BHW Outreach Message 1 - Septic Tank Cleanouts

Editor's note: This is the first of several outreach messages that the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) will disseminate as they promote sanitation and septage management in the communities in which they live and work. BHWs are trusted authorities when it comes to all issues about health. The San Fernando City Sewerage and Septage Management Project will build upon this trust to promote the program while empowering the BHWs with information, education and training through a series of hands-on workshops beginning in August of 2010. Stay tuned to this website for the training schedule and other promotions program outputs, which will be posted as they are developed.

Introduction - Septic Tank Clean-Outs

In order to function properly, septic tanks must be desludged before they are half full of sludge. In the Philippines, desludging septic tanks every 5 years is the best way to accomplish this. Septic tanks are desludged by vacuum trucks that connect a hose from the septic tank to the truck and are cleaned through the efforts of a skilled operator. The operator will pump the contents of each septic tank compartment to properly accomplish this task. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not know where their septic tanks are on their property, and to compound this problem, many septic tanks do not have proper clean-outs. This post details the process of locating the septic tank on the property, checking to see if the clean-outs are proper, installing new clean-outs if needed, and detailing where homeowners can go for help to get professional assistance in installing proper clean-outs.

Locating the Septic Tank

Septic tanks are usually located outside of the home, but may also be directly under the kitchen or comfort room. If you are not sure if your septic tank is outside or under the house, first look for clues. Depressions in the soil around tanks and pipelines may be one indicator. Another may be the presence of building sewer clean-outs.

If you suspect your septic tank is outside of the house, try these techniques for locating the tank:

1. The septic tank may be located by probing with a metal rod, following the pipeline from the house or by listening to the noise a plumber's snake makes when it contacts the tank inlet. Care must be utilized during the probing as it may damage the inlet tees or piping.

2. Using a water probe may be a great help in locating a septic tank. Get a ½" X 6’ galvanized water pipe, threaded on one end. Purchase a pipe to hose fitting. Turn the water on and sink the probe into the ground. The water will do the digging. Set up a grid pattern and probe every foot or two until you find the tank. Proper septic tanks should be no closer than 5’ from the house, so begin 6-7’ from the house. The top of a concrete septic tank is about 5’x8’. The top of the septic tank is usually 2-4’ beneath the surface so be patient while digging or probing.

If You Suspect Your Septic Tank is Under the House

Use the "tic tic tic" method. Locating septic tanks that have been installed under the house may be a challenge. If your home is placed on a concrete slab, using a metal bar to gently tap on the floor may provide good results. Tapping may reveal the septic tank location as the tapping over the tank will sound different (hollow sound) than when tapping on solid concrete. Remember to remove carpeting or other flooring to get the best results from this method.

If your house is on a stem wall, use a flashlight to look into the crawl space. Sewage pipes are a lot larger than water pipes (3 to 4 inches). Identifying where these enter the ground can give clues as to the exact location of the septic tank.

Anatomy of a Septic Tank Clean-out or Access Port

Septic tank access ports may be made of plastic or concrete. They have three key components:

1. A base plate that connects the riser to the tank in a water-tight fashion;

2. A riser to bring the elevation of the access port to floor level (if the tank is located under the house), or just below grade (if the septic tank is located outside of the house; and

3. A gas-tight lid with a proper locking mechanism.

In the drawing to the left, a tank adapter ring is used to secure the riser to the concrete tank. The ring is mounted on the tank by screws that have been sunk into the concrete. It is also glued in place with construction cement. The glue helps to achieve a gas-tight fitting which helps minimize odors.

The plastic risers come in different sizes to meet the exact needs of the installation.




Concrete Access Ports

Concrete hollow block can be an inexpensive alternative to plastic access ports. Simply mortar the blocks in place around the hole to achieve a gas-tight seal. Add blocks to achieve the desired height. Then use cocoa lumber to build a form for a simple concrete lid, which should be a minimum of 3 inches thick. Embed a wire handle in the wet concrete to make it easy to remove the lid. The weight of the lid will keep it in place and prevent small children from accessing (or falling into) the septic tank.

Chipping a Hole in Your Septic Tank

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If there is no hole in the septic tank that can be accessed by the septage truck operator, installing a suitable hole will be required. This is typically achieved by chipping with an iron bar through the top of the tank to access the chamber beneath. Remember that one hole or access port is required to be installed over each septic tank compartment. The hole in the tank should be a minimum of 18" in diameter (round hole) or 15 inches square. This will allow the truck operator enough room to properly desludge the compartment.


Access Ports in High Traffic Areas

If you find that your septic tank is installed under the driveway or garage, special traffic bearing manholes are required. These are typically cast iron lids installed over a concrete ring. For traffic areas, the manhole should be designed so that lid is flush with the finished grade so that vehicles may pass over the lid smoothly. Always consult with a civil or structural engineer before attempting to install a new manhole in an area subject to vehicular traffic.




Where to Go for More Help

In Early 2010, San Fernando City conducted its first septic tank training for plumbers and engineers. 18 professionals were trained and certified in the methods referenced above. If you feel you need assistance with your septic tank clean-out project, contact the City Environment Office for a list of certified professionals in your area. Contact them at:

(072) 888-6901 loc. 110

sfluseptageinfo@gmail.com