Septic Tank Cleaning
One of the most important maintenance tasks for septic tank owners is understanding when to pump out the tank. Septic tanks are designed to receive, store and treat wastewater from sinks, toilets and other household drainage sources. Regularly scheduled septic tank pump-outs are essential for septic system health and efficient operation. Homeowners should consult with a professional to determine the correct pumping schedule for their system, which will vary depending on the size of the tank and number of users. However, as a general rule of thumb, experts recommend every three to five years.
Septic tanks should also be pumped out sooner if one or more of the following conditions occur:
- If the property is sold and the tank has not been cleaned in more than three years;
- If a septic system alert system is installed, it should be serviced and maintained as instructed by the manufacturer;
- If the tank is in an area prone to flooding;
- If the tanks show signs of clogging and slow drainage;
- If vegetation such as trees begins to sprout from leach field or drain field;
- If sewage starts to backup into tubs, toilets and sinks;
- If sewage is visible on the ground near the tank.
Septic Tank Pumping
Pumping out a septic tank is a fairly simple process for a trained septic tank professional. The professional will remove the manhole cover and insert a suction hose into the septic tank. A vehicles or trailer-mounted pump is then attached to the hose and used to vacuum the solids of the tank. Pumping can take between thirty minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the tank. If a homeowner’s septic tank is in a hard-to-access location, a longer hose can be requested to extend the reach.
Septic Tank Problems
In general, homeowners should call a septic tank professional if they experience any of the following issues with their septic tank:
- Slow draining: If users observe a change in the way the sewer system flushes or drains, then it may be a sign of clogging;
- Strange odors: Strange odors that come from the drains are a sign of sewage buildup;
- Gurgling sounds: Gurgling sounds coming from a drain indicate that the water pressure is too low;
- Damp patches: If the homeowner sees damp patches on the lawn or near their septic tank, this could be a sign of a clogged or broken tank;
- Muddy water: If water from the septic tank is appearing muddy, there could be a blockage;
- Bacterial growth: If the homeowner notices bacterial growth or black stuff growing on the septic tank walls, this could be a sign of a malfunctioning septic tank.
Call a septic professional as soon as any of these signs occur. The earlier these problems are detected and solved, the less costly the repairs will be. If the problems are not dealt with quickly, then the homeowner may be forced to replace their septic tank, which can prove very costly. The professional will be able to identify the source of the problem, and provide them with a cost estimate and timeline for repair.
