Septic Tank Depth Gauge

The density and base end configuration of the probe are selected to cause the probe to sink.

Septic tank depth gauge.

A sludge gauge for measuring the depth of a sludge layer covering a bottom of a septic tank. There s a simple diy method for obtaining an accurate gauge of a tank or grease trap s sludge buildup. Here we describe the depth at which septic tanks are installed and we explain the use of septic tank risers to make it easier to pump out clean or service deeply buried septic tanks. By performing a quick checkup you ll know when it s time to bring in an expert for routine septic tank pumping and cleaning.

The probe has a base end distal an upper end. Generally at a two year interval for septic tank pumping service the average septic tank in these size ranges will have a 400 mm scum layer with about a 200 mm sludge layer. Sludge accumulation is often the main culprit behind a clog or tank failure. There are several factors that affect how big the septic tank should be.

To what depths are septic tanks or cesspools or seepage pits or drywells commonly buried. With an average depth of 1600 mm the solids content is about 600 mm thereby reducing the settling time by nearly 40. If the tank is round then 3 14 x radius squared x depth all in feet cubic capacity. The sludge gauge has a guide sleeve mountable through a septic tank cover and a probe at least an upper end of which is slidably received in the guide sleeve.

People in the septic system industry measure scum and sludge layer thicknesses with a product called a sludge judge which cost about 75. For example if a septic tank has a liquid depth of 48 the tank should be pumped when the sludge and scum layer combined measure 14 48 x 0 30.