I have been in the wastewater industry for over 13 years and this subject is truly one that is addressed in our office, with customers over the phone, more than a couple times a day.
- “That’s not the way it was done last time”
- “I’ve pumped it this way for years”
- The last company installed this cleanout so I wouldn’t have to dig up my lids again”
- “I don’t want you to mess up my lawn”
- “The last company pumped it from right here (shows us the sewer line cleanouts)”
The list goes on and on but I am here today to set the records straight on the right and proper way to pump out a septic tank. But let’s start at the beginning with an understanding of how septic tanks work so you can understand the need to remove all contents of the tank.
The septic tank develops three important layers: the scum layer, which floats on top of the all-important water( AKA effluent) layer, and then there is the sludge layer. When waste enters the septic tank from the home it is pushed into the water layer by the ever-important baffle. There, it will naturally separate depending on what it is.
The Facts You Should Know
Example time: If you flush kitchen wastewater, there is probably some food or dishes residue present. That residue is most likely greasy-ish and will separate as scum from the water level inside of the tank. Let’s say it’s toilet wastewater and there is toilet paper and poop… well those will organically separate as well. The bacteria that work inside of the septic tank will further break down the scum and sludge waste for separation.
Wondering how frequently you should pump your septic tank? The answer depends on both the size of your household and the capacity of your tank. We recommend getting your septic tank pumped every two to three years. This range is a basic guideline and can vary depending on specific household and tank characteristics.
The purpose of the super important maintenance pump every 2-3 years is to remove the scum, water and sludge levels inside of the septic tank as thoroughly as possible. Why? Because it is the excess sludge and scum that will spill over into your disposal field and cause drainage failure. No one wants that – and in order to get both of those layers out properly, the pumper should be stirring the levels together as much as possible to get them ALL out of the tank.
Knowing this, I want you to picture something for me. Imagine we have 3” diameter hoses on our septic truck to pump with. If we are trying to clean ALL of that waste out of a 4” or even 6” inspection port, there will be large amounts of solids still remaining inside of the tank. This is the stuff that you MUST remove in order for a pumping service to be complete or even worth it!
If a pumper is pumping through that small inspection port, they are not doing you a favor or thoroughly pumping out the tank for maintenance. They are essentially removing a minimal amount of scum and water from the tank.
Health Risks and Failing Septic Systems
Exposure to Harmful Bacteria: As the system deteriorates, untreated sewage may surface in your yard or seep back into your home’s plumbing. This can lead to contact with harmful bacteria and viruses.
Disease Outbreaks: Coming into contact with contaminated water increases the risk of infections like dysentery, hepatitis, and typhoid fever. These diseases can cause severe gastrointestinal issues and other health complications.
Noxious Odors: The stench from a malfunctioning system isn’t just unpleasant; it indicates the presence of toxic gases. Prolonged exposure to these odors can cause respiratory distress and other health concerns.
Environmental Contamination: Effluent from a failing system can pollute local groundwater and surface water. This not only affects drinking water quality but also endangers local wildlife and ecosystems.
To mitigate these risks, regular maintenance and timely repairs of your septic system are crucial. Don’t ignore the warning signs; protecting your health and environment should always be a priority.
Two Proper Ways
Pumping a septic tank generally takes anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. However, the exact duration can vary based on several factors.
Accessibility of the Tank- If your septic tank is easy to access, the pumping process will likely be quicker. Concealed or hard-to-reach tanks may add to the time required.
Size of the Tank- Larger tanks naturally take longer to pump compared to smaller ones. Consider both the volume of the tank and the current waste level.
Unexpected Issues- Sometimes, unexpected problems such as broken baffles or invasive roots can slow down the process. During the pump, contractors often check for these issues to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
It’s advisable to discuss these factors with your septic service provider to get a more precise estimate tailored to your situation.
Option #1 - Dig Down To Tank Lids
Dig down to the tank lid openings. There may be one or two depending on the year of the septic tank. If there is one, it will be in the center of the septic tank and be about 18” in diameter. If there are two lids, they will be on the front and rear of the top of the septic tank. Expose both lids to reveal the two compartments in the septic tank, and pump both. Older tanks may have a “coffin lid” that must be slid off for pumping.
If you’re tired of paying to locate and dig to your tank openings for each maintenance, you should definitely install risers. It’s a one time fee and then no more digging for life! Plus, having an effluent filter that needs annual cleaning is a great bonus.
Side note: There is an important bacteria growth that starts inside of the septic tank and continues to grow and repopulate to help break down the solids that enter the septic tank. You do not want to pressure wash that clean. That bacteria and minimal sludge left in the bottom of the tank is a GOOD thing and should be left.
Remember, we are here to HELP! Have questions? Want to schedule your regular maintenance septic tank pumping? Give Priority Pumping a call today!
602-601-5751
