If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to your septic system. Septic tanks are crucial components of modern plumbing systems, but they’re buried underground where they’re out of sight and out of mind.
Most of the time, they work quietly in the background, doing their job without requiring any attention from their owners.
Taking a Closer Look at Septic Tanks
Septic tanks are large containers that collect wastewater from homes. As mentioned, they’re buried underground. Wastewater is carried to them via pipes running from the homes they’re connected to.
As that wastewater sits in a septic tank, solids drift to the bottom while water stays in place and lighter substances float to the top. Water in the tank eventually runs out into an adjoining drain field where it’s filtered and eventually returned to the natural water cycle.
Along the way, solids remain in the tank where they’re broken down by bacteria. In some cases, though, those solids can’t be broken down fast enough to prevent them from backing up. When that happens, a septic tank won’t work properly.
It may allow sewage to seep into the ground where it can cause pollution and damage your yard. It can also affect your plumbing system, causing your toilets and drains to back up and potentially sending sewage back into your home.
Having Your Septic System Serviced
Having your septic tank pumped can prevent those problems. Experts note that you need your septic system serviced at least once every three to five years as a general rule.
Some people, like those who have larger than average households, may need to schedule septic system services more frequently, though. Here’s what happens during the septic pumping process.
Finding and Accessing the Septic Tank
The first step in septic system service is finding and accessing the tank. Some homeowners can tell service technicians exactly where their septic tank is, which can shave a great deal of time off of the process.
If you don’t know where it is, though, there’s no need to worry. You’re certainly not alone. Quite a few homeowners aren’t sure where their tank is.
Technicians have ways of locating septic tanks. They can use soil probes, which are essentially metal tools that are inserted into the ground. When there’s nothing underground, the tool will simply sink into the dirt. If there’s an obstruction, though, it’ll stop short.
When using a probe, technicians generally start at your sewer line and insert the probe every couple of feet until they find the tank. It’s also possible to find septic tanks using metal detectors in some cases. Though your tank probably isn’t made out of metal, it’s likely to have some metal components.
There are transmitters for finding septic tanks as well. They’re flushed down the toilet. From there, they make their way into the septic tank. Then, they send back signals that technicians can track to the source.
Once they locate your septic tank, the technicians will need to access it. For fully buried septic tanks, that involves a certain amount of digging. After technicians get to your tank, they can proceed with your septic service.
Inspecting the Tank
Next, technicians will perform an initial inspection of your tank. They’ll determine the condition of the tank and assess its water level.
If anything seems abnormal, that could be a sign of serious problems. Your technicians will know what to look for and how to resolve issues if they find them.
Pumping the Tank
At this point, the pumping process begins. Your technicians will pull a large hose that’s connected to their pump truck over to your tank and insert it. A powerful vacuum system will pull the contents of your septic tank, including the solids, liquids, and top scum layer, into the truck.
The technicians may have to use a special tool to break up particularly stubborn solids for them to be pumped out of the tank.
When your tank is empty, the technicians will clean pressure clean it. That gets rid of remaining residue. It also allows them to further evaluate the condition of your tank and its components.
Final Inspection
With the septic tank empty and cleaned, your technicians can perform their final inspection. They’ll check the tank itself for cracks or other types of damage.
They’ll also examine the inlets and outlets and the baffles that control the flow of material into and out of the tank. If they find any problems, they’ll advise you on the best ways to address them. They can also perform repairs if necessary.
Closing Up
After the final inspection, the technicians will replace the lids of your septic tank and be sure they’re securely in place.
Then, if necessary, they’ll replace the dirt they removed when they dug their way to the tank. You’ll receive documentation of your septic service to keep for your own records.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Septic Tank Serviced?
Several benefits can come from having your septic tank serviced. One of the most significant is preventing damage to your septic tank and plumbing system. That, in turn, can save you a great deal of money over the long term. Septic service also prevents damage to your yard and helps to preserve your property value.
Additionally, regular septic tank service keeps hazardous sewage from seeping into the ground. By extension, it protects your family and neighbors against exposure to hazardous pathogens.
It prevents groundwater contamination as well. Having septic system maintenance performed every few years costs a fraction of what it would take to replace your tank, repair your plumbing system, and cover other damage caused by a backup.
Keeping Your Septic System in Optimal Condition
Though most people don’t think about their septic systems very often, we constantly rely on them. They continually direct wastewater out of our homes where it can undergo natural treatment processes and eventually return to the water cycle.
If your septic tank backs up, though, it can cause serious issues. Having it serviced every three to five years can prevent numerous costly and potentially dangerous repercussions.