Septic Tank Depth Gauge

People in the septic system industry measure scum and sludge layer thicknesses with a product called a sludge judge which cost about 75.

Septic tank depth gauge.

Sludge accumulation is often the main culprit behind a clog or tank failure. 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. Cubic capacity x 7 5 gallons capacity. There s a simple diy method for obtaining an accurate gauge of a tank or grease trap s sludge buildup.

A sludge gauge for measuring the depth of a sludge layer covering a bottom of a septic tank. 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. The probe has a base end distal an upper end.

To what depths are septic tanks or cesspools or seepage pits or drywells commonly buried. 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. The density and base end configuration of the probe are selected to cause the probe to sink. If the tank is rectangular then length x width x depth in feet x 7 5 gallons.

There are several factors that affect how big the septic tank should be. 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.