Why Do I Need to Pump My Septic Tank

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The main purpose of the septic tank is to provide treatment of the wastewater before the water makes its way to the drain field. As you flush waste down the drain, heavier solids drop to the bottom of the tank and form a sludge layer. Grease, oils, and fats float on top to form the scum layer. The middle of the tank is the waste water, effluent, that flows out of the tank through the baffle to the septic treatment area known as the drain field. When the sludge and scum layers become 25% of the tank volume, it’s time to schedule a tank pumping. Our pumper truck then removes all of the contents in your tank, and the process starts all over again. As a rule, it’s recommended to pump your tank every 2-3 years. There are some variables when determining your frequency of pumping, such as the size of your tank, what’s being flushed, if a garbage disposal is being used, and most importantly, the number of people in the home. If you have gurgling or water pooling in drains, sewage backing up in the house, or sewage bubbling up from the ground around the tank, you may have waited too long to service your tank and should schedule a pumping right away. Let us know if you need help determining a pumping frequency tailored for your home and family. It’s better to pump on a frequent basis than having a back up in your home. We are here to help! 906-486-4098