Septic tank pumping removes accumulated waste from your septic system. Solid materials settle at the bottom of the tank as sludge, while grease and lighter waste floats on top. Regular pumping helps prevent clogged pipes and system failures.
Sewage backups can be expensive and hazardous to health. A septic tank professional will inspect, and measure the sludge and scum layers to determine the proper pumping interval. Click Septic Tank Services Near Me to learn more.
Septic systems are an on-site alternative to municipal sewer systems for residential homes. These underground plumbing systems treat wastewater by separating solids from liquid waste. Solids settle or float in the tank, while liquid waste flows out into the drain field where it filters through soil. A septic system is an efficient and cost-effective way to deal with household wastewater, saving on utility bills for homeowners.
A septic tank is usually placed in a deep pit, 4-12 feet in diameter and 10-40 feet deep, with a porous wall and filling of gravel between the tank and surrounding ground. When wastewater is discharged from a home, it enters the septic tank through a pipe and is temporarily stored. Heavy solids sink to the bottom of the septic tank and are broken down by bacteria into sludge. Lighter solids, including fats and grease, rise to the surface of the septic tank and decompose into a layer of scum. Liquid waste is then released to the absorption field through a distribution box, where it is evenly distributed across trenches in the drain field.
The septic system prevents untreated wastewater from contaminating soil and groundwater supplies in residential areas. This protects public health and safety as well as reducing pollution levels in lakes and rivers downstream of residential communities that rely on these water sources for drinking and bathing.
When installing a septic tank, it is important to choose a qualified contractor with the proper equipment and experience. The contractor should also have the proper licensing, insurance and references. It is also a good idea to get quotes from several contractors and compare them, looking for candidates who are responsive, polite, organized, and time efficient.
It is important to shut off all water and drains in the home during septic system installation. If you are planning to be away from the house for a few days during installation, make arrangements to stay elsewhere while work is in progress.
After a perk test is done and permits have been obtained, excavation for the septic tank can begin. This typically takes a few weeks to complete. Once the tank is in place, the piping network can be laid, and the septic pump and control panel installed.
Inspection
Septic tanks must be inspected on a regular basis to ensure proper operation. If a septic system fails, it can result in raw sewage backup into the home. This can cause lasting odors, water damage, and health issues. A septic tank inspection will detect any problems and help homeowners avoid costly repairs.
During a visual inspection, septic tank inspectors examine the septic tank and drain field for signs of problems. They also test the septic system’s sludge and scum levels. This is important because the sludge layer should not occupy more than one-third of the tank volume. If it does, the septic system needs to be pumped. Septic tank inspectors will also check the baffle walls and sanitary tees. These prevent solids from entering the liquid waste drainage field (drain field part of the septic system).
A septic tank inspection begins by locating the tank and its lids. They use a metal probe to find the corners of the tank and may have to dig in soft soil. Newer tanks have risers that are visible above ground level. Older tanks have oversized concrete lids sometimes called coffin lids that require special tools to open them.
After locating the tank and its lids, the inspector will examine the top of the septic tank to ensure it is watertight and that there are no cracks. They will then check the drain lines to see that each receives an equal amount of wastewater. If a drain line is clogged or tipped, it will allocate wastewater disproportionately and flood sections of the absorption field.
The next step of the inspection is to check the septic tank’s inlet and outlet pipes for signs of leaks or corrosion. They will then examine the septic tank’s baffles to make sure they are in good condition. The last part of the inspection is to test the septic tank’s drainage field by flowing water into it. If the system works properly, the water should force wastewater through the baffles and into the drain field.
A septic system is an expensive investment, and it is important to protect it by having a regularly scheduled septic tank inspection. A septic system inspection should also be done before buying or selling a property. A septic tank dye test is not a sufficient replacement for an inspection and should be reserved for situations when a septic tank cannot be accessed for whatever reason.
Pumping
Having your septic tank pumped is an important part of regular maintenance. Depending on household use your septic system may need to be pumped every 5 years or less. Signs of your septic tank needing to be pumped include your sinks, tubs and showers draining slower than usual or strong sewage odors in your home.
Your septic system works by solid waste settling at the bottom while lighter material such as oils and fats float to the top of your septic tank. When these materials build up, they reduce the amount of space available for new wastewater to enter. This can lead to clogs, backups, and potential environmental contamination. Regular pumping prevents these issues by removing the accumulated solid waste and reducing the amount of sludge in your septic tank.
The process of septic tank pumping is quite simple. The first step is locating the access lid to your septic tank, which can sometimes be hidden under six to 12 inches of soil. Your septic service technician will use a metal detector or probe to locate the lid, which they then remove using specialized equipment. They will also inspect the lid for cracks and other damage, which can warrant a replacement.
Once they have accessed the septic tank, they will insert a vacuum pump into the access port, which will suck up all of the sludge and solid waste in the septic tank. This can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. They will then flush out the inlets and drain lines that connect to the septic tank and replace the lid.
Before you hire a septic tank service company, get recommendations from friends and family members and read online reviews. Look for septic tank services that are licensed and insured, as well as reputable. This will ensure that you are working with someone who has the right qualifications to complete the job correctly and safely. You should also help to prepare your septic system for inspection and pumping by clearing the area around your septic tank, removing items that could block access to the septic tank and ensuring that the lid is clear and visible.
Repair
A septic tank that is not functioning correctly poses a serious health risk for your family and the natural environment. It can result in sewage backing up into your home or gathering near the septic system. A professional can perform a variety of repairs to help you get your system back up and running. However, it is important to understand the long-term viability of your septic system before making any costly repairs.
Septic systems are typically large concrete boxes that hold waste from your toilets. The waste goes into the septic tank, where bacteria and yeasts break down the waste. The broken-down waste leaves the septic system through pipes into an absorption field where it is absorbed into the ground.
A common problem with septic tanks is a clog or blockage. This usually causes sewage to flow into the house through drains or gather near the septic tank or absorption field. If this happens, it is likely due to a clog in the effluent filter or the outlet baffle that needs to be unclogged. A septic tank service professional can usually clear these problems quickly and efficiently.
Another common repair involves replacing a pump in the septic tank. The pump controls the flow of wastewater from the septic tank to the absorption field. If the pump fails, the effluent will be unable to reach the absorption field and could create a backup or cause the system to overflow. A septic tank service professional can replace the pump for a relatively low cost.
Other types of septic tank repairs involve fixing the distribution box or other parts of the system. These repairs can help ensure even wastewater flow through the system and prevent environmental contamination. These repairs can cost more than the replacement of a tank.
The average cost for repairing a plastic septic tank ranges from $200 to $500. However, this can vary depending on the extent of the repairs and the material used in the tank. Concrete tanks are generally more expensive to repair than plastic tanks but can withstand more harsh conditions and resist erosion better.
