Is there a way of checking the solids thickness at the top of a septic tank?

Question

You better check out your septic theory. You are a little off there. **** is less dense, lighter than effluent water actually. That is why the baffle pipe is placed below the solids that move to the top. **** is heavier than pure water but not effluent! Salt water is thicker than regular water and even humans are more bouyant in salt water, for instance.

Answer 1

gee, usually the solids are at the bottom, the water is at the top and runs out into the field. It's time to call the honey wagon. The drain lines might need to be flushed too. If the solids got all the way to the top and some out the drain lines, it might clog them quickly because the holes are small

Answer 2

Well - everybody has some right. The 'scum' or 'cake' floats on top and the digested solids are on the bottom. Usually the problems start when the 'cake' gets so thick that it impedes proper flow though the tank, (usually in to the tank).
Most tanks today are two or three chamber, each having a hatch. Open the hatch nearest the house, (tank 1). Grab grandma's broom or little johnny's hockey stick or your own golf club if you're really going to give up the game this year - and plunge it in.
If the cake is over 6-9" thick - supper's ready - time to call the honey wagon.

Answer 3

Better check your own theory. The solids or sludge are at the bottom.
If you are interested check this link

http://www.inspect-ny.com/septic/tank.gif

What you see on top is called scum

Answer 4

the only way is to poke something through it, and see how thick it is. I recently had to cut a hole through the solids in one with a shovel to clear the inlet line. It's gross, but that's the only way.

Answer 5

The best way is to call in a pro, unless you want to take the top off & dive in!!!