The Importance of Weekly Septic Tank Pumping

Septic Tank Cleaning. Whether you reside in a small rural town such as Sands Point, or even in larger cities throughout the nation, having to constantly be aware of septic tank cleaning is almost a certainty of life. In the good old days, septic tank systems were constructed very simply, using simple, out of the box plans. Old, neglected tanks were often made of little more than cinder blocks and weren’t particularly structurally sound at all. Over the years, as people and businesses grew in size, many septic companies discovered that it was necessary to build larger, more sturdy tanks. This, in turn, required some pretty heavy equipment, but the end results – septic tanks that functioned properly, and didn’t cost a fortune to maintain – are well worth the investment.

Most septic tank cleaning occurs after heavy storms or very wet summers. Heavy rains may loosen soil in the area, and over time this may cause sewage to flow into the tanks. While this debris is harmless to humans and plants, it can pose a serious problem for the treatment process. Disinfecting the area and cleaning the inside of the tank can be quite difficult – not to mention expensive. A regular cleaning schedule is essential to minimize the amount of raw sewage that ends up in the tank.

When the tank gets full, the only option is to let it drain into the sewer system. Unfortunately, sewage treatment facilities often need to pump out large quantities of water to allow the system to properly discharge. This “scum” or residue, along with the dirty old sludge that clings to the inside of the pipes, can make it nearly impossible to pump out the water without also killing and sterilizing the inside of the tank itself. That’s why it’s so important to regularly schedule septic tank cleaning.

Full tanks are typically pumped to remove all solids and ensure proper function. However, the process of draining sewage takes time and can be complicated. Any solids that are left behind will likely clog the pipes further, reducing their ability to discharge waste water safely. So a frequent septic tank cleaning schedule will ensure that the drainage can move through the pipes undisturbed. It will also keep drains from freezing as they can break through the ice and enter the drain field.

Another major reason for septic tank cleaning comes during heavy rains. If the rain happens to fall on the saturated soil near the structure, excess liquid can build up and begin washing across it. The longer this liquid spends soaking into the soil, the more deeply it will penetrate. Eventually, the excessive weight of the water mixed with soil can damage the pipes and clog them.

Of course, some septic tanks need to be cleaned more frequently than others. A septic system’s design and components usually determine the frequency in which it will need to be cleaned. If you have a concrete tank, then annual maintenance is usually enough. Those with plastic tanks, however, will need to have an inspection performed and treated every three to five years. For both types, regular septic tank cleaning is key to ensuring the system is functioning properly.

Finally, frequent septic tank cleaning helps prevent problems. While solids do not contribute to a clogged system directly, they do make it harder for the system to work as effectively as it should. When solid debris builds up in the pipes, bacteria can grow within the tank, causing the water to be contaminated and thus less effective. Also, plumbing leaves can cause erosion and blockages. By removing the bacteria and other possible contaminants on a regular basis, your septic tanks will function better and be able to keep up with the amount of waste being placed into them.

If you’re unsure when it’s time to have your septic tank pumped out, contact your local septic services company to schedule a cleaning session. Most reputable companies offer a free consultation to discuss your tank’s care and schedule a pump removal. Using the best biological additives for your septic tank system will help the process go smoothly and minimize problems. Pumping out your septic tank is the last thing you need to worry about if you’ve already contacted a local septic services company and got a scheduled appointment. You can find out what your options are by talking to professionals in your area.