Buoyant Waste

Also referred to as Scum or Floating Solids. Waste made up of greases, soaps, synthetic fibers and other buoyant substances that float to the top of the septic or trash tank, forming an airtight layer that allows for decomposition of wastes by anaerobic bacteria. When a septic or trash tank is opened, buoyant waste or scum is usually the first thing seen. This waste, together with the sludge layer of solids at the bottom of the tank, must be removed by periodic tank pumping. Routine maintenance inspections will determine pumping frequency. <