Septic Tank Pumping

It’s worth it to pay a small “pump out” maintenance cost now to avoid a large major cost later.

Septic tanks require pump outs on average every 2-3 years.  Tanks need pumped out when the solids that accumulate in the tank begin to reach the tanks normal storage capacity.

When the solids build up on the Aerobic Systems, it accumulates in their trash tanks.  These tanks are very small.  They get full of solids and can quickly get into the pump tank.  Then the effluent filter and the intake screens on the pump can get clogged up causing the high water alarm to come on. This in turn can prematurely burn up your pumps causing a series of problems (i.e. drip lines or spray heads clogging, filters, intake and pump, and spraying untreated sewage).

If the solids build up on the Conventional Systems, it could clog up the drain fields and/or clog up the line going from the house to the tank(s), or the line going to the drain fields.  This could eventually lead to septic system failure.

If the solids build up on an LPD (Low Pressure Dosage) System, then the solids could move to the pump tank, burn up the pump, and clog intake of pump and/or clog drain field.

What Should The Pumper Do When Pumping Out A Septic Tank?

Note:  Our technicians/pumpers are also trained on repairs, maintenance, and septic installations.  Therefore, part of our pump out job is to visually assess the tank(s) and let the property owner know if they see any potential problems before pumping out the system.

• Note the liquid level of the tank in relation to the tanks outlet pipe.  This can tell if there is either a tank leak or might indicate an obstruction or problem with the pipe to the drain field.
• Pumping the tank from the tank ports, not from the clean outs.
• Watch for back flow from the tanks outlet pipe. (Significant backflow indicates a problem.)
• Pump the tank(s) thoroughly and loosen the sludge in corners of tank(s) if possible.
• Note to see if “T’s” are intact on inlet and outlet side. (Helps prevent solids from getting into pipe lines.)
• Don’t “clean” the tank walls. (It’s good for septic tanks to have natural habitat bacteria.)
• Dispose of waste at a licensed, registered waste disposal site.

It’s worth it to pay a small “pump out” maintenance cost now, rather than a large major cost later.