sources of fire or sparks when inspecting the tank. Do not smoke near or at the tank. If you would like to light up the area around the tank, use a safe illumination method like a torch.

Think About Airflow

The fumes emanating from a septic tank are noxious. These gases can cause suffocation during an inspection. Therefore, think about proper ventilation before checking out the septic system. Do not begin the inspection if the area does not have good airflow. Where possible, remove blockages to ventilation like large vehicles near the tank before beginning. The risk of suffocation or fainting due to noxious gases is still high even with airflow. So, work with another person during the assessment. If there is an accident, the other party will take action or call an emergency service.

Inspecting a septic system is a dangerous process. In addition to contamination, explosion and suffocation, the risk of falling into the tank is considerable. Therefore, it's wise to reach out to experienced septic services expert for professional help. 

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