Septic Tank Pumping

Pumping Your Septic Tank - Your septic tank, unfortunately, is not like a time capsule. We can't just deposit things into it and forget about until decades later. Your system will be able to maintain its balance-which will keep it from overflowing for quite a few years. However, it will eventually require pumping. This will occur every three to five years for the majority of tanks. The specific interval will depend, though, on the number of people in your household, the amount of water generally used, and the septic tank pumping codes in your area. Obviously, if you have four people in your household, you have to pump your septic tank more often than if it was just you.

While pumping your septic tank, your manhole cover needs to be accessible to your contractor. Therefore make sure it is free of debris and obstructions. This includes plants and other landscaping. The inspection ports on your tank can't be used for pumping, so you'll have to use the manhole cover. Once it is open, your contractor will make an evaluation of the condition of the material inside the tank. They'll make sure that it looks like it's supposed to.

Next, your contractor will place the pump into the sludge and start sucking it up from the tank and into the hose. They will usually keep the hose near the top of the tank, where the waste is more liquid. Then they'll utilize a long metal bar to separate the more solid material on the bottom of the tank. They'll do this until they can break up virtually all of the solid waste.

Your septic tank will be empty for the most part after the breaking up of the solid material and pumping it all out. Your contractor will visually verify this by using a flashlight and mirror to check the tank. Your tank will be inspected for leaks and proper overflow function. If any leaks or damage are found, your contractor will discuss repair options with you. Once all of this is accomplished, the manhole cover is reinstalled and you don't have to think about the contents of your septic tank for another few years! Pumping your tank may not be the most enjoyable activity, but it will certainly pay off in the long run and save you a huge mess if your tank were to overfill. Make sure that you're following the proper pumping schedule, and you'll avoid a multitude of disasters in the future.

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