Is your septic system due for a tank pump? If so, it is important to understand what the process looks like, as well as how you can prevent your tank from overflowing. What happens during a professional septic pumping? Let’s take a closer look.
When Does Your Septic Tank Need to Be Pumped?
Generally speaking, you should have your septic tank pumped every 3-5 years or if you notice that it’s getting full. It’s a good idea to visually inspect your septic tank at least annually, and you should schedule routine septic system maintenance by a licensed professional.
- Pooling Water
- Clogged Drains
- Noises from Pipes
- Flow Flushing
- Backed Up Sewer
- Flooded Lawn
- Strange Odors
The Septic Pumping Process
1. Loosen the sludge.
2. Pump tank with high-powered vacuum and truck.
If your tank is being pumped due to overflow, then there’s probably plenty of effluent to eliminate. Regardless, your septic system professional will lower a hose into the tank and vacuum out a mixture of effluent and waste. The hose transports this mixture to the work truck.
3. Break up sludge throughout the process.
While the pump does its job, the septic professional will likely continue using the rake or hoe to break up the sludge. This prevents the vacuum from clogging or getting stopped up. After sucking up a few inches of the effluent, the technician might turn everything off and listen for the sound of water. If more effluent is spilling back into the septic tank, chances are high that the drainfield is saturated and needs to be replaced.
4. Check for the septic tank plug.
5. Clean the septic tank.
After pumping the tank, a final cleaning should be performed. Leftover sludge should be manually removed, and everything should be visually inspected to ensure that it’s all in working order.
6. Dispose of sludge accordingly.
Finally, your septic system professional will dispose of the wastewater according to city guidelines and ensure that the work area is clean and ready to go.
How Can We Help?
Norway Septic Inc. is a service-oriented company dedicated to providing excellent septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to homeowners and business owners in the Michiana area. We take pride in doing the job that others leave behind. If you need a new effluent filter or if you would like to schedule a septic tank cleaning by one of our professionals, call us today.
