Homeowners using a septic system rather than a municipal sewer system should be sure to have the septic tank cleaned and pumped every three to five years. Regular septic tank pumping prevents the sludge level that accumulates in the septic tank from getting too high and flowing into the leach field where it can cause serious damage to the system. In many cases, a clogged leach field has to be abandoned and a new leach field installed.
Septic tank pumping requires the services of a septic system professional. The septic pumping contractor should be licensed and bonded for your protection. A good septic system technician will first locate the tank using a rod, radio transmitter or other method. Once the tank is located, it is opened to allow the solid material to be pumped out of the tank. Some excavation may be required to reach the access opening.
The septic tank is pumped using a pumping truck to pump all of the material out the tank through a heavy duty hose. Water is sprayed into the tank to break up the scum layer and residual solid material and to flush it out of the tank. All material in the tank should be removed including the sludge layer, liquids, and the greasy scum layer. When the tank is clean, only a small quantity of fluid will remain to help start the biological decomposition process.
Once the tank cleaning is completed, your septic tank pumping technician will visually inspect the baffles inside the tank to make sure they are in place and undamaged. If everything checks out, the tank will be closed and is good for the next service period.
