3 Things That Happen When You Pump Your Septic Tank
If you own a septic tank, you are going to need to pump the septic tank on a regular basis. Septic pumping is a required part of taking care of a septic tank. It is important to understand how the septic tank pumping process works.
1. This Is Not a Do-It-Yourself Job
First, it is important to understand that pumping your septic tank is not a job that you can do yourself. Pumping your septic tank involves removing the sludge from your tank, which is not something you are going to want to handle yourself.
Additionally, septic tanks are often full of toxic gas that can be a health hazard if you do not know how to handle them safely. When pumping your septic tank, you should always call in a professional.
2: You Need to Know Where Your Septic Tank Is Located
Many people move into a home without knowing where their septic tank is actually located. In order to pump your septic tank, you need to know where the lid or access point for the septic tank is at. You can look up the building permit for your property to find out where the septic tank was buried, and then you can walk your property to find the lid.
If you do not know where the septic tank is located, be sure to let the company who will be pumping your septic tank know beforehand. That way, they can bring in specialized equipment that will help them find your septic tank and locate the lid to the tank.
3. A Vacuum Pump Will Clean Your Septic Tank
Once the company finds your septic tank lid, they will then bring out a vacuum pump, which will be attached to a large tank on the back of a truck. They will insert the vacuum pump down into the septic tank. Then, the vacuum pump will be activated. The pump will remove all the liquid sludge and waste that has accumulated inside of your tank since the last pumping.
How long the vacuum operates depends upon the size of your septic tank and how much sludge and waste is inside of it. This process can be completed in as quickly as fifteen minutes, or it can take up to an hour.
4: Outlet Effluent Filters Will be Cleaned
Once the vacuum has done its job, the septic cleaners will then use a set of specialized cleaning tools, as well as a hose, to clean your outlet effluent filters. Your outlet effluent filters keep solid waste from leaving your septic tank and getting into your drainage field. These filters need to be cleaned when your tank is pumped so they can continue to operate effectively.
5: Measure the Bacteria
Then, the septic specialists will measure the bacteria levels in your tank to make sure that you have enough bacteria to break down the material that flows into your septic tank. If the balance is off, they will add substances to the tank to balance out the bacteria level.
6. Tank is Sealed Back Up
Once your tank has been cleaned, the septic professionals will put the lid back on the tank and make sure the lid is sealed tightly. It is important for the lid on the tank to be secure.
Now that the lid is secure, their job is done, and the septic professionals will leave. They should let you know based on how much waste they pulled out of your tank, and how long it had been since the last pumping, when they think you will need your tank pumped again.
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