How to Prevent Septic Tanks from ExplodingÂ
Yes, people! Your septic tank can be a hazard because it could explode. For those unaware, when the organic matter inside your tank breaks down, it produces combustible methane gas. It is a rare instance, but the danger of having it happen is not something you can disregard.
Safety is something that no one can ever compromise. If your septic tank threatens safety, you need to do something about that issue. Ensuring all components are in good condition, sometimes through a floor door, is one way of doing it. These are other measures that you can do to secure yourself:
Beware of Open Fire or Heat
Be cautious while using open flames if your yard contains a septic system. Methane gas is dangerous to breathe in and is also very explosive. Your sewage system naturally emits methane gas, some of which can escape into the atmosphere. You'll need to secure the location of your tank from exposure.
An explosion may result from methane gas in your property, flames from your grill or outdoor fireplace, or even the spark from a match. Keep open fire away from the sewage field to reduce the possibility of fire or explosion. You also need to account if your tank is vulnerable to extreme heat because it may also affect the integrity of your tank.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Once every five years, you should have a specialist inspect your sewage system. Inspections can find safety risks before they cause expensive issues or unexpected damage. For instance, an expert might spot cracks in the tank's lid, which could cause the septic system to fail.
If that occurs, you or a member of your family may become stuck within the tank, which may cause horrific injury. You might need to remove it from your property if an inspection reveals that it poses a risk to other people.
Secure the Riser Caps
Ensure to lock the riser caps if you have young children. The riser caps have a straightforward design to make it simple to access septic tanks. The tank doesn't need exposure for maintenance after you install a riser. However, young children can be in danger if you don't tightly fasten the riser caps.
It is because risers can range in diameter from around 6" to 24". A young child will likely slip into the septic tank increases with the riser's diameter. Always check that the riser cap is firmly in place to protect your kids. More importantly, it will prevent any possible spark that could make your tank explode.
Ensure That You Place Your Tank in a Safe Location
If you place your tank in an unsecure and exposed place that could compromise its internal integrity, it could pose hazards. As an owner, you must never underestimate the influence of the tank's location because a temperature change will affect how the gases and microorganisms interact.
Additional Reminders
Keep everyone away from the hole if you need to open the sewage tank. An open pit entails several dangers. First, peering into the tank while leaning over the edges puts one at risk for catastrophic harm from falling in. Second, the surrounding soil's potential for collapsing could result in injuries.
The soil in the tank itself may also contribute to system failure. Finally, the tank may release dangerous gases like sulfide gas. Additionally, the gases include hazardous microorganisms that can cause life-threatening infections or breathing issues. Always tell people to keep away from an uncovered septic tank for safety.
The following are typically the leading gases or substances found in a septic tank:
Hydrogen Sulphide
A by-product of septage digestion without oxygen is hydrogen sulfide. It dissolves readily in sewage, water, and sediment, forming in septic tanks as gas pockets. It is also readily soluble in sewage. Suppose someone disturbs the residue or sludge risks getting hurt because they can discharge the dissolved gas. Hydrogen sulfide typically smells like rotting eggs.
Methane
Methane gas production happens when the waste's organic material breaks down without oxygen. The methane then accumulates in the septic tank's enclosed space, depriving the area of oxygen. It is a colorless, explosive, and highly combustible gas, that builds up in the septic tank in such circumstances, potentially resulting in explosions.
n addition to the gases already stated, depending on variables like temperature, pH, content, efficiency, and time, sewage may also contain harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and nitrogen dioxide.
Toxic gas development and buildup may result from septic tank system failure due to lack of gas exhausts, poor maintenance, pipe leaks, drain backups, and excessive chemical use.
Long-term exposure to septic tank gas poisoning can result in many issues. It may include eye irritation, breathing problems, and coughing blood. It may also include unconsciousness, suffocation, and death. It can result in irreparable hypoxic damage to essential body organs and is a chronic medical condition.
Takeaway
It would be best if you could talk with a licensed expert about your options for the best course of action. They can spot the areas where improvements are necessary, and they can provide valuable input for your setting. Ask all the questions you can and work with them for the best outcome.
