A well-designed septic system provides safe wastewater management for years to come. However, homeowners must prepare to ensure the pumping process goes smoothly.
Clearing access points, removing obstacles, and knowing your tank’s location help the technician work efficiently. Reduce water usage the day before a scheduled service visit to help minimize septic tank and drainfield overload. Contact The Septic Guys to learn more.
Clear the Area Around the Septic Tank
A septic tank treats household wastewater to ensure that it can be absorbed into the soil and eliminated through evaporation or transpiration by plants. It is also designed to protect the health and safety of a home’s residents and to reduce odors. In areas where public wastewater systems cannot be installed, onsite septic tanks provide an alternative means for sewage treatment.
A typical septic system is made up of two main parts: a septic tank and an absorption field. The septic tank is located underground and is linked to the absorption field by a pipe. The absorption field is a series of trenches that work to eliminate waste through percolation into the soil.
During use, septic systems require regular septic tank pumping to remove the accumulated sludge and scum layers. This prevents them from reaching the outlet and traveling to the absorption field where they can clog the pipes and reduce their effectiveness.
The septic tank is connected to the absorption field by a series of pipes, including inlet and outlet tees. These tees are located under the scum layer and prevent solids from entering the absorption field, where they can clog it and cause wastewater to back up into your home.
These tees should not be covered by ground cover or obstructed by shrubs or grass, as this can block the flow of liquid from the septic tank to the absorption field and interfere with its operation. The absorption field should also not be used as a driveway, parking lot, or garden, as this will prevent the wastewater from draining into it and may cause problems such as flooding or groundwater contamination.
Septic tank and absorption field failure can occur for a number of reasons. Foul odours are one sign of a failing septic tank, but other signs include backed-up drains, pooling water in the yard, and lush grass over the drainage area. These problems can cause expensive damage to the absorption field, and, in worst cases, may lead to sewage backing up into your home.
Keeping on top of your septic tank pumping schedule is the best way to prevent costly and unpleasant septic system failures. With a little planning and prep, you can make the process run smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
Remove Obstacles
Over 21 million homes in the United States use septic systems instead of municipal sewers, and routine septic tank pumping is crucial to keeping them clean and functional. The septic system has two major components: a tank and a drain field (or leach field). Waste leaves your home through the sewer pipe into the septic tank, where it separates into wastewater that floats to the top and more solid, sludgy material that sinks to the bottom. Perforated pipes in the drain field filter and disperse the liquid sewage into the surrounding soil to change into groundwater.
A clogged septic system can lead to unpleasant smells in your home and yard, especially when toilets or drains begin to overflow. This odor is caused by the gases that form when the sludge and liquid waste in the tank breaks down. These gases include methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, which are poisonous to people and animals.
If you see that your septic system is nearing its maximum capacity, it’s time to call for a professional septic tank service. There are a number of signs that indicate it’s time to have your septic tank pumped, including:
1. Toilets and drains seem to be taking longer than usual to empty. This is a sign that your septic tank is full and needs to be emptied.
2. You’ve noticed puddles and standing water in your yard or around the septic system. The septic tank is probably overflowing and requires immediate attention from a professional.
3. Your septic system seems to be backing up into your drains or toilets. The septic system may be clogged, and the septic tank should be pumped to prevent a dangerous backup of waste and toxins into your house.
4. You’ve been noticing strong, unpleasant odors in your home or yard. This is a sign that the septic tank is overflowing and needs to be pumped immediately.
A few easy ways to ensure that your septic system stays in tip-top shape are to stick to a septic tank pumping schedule, avoid pouring grease down drains and only flush human waste and toilet paper. Discarding items like cotton balls, “flushable” wipes, and baby diapers can overflow your septic system and cause clogs and expensive repairs.
Know Your Tank’s Location
A septic tank pumping service removes the buildup of waste and scum to keep your septic system working properly. It is a crucial maintenance service that prevents costly backups and other problems, so it’s important to prepare your property for the work by clearing the area, removing obstructions, and minimizing water usage.
Make sure the septic tank’s access point is clear of vehicles, furniture, and landscaping features. This enables the crew to reach the tank and clean out the lid easily, making the process more efficient. It also reduces the risk of damage to your possessions.
If you haven’t already done so, clearly mark the location of your septic tank and its access point. This is especially important if the tank and access port have been covered with plants or soil. It will help septic services locate the tank more easily, reducing the cost of the service.
Keeping your septic system free of obstructions can extend its lifespan and protect your home’s value. Plant only grass and shallow-rooted shrubs near your septic system, and avoid putting trees or other high-growth plants close to the absorption field. This can cause them to grow into the lines and clog wastewater.
To save money and stress during septic tank pumping, try to minimize your household water use 24 to 48 hours prior to the appointment. This means limiting laundry loads, showers, and other activities. It will also help to have a good understanding of your septic tank’s capacity so you can schedule the pumping at the right time.
If you aren’t sure about the location of your septic tank, ask the previous homeowners for a map or recollection. They may even have a copy of the septic system diagram that came with the deed or property records. You can also ask your local health department, which will have information about the septic system and tank installation in your neighborhood. If you are still having trouble finding the location, consult with your septic system installation team for a solution. They will often be able to provide helpful hints, like following the sewer pipes that lead away from your house or using a soil probe.
Set Aside Plenty of Space
More than 21 million homes in the United States rely on septic systems for waste management rather than connecting to public sewers. While septic systems are reliable, they require routine maintenance to ensure proper function. One critical element of maintenance is routine septic tank pumping. This process involves a professional septic technician removing the sludge and solid waste that builds up in your septic system over time. Keeping up with this important step helps prevent costly damage to your septic system and home plumbing.
As a homeowner, there are several things you can do to make the septic pumping process quicker and easier for you and your septic service provider. By preparing the area around your septic tank, limiting water usage, and communicating with your septic service provider ahead of time, you can help ensure a quick, hassle-free, and efficient experience.
Identifying the exact location of your septic tank is essential before scheduling your next septic tank pumping service. This can be done by locating your septic tank cover or finding a septic system diagram in your home’s deed, property records, or septic system paperwork. You may also find a tank inspection pipe in your yard that sticks up from the ground to indicate the position of the septic tank.
If your septic tank is in a difficult to reach spot, or is located within a fenced yard or behind a locked gate, you will want to set aside plenty of space for the service truck and any additional equipment needed to access the site. This may mean trimming overgrown bushes, moving outdoor furniture, and ensuring the tank’s access points are clear of any vehicles or other obstacles.
On the day of your scheduled septic tank pumping, minimize your water usage to prevent stirred up solid waste from mixing in with your fresh wastewater. This can make the tank fill up faster and requires the septic system to be pumped more than once to remove all waste from your home’s septic tank.
If possible, try to schedule your septic tank pumping services during the off-peak season. This helps reduce your service cost while minimizing the impact on the environment.