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Can Septic Tanks Explode?

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For buildings that are unable to be connected to mains sewage systems, one of the solutions that are available is to have a septic tank system. In a septic tank system, wastewater and sewage are taken out of the house and fed into a septic tank that is normally located a few meters away from the property. Within the tank, the waste is then broken down by the bacteria that is living in the tank, leaving a certain amount of sludge, whilst the cleaner effluent is then safely disposed of into a drainage field.

One of the bi-products of this process of breaking down waste material is methane gas and it is mainly this gas that creates the risk of explosion in a septic tank. So, in short answer to the question is yes, a septic tank can explode under certain circumstances.

Methane and Septic Tanks

Methane is one of the gases that are produced within a septic tank through the process of anaerobic digestion, and it is unfortunate that it is a very flammable gas. Some of the other gases that are produced include hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, and some small amounts of carbon monoxide. Ventilation is essential to enable these gases to safely escape before they can build up and make what is an already slightly volatile environment extremely volatile.

These gases are not only potentially dangerous as they can easily catch alight when there is a flame or even just a spark in the vicinity, but they can also be overwhelming for people and animals if inhaled, meaning that safe ventilation essential for these two reasons.

This is why it is vital that you do not smoke, expose flames, or create sparks close to the septic tank. These gases – especially methane – cannot be seen and could be very dangerous if the two come into contact, potentially causing fire or explosions.

Septic tank explosions can be catastrophic. They will not only destroy your system but can also severely damage the area around the tank – including your property. People have also been known to die in septic tank explosion accidents, so it is something that you should take very seriously if you have a septic tank.

Helping to Prevent an Exploding Septic Tank

If you have a septic tank on your property, the best way to help to ensure that it is not going to explode is by ensuring that it is properly maintained and looked after, not damaged and that the ventilation system within the tank is working properly. Of course, not smoking nearby or not allowing flames to be close to the tank is important, but it is also vital that gases are expelled in the proper manner.

With regular visits and inspections, professionals can help you to spot early warning signs and help you to repair any damage before it becomes an issue. Although you can carry out septic tank maintenance yourself, this is one of the reasons why it is usually recommended that you ask a professional to carry it out.

Gas detection equipment can be used not only to check the state of the gas in the septic tank system but also to check the kind of gases that are being produced, indicating if or where there is a problem.

Septic Tank Ventilation

All septic tanks will have a ventilation system, and the gases are generally expelled from the tank using the principle of gravity. As the tank fills up with waste, the amount of gas in the tank should reduce, leaving the tank through the ventilation system, and ensuring that the pressure inside the tank is kept balanced. This does mean, however, that if there is a blockage in the ventilation system, the air and gases cannot escape, this can cause a build-up of pressure inside the septic tank.

This adds another potential risk for septic tank owners and is another reason why you should have your tank checked by professionals regularly.

The key to ensuring that you do not have an exploding septic tank on your hands is to ensure that you never expose sparks or naked flames near to the tank (be that smoking, using power tools, or having BBQs, for example) and to have it well and regularly maintained by septic tank professionals who will ensure that the system is working properly.

Thursday 28th March 2024
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