Accumulation of fat in a cesspool is a common problem of summer residents and owners of private houses, disrupting the operation of the sewer system. Timely cleansing and preventive care contribute to its solution without consequences.
The effects of fat accumulation
The kitchen is a source of the appearance in the sewer of particles of fat that fall there with the remnants of food. Grease sticks to the inside of the pipes. Accumulating layer by layer, it attracts large solid particles. Cold water speeds up this process. As a result, pipe traffic decreases and blockages form.
Fat deposits on the walls and bottom of the cesspool lead to its rapid filling by reducing the volume of runoff. The appearance of a fetid odor from the sewer is a signal that it is time to start cleaning it. Effective methods are considered chemical treatment and mechanical cleaning.
Chemical cleaning methods
To break down fat in a cesspool, it is effective to use chemicals that work even at low temperatures. This is true for homes where people live year-round.
They have several advantages:
- Resistance to various detergents.
- They decompose all types of waste.
- Eliminate sharp unpleasant odors.
- They act at any temperature and its sharp changes.
It is important to remember that chemicals are toxic and dangerous to humans, harmful to the environment, and cause corrosion of metals. With frequent use, the sewer system is destroyed. When working with them, it is necessary to observe safety measures and use protective equipment.
For cleaning cesspools are intended:
- Chlorine lime is a budget disinfectant. It contains a large number of carcinogens. When working with it, you must follow all the recommendations indicated on the package.
- Ammonium salt compounds - have a high disinfecting effect. When combined with water, a concentrated alkali forms, activating the decomposition processes and destroying unpleasant odors. When interacting with household chemicals, the effectiveness of the action decreases.
- Formaldehyde is a powerful antibacterial agent that promotes the decomposition of all types of waste. It is a dangerous carcinogen. It is used in small quantities or in rare cases, for example, to stop the decay process with the release of toxic substances.
- Nitrate oxidizing agents are substances that are used as a more gentle antiseptic for the decomposition of solid waste and fecal matter. The only drawback: nitrates formed upon contact with the metal contribute to its destruction.
A feature of all chemicals is the ability to reduce the volume of fecal matter, the processing of solid particles and paper.
Biological products are a combination of microorganisms and enzymes. Their use is considered safe and gentle for many reasons:
- Harmless to humans and the environment.
- By decomposing the waste, they form fertile sludge, which is used as an organic fertilizer.
- Do not harm metal, plastic and other materials.
- Prevent biochemical processes that emit unpleasant odors.
- The pathogenic flora is supplanted.
Bacteria affect exclusively organic compounds. Their use is not possible at low temperatures.
There are three main groups:
- anaerobic - develop without oxygen, which allows their use in closed pits; decompose waste, forming a precipitate;
- aerobic - act with a constant intake of air; divide the contents into two fractions (purified water and silt sediment, which is used as fertilizer for plants);
- mixed - in one tool contains several types of bacteria.
Biological preparations are popular: Doctor Robik, Likvazim, Biosept, Septic Biogranules. All of them are aimed at combating organic matter and body fat.
Mechanical cleaning methods
Chemical methods will help delay, but not replace, the mechanical cleaning of the cesspool. It must be carried out when filling the tank at two-thirds of the volume.
- The call of the cesspool truck or sludge pump is a reliable and convenient option. Extraction of the insoluble layer at the bottom is possible if the drainage depth is not more than three meters.
- With a small volume of the cesspool, you can clean it manually using an ordinary bucket lowered on a rope. It is important to remember the toxicity of the waste. Before starting work, you must wear fully enclosed clothing, glasses, gloves, a mask or a respirator. The liquid fraction is pre-pumped into a hermetically sealed container. With the help of a metal brush, a greasy coating is removed from the walls of the pit. The sludge layer is removed from the bottom. After that, the walls are treated with a chemical antiseptic. The container with the contents is transported to a place designated for discharge. The released toxic substances and gases can adversely affect one's well-being. Therefore, this method of cleaning is not recommended to be carried out alone.
- The use of a special fecal pump simplifies the cleaning process in a similar way. Contact with a hazardous mass will have less. But in this case it is not necessary to forget about remedies.
Problem prevention
To prevent the accumulation of fatty deposits on the inner surfaces of the drain pipes and walls of the cesspool, it is necessary to carry out preventive actions:
- cleaning the drain pipes with an aqueous solution of caustic soda allows you to dissolve the accumulated fat;
- it is necessary to pump out the liquid mass in time, preventing the filling of the pit completely;
- It is not recommended to throw garbage into the sewer system, which can get stuck in the pipes, which will lead to the rapid accumulation of silt layer at the bottom of the pit;
- the use of biological agents and chemicals that contribute to the breakdown of fat and other deposits;
- in winter, it is recommended to cover the pit lid with foam or agrofibre, in order to avoid freezing.
Using modern means and methods of cleaning allows you to keep the sewer system in order. The main thing is not to forget in time to carry out all necessary actions for its cleaning and prevention of blockages.
