How Are Septic Tanks Pumped

Septic pumping is an important part of keeping your septic tank in good working order. Septic pumping involves removing sludge and effluent from your septic tank using a vacuum truck. Over the years, your septic tank will accumulate a layer of solids (sludge) which settles at the bottom of the tank. If you don’t remove the sludge and effluent as needed, the sludge may build up and cause many problems. You should pump out an average household septic tank every three to five years.

If you're a new homeowner and it's the first time you're looking to have your septic tank pumped out, you may not understand what goes into the process. In this article, we will explain how a septic tank is pumped.

How a Septic Tank Is Pumped

Septic tank pumping is carried out using a vacuum truck that has the ability to hold thousands of gallons of effluent. The first step is locating the manhole and removing the manhole cover. Thereafter, a long tube attached to the vacuum's pump is inserted directly into the septic tank, and then the equipment begins to suck out the contents of the septic tank. As the vacuum truck extracts the sludge and effluent, the extraction team will stir the contents of the tank using a muckrake to break up the solids and make the process more efficient. This process can take up to one hour depending on the size of the tank and the motor within the vacuum. It may take 30 minutes to empty a 1250-gallon septic tank and up to one hour for a larger septic tank. After extracting the sludge and effluent, the septic service will clean the outlet effluent filter by hosing it down with water.

What Are the Advantages of Having Your Septic Tank Pumped?

Regular septic tank pumping will keep your septic system running efficiently for years to come. If the sludge builds up to a level where it obstructs the outlet pipe, it could lead to slow drains, water contamination, bad odors, and health hazards. Emptying your septic tank as needed prevents untreated wastewater from wreaking havoc on your property. Besides, septic tank pumping helps to extend your septic tank's lifespan, thereby saving you from spending thousands of dollars on a replacement. Septic tank pumping is also a great way to increase your property value.

Need Septic Tank Service? Call Septic Blue to Help You Out

When you're in need of septic pumping or septic tank cleaning, it's important to hire a septic company with the ability to meet and even exceed your expectations. Hiring an experienced septic company can mean the difference between a job done right the first time and a shoddy job that will cost you more money down the road. If you're looking for reliable septic service, Septic Blue is one phone call away. At Septic Blue, we take pride in providing dependable septic tank pumping, septic cleaning, septic tank repair, septic installations, septic maintenance, and more.