Pump Waste
Pump Waste What is the difference between a sewer pump and a sump pump? And how do you tell which one you've got? From what I have read, it seems like they are exactly the same thing. They both...
Pump Waste
What to Expect in a Septic Pumping
Under general circumstances you need to pump out your septic tank when the solid waste measures between 30-50% of the tank’s volume. Septic pumping is just part of the normal maintenance you expect with a septic system. With the recent floods you may wonder if you should continue on your regular schedule or make adjustments to deal with the current situation. First, let’s look at a regular pumping job.
Inspection
Your septic service will perform a visual inspection of the system from the tank opening. Liquid levels that are lower than the outlet valve can indicate a leak, whereas levels above the outlet may suggest a blockage in the pipe or a problem in the drain field. The drain field should be dry and level; a wet field or one that is sinking indicates problems with the soil.
Pumping
Using a truck mounted system your septic professional will pump out the waste in the tank. If you have two inspection ports both will be pumped to ensure complete removal of waste from the tank. The outlet pipe will be watched to see if it returns any fluid. Small amounts of fluid can indicate a problem with the pitch of the pipe and large amounts may indicate a backup in the drainage field.
The tank will be back washed and a septage spoon used to ensure a complete clean out. The tank will be visually inspected again to check for cracks, leaks and damaged baffles. Finally, a report may be filed with the township, if required.
Unusual Circumstances
With the recent flooding normal septic pumping isn’t a possibility. Your tank, especially if made from plastic or fiberglass, may pop out of the ground if it lacks a load. Once the soil has dried you can get the system pumped out. A concrete or steel tank is less likely to pop up, and may be pumped sooner.
With flooding there is concern that the system will have overflowed and dumped silt and solid material into the drain field. If this is the case an assessment will need to be made of the field. In serious situations it can be necessary to build a new drainage field.
Getting a septic system up and running again after a flood takes a bit of expertise and some luck. Don’t use a fly by night organization – make sure to use a service that has been around for a while and understands the special circumstances around septic pumping after a flood.
The floods have barely begun to recede, but if you own a septic system, your troubles may just be starting. Shady operators are always waiting in the wings to profit from someone else’s misery. A reputable septic company like A Town Septic will give you straight answers and help you get your system running again.
About the Author
The floods have barely begun to recede, but if you own a septic system, your troubles may just be starting. Shady operators are always waiting in the wings to profit from someone else’s misery. A reputable septic company like A Town Septic will give you straight answers and help you get your system running again.