Septic Tank Pumping
Septic tank pumping is the most efficient way to maintain your on-site wastewater system (septic system).
Our Pumping Services
- Residential Septic Tank Pumping
- Commercial Septic Tank Pumping
- Holding Tank Waste Pumping
- Restaurant Grease Trap Pumping
Septic tank pumping is the most efficient way to maintain your on-site wastewater system (septic system). We often use the analogy that pumping the septic tank is maintenance just like changing the oil in your car. The septic tank is the primary filter source for the dispersal system (drainfield or drywell tank). The cleaner the liquid is kept inside the septic tank the cleaner the water that is dispersed through the drain field. Sure, you could buy a brand-new car and make the decision to never change the oil until you have an issue, but the results would be similar if you take that same approach to septic system maintenance, catastrophic failure.
If the tank contents are allowed to build up and create a thick layer of sludge, that sludge will pass on and form a biomat layer starting below the drain field. This biomat layer can build up to the point it creates a bowl-like structure beneath and around the side of the drainfield, sealing off the clean soil below. This does not allow the septic tank to drain properly. Ultimately this will lead to system failure and will most likely require a system replacement.
How often should I pump my septic tank?
Our suggested rule of thumb is 2-5 years. Every family or household has different system demands. Some families can go longer in between pump outs than some individual users, and some systems can require as frequent as monthly maintenance. We find it best to start with a baseline or if you have an idea of when the tank was last pumped out. During our pumping visit we can project when it will be necessary to pump the septic tank next. The thickness of layers inside the tank reveal to our technician if the tank really needed to be pumped or if it could have safely gone longer. He will then recommend the next date you will need a septic tank pumping.
Will the Technician check anything else while he's pumping?
During the septic tank pumpingour technician checks several key components and for frequent failure points. The outlet baffle is an essential component to keeping the floating scum layer out of the drain field. If the baffle shows signs of damage or is missing during the pump out, the technician will recommend a visit from our service crew to install or replace the tank outlet baffle.
What Can Tree Roots Do to My Septic System?
Another common find is tree roots inside the septic tank. If the points of entry or exit of the septic tank are not properly sealed, tree roots can grow in and expand from there. Tree roots can grow to the point of sealing off an inlet or an outlet to the septic tank. This can cause an unannounced backup and potentially thousands of dollars in avoidable damage. If tree roots are discovered during the tank pump out the technician will recommend the proper repairs through our service crew to remove the roots and reseal the septic tank.
What about Filters?
Septic tank pumping is the primary key to maintaining your septic system, but with so many variations to systems there are several other key maintenance points. For example, if your septic system has an effluent filter this filter will require regular cleaning (typically at least annually). There are several different styles of effluent filters based mostly on daily flow rates. This filter is typically the last form of filtration before the drainfield. The effluent filter is essentially a plastic cartridge that inserts into the outlet baffle. When removing a used filter, it reveals all the additional solids that would have been passed onto the dispersal system if the filter was not in place.
This maintenance task as well as any others are offered by our experienced service technicians. Different types of advanced treatment systems have individual manufacturer recommended maintenance schedules and components to service. Our team is more than happy to build an individual maintenance plan for your system!
