Septic tank pumping is a messy job, but it’s important to do for the safety and efficiency of your drain system. Without it, solid waste and sludge build up and enter the drain field and can cause clogs and strain. Regular maintenance through septic tank pumping can protect the system from these issues and extend its life and function.

During the process, a septic tank pumping technician locates and removes the lid to your septic tank. They then use a giant tank truck with a large suction hose that sucks up the sewage, taking it away to a local septic treatment facility to be disposed of properly. This entire process usually takes between 15 minutes and 1-hour to complete.

The frequency of septic tank pumping depends on many factors, including the size of the septic tank and the number of people living in the house. It’s best to consult a professional septic tank service to determine the right schedule for your home.

Common Septic Tank Problems and How Pumping Can Help

It’s a good idea to have your septic tank pumped before throwing a large party or hosting guests. This will prevent the massive volume of wastewater from oversaturating your leach field and causing pre-mature failure and sewage back-up into your home. The best way to measure the level of sludge in your septic tank is by using a measuring stick with a velcro strip. You can lower the velcro end into the dark thick sludge until you feel it reach the bottom of your tank. Then, you can measure how many inches of sludge are left by referring to the measurement strip on your measuring stick.