Why Septic Tank Pumping Is So Important?

For millions of people who live in the rural areas, septic tank pumping is a way of life. As the nearest municipal hookup is hundreds of miles away, a well-maintained and properly working septic system is necessary for them. Aside from that, it is important to get this tank pumped out on regular basis to maintain the efficiency of the system. Let’s look at why pumping a septic tank is so important, how it is carried out and how much you should pay for this service.

Septic Tank-How it Works

But before going any further into the process of pumping a septic tank, let’s have a quick look at what a septic tank actually is and how it works. Actually, a septic tank is a sewerage treatment system that is built underground in the homes that have no access to the municipal sewer system. A typical sewer system consists of four parts: the waste water pipe emanating from the house, septic tank, drain field and the soil. It is important that all these important parts are in perfect working order for a septic tank to work in a proper way.

Importance of Septic Tank Pumping

Thanks to CSLP from Flickr.com for this great picture.

Regular septic tank pumping is important to ensure its proper operation and it also prevents clogs that can cause occasional sewage backup in the house thereby creating disgusting odors. The septic tank clogs usually occur due to things that are biodegradable. This includes cooking oils and grease that are usually dumped down the drain. Aside from that, paper towels, paper products (other than toilet paper) cotton balls, cigarette butts and tampons may degrade but may still get stuck in the interior of the septic tank and create clogs that may worsen with time. Another reason why septic tank pumping is carried out at regular intervals is that it allows you to check any damage that may affect its ability to work in a proper way. One a septic tank is pumped out, it is possible for the professionals to visually inspect it for any cracks or other damage. In case any damage is detected, it has to be repaired immediately to prevent any problems in future.

Septic Tank Pumping- How Often?

Usually experts recommend that it is best to pump out septic tank at regular intervals. This also allows regular inspection of the system to ensure that everything is in order. The actual frequency of pumping a septic tank depends on various factors, such as size of the septic tank, that is if you have a small tank, then it has to be emptied more often to maintain its efficiency. Secondly, frequency of pumping your septic tank will also depend upon the waste water that is being processed in the house. This depends upon the members in the house and water used by each one of them. An important factor within this category is the age of your toilets. If your house was constructed twenty years back, then it is certain that you have old water fixtures that were not water efficient. The old style toilets need about three to five gallons of water per flush, while the latest water efficient models work on just two gallons of water per flush. Aside from this, there are many “dams”, which can be placed in the toilet tanks for reducing the water used per flush.

The Process of Septic Tank Pumping

The process of septic tank pumping is quite straight forward. A big truck, also known as “Honey Wagon” (equipped with a suction pump, big tank and large hoses) will arrive at your property and will be parked in the vicinity of the septic tank. The operator then removes the manhole from the septic tank and lowers the suction hose into it. Then the pumps are fired up sucking all the accumulated waste directly into the holding tank placed on the truck. A reputable pumping service also provides you with detailed report about the condition of your septic tank after thorough inspection once your tank is cleaned. All its valves, inlet and outlet ports are checked for damage or any clogs and cracks. These professionals also inspect the ground around the septic tank for any leakages. If there is any problem, it is immediately brought to the notice of homeowner so that they are dealt with in a proper way to ensure the smooth operation of the septic tank.

Cost of Septic Tank Pumping

The cost of pumping a septic tank mainly depend upon the area where you live and few other factors. The cost of pumping out septic tank will be less if it is easy for the pumper truck driver to find and access your septic tank. It can immediately lower the overall cost of the operation.

Problems in Septic Tank Pumping

Thanks to bradleypjohnson from Flickr.com for this great picture.

The biggest problem that homeowners usually face is about the exact location of the septic tank. This is more true in case people who have purchased their house with an existing septic system. In this case, pumping service will use a plumbing snake equipped with a radio emitter attached at its end. It is fed though any of the cleanouts in your house and direct into the tank. A radio received then helps in finding the exact location of the septic tank. Another problem which pumping contractors often face is the difficulty in finding the septic riser on the lid that is covering the septic tank. If contractor has to dig down to find the lid, then it may add to the pumping costs. You can add a riser at this point to avoid this issue during future pump outs.

Pumping a septic tank- You can save money!

By getting your septic tank pumped regularly you can save good money in replacements, repairs and even cleanup. Any experts recommend that septic tanks should be inspected and pumped every three to five years. With periodic septic tank pumping and inspection, you can save on lots of hassles in the long-run.

Conclusion

Septic tank pumping is an important part of maintaining your septic system and wil keep it in top working condition. An overfull and clogged tank is the main cause of several septic system problems that can be easily prevented by scheduling periodic visits of the “Honey Wagon”.