3 Things To Understand About Septic Tank Pumping

Posted on: 7 November 2017

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Septic tanks are designed to work effectively on their own, breaking down waste over time. Sometimes though, septic tanks need a little assistance with breaking down all of that waste material. That waste material can best be broken down and cleaned out via a septic tank pumping. 

#1 How Often Your Septic Tank Needs to be Pumped

How often your septic tank needs pumped is a complicated question that depends on how large your septic tank is, how many people you have living in your home, if you do laundry at your home, and if you have a garbage disposal. If your septic tank is small but you have a large and active home, you are going to need to have your septic tank pumped more often than a small family with a really big septic tank. 

Although your septic tank may only need to be pumped at certain intervals, it doesn't hurt to stay on top of your game and get your septic tank pumped every few years. Getting your septic tank pumped every few years is a great way to ensure that your septic tank pump never gets too full. Being too full can impede the function of your septic tank. A septic tank expert can work with you to determine the best pumping schedule for your septic tank.

#2 What Happens When Your Septic Tank Is Pumped

When your septic tank is pumped, all of the waste inside of your tank will be sucked out. A little bit of waste will be left though, as you don't want to completely empty out your septic tank. You need a little waste and bacteria inside of your septic tank to keep the process working properly.

Once the waste is pumped out, the septic technician will perform a few system checks. They will check all the outlet and inlet tees and make sure that they are clean and working correctly. After that, the technician should check the bacteria count to make sure it is at the right level to continue breaking down waste. If the bacteria count is low, your technician will add chemicals and bacteria to your system to establish the right balance again. Finally, the technician will run a check and have you flush your toilets and run a few faucets to make sure that waste is flowing correctly into the septic tank.

#3 What To Do After The Septic Tank Is Pumped

After the septic tank is pumped, double check and make sure that the lid to the septic tank was put securely back in place. You may notice a bit of a foul odor around your septic tank right after it is pumped, the smell should disappear after a couple of hours. If it persists for more than a day, call the technician back out to make sure that everything was sealed up properly with your septic tank.

Pumping your septic tank is the best way to take care of your septic tank and it is an effective way to clean out your septic tank and get it inspected as well. Click here to read more.