Septic Tank Pumping

septic tank pumping provide a great alternative for homes that lack access to the public sewer system. However, this system comes with a host of additional responsibilities and requires regular care to avoid issues that will lead to costly repairs. The best way to prevent costly septic tank repair is to have it pumped regularly by professionals.

The Environmental Impact of Proper Septic Tank Maintenance

A septic tank acts like a “sorting machine” for household waste. The heaviest waste, known as sludge, sinks to the bottom while lighter waste such as fats, oils, and proteins float to the top. The clear liquid in the middle is called effluent. The septic tank helps to remove solids from the wastewater before it enters the drain field, where it is filtered further by soil microbes. The septic tank also prevents the effluent from entering the leach field before it has been degraded sufficiently.

If the septic tank isn’t pumped when it reaches its maximum storage capacity, solid waste will continue to accumulate. This can reduce the amount of wastewater that can be absorbed by the soil in the drain field, potentially leading to clogged pipes and system failure.

To determine when it’s time to have the septic tank pumped, you can use a simple measuring stick and a yardstick. A velcro strip on the end of the stick can be used to mark off the sludge level as it builds up. To measure, hold the stick upright and gently lower it into the septic tank until you feel the velcro strip hit the bottom of the sludge. Then, remove the stick and measure the sludge level in inches on the velcro strip. This will give you an approximate number of gallons that need to be pumped from the septic tank.