If your septic tank makes a gurgling sound or smells bad, it may be time to pump your tank! In this guide, you’ll learn how to pump a septic tank safely and efficiently, step by step.
How to Pump a Septic Tank？
- Find and determine the location of the septic tank
- Open the access lid of the septic tank
- Use a crust buster to break up scum and sludge
- Insert the hose
- Pump out wastewater
- Clean the septic tank
- Check the septic tank and close the access ports
Preparing for Septic Tank Pumping
Before the septic service company arrives, you can take some steps to save time.
Step 1: Locate the Access Ports on Your Septic Tank
Find your tank and locate the access ports, so the crew can get to work right away.
Step 2: Clean the Area Around Your Tank
Move vehicles, tools, and any obstacles so the crew can work safely.
Step 3: Check Whether Your Tank Needs Pumping
Measure the cum layer and sludge level to confirm your tank needs pumping.
Step 4: Collect Records of the Septic Tank
Gather your maintenance and repair records so the technician can better understand your system.
Step 5: Reduce Water Usage Before Pumping
1-2 days before pumping the septic tank, it is necessary to reduce water consumption to prevent wastewater overflow.
Step 6: Find Your Septic Tank System Diagram
Your system diagram shows the layout of your tank and drain field, which helps the technician work faster.
Step 7: Ready to Pump Water
Before the job starts, you should confirm the price and ask the technician any questions.
While Pumping
Two Common Ways to Pump a Septic Tank
There are two ways to pump wastewater from septic tanks, and most people use the first method. I suggest you choose the second method, which can reduce the cost of pumping.
Option 1: Pumping through Tank Lids
Septic tanks usually have 1-2 access lids. If your septic tank has only one access lid, then its access port is located in the center of the septic tank. If your septic tank has two access lids, then its access ports are at both ends of the top of the septic tank. You’ll need to connect hoses to both access ports and pump them at the same time.
If your septic tank is an old-fashioned septic tank, it is a sliding access lid type and requires the access lid to be slid down for pumping.
Option 2: Pumped through Risers
Many people are tired of paying to locate and excavate the access port every time they pump. If this sounds familiar, you can install a riser at the access ports that extends above ground level. This makes it easy to find the access point next time and saves you money.
How to Pump a Septic Tank (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how you can pump your septic tank step by step:
Step 1: Position the Tank and Lids
Find out access ports: Find your septic tank, confirm the cover position, and access ports.
Dig if necessary: If the lid is buried, carefully dig around it with a shovel without damaging the lid or the surrounding area.
Step 2: Safety Check
Wear protective equipment: Wear protective gloves, goggles, and work clothes.
Check for harmful gases: Make sure the area is well ventilated. Sealed tanks produce harmful gases, such as methane.
Step 3: Opening the Septic Tank Lid
Open the access lid: Some septic tank lids cannot be removed directly, and suitable tools need to be selected according to the type of access lid to assist in removal.
Check for anomalies: Check for leaks or damage inside the septic tank, and inspect for any abnormalities in scum and sludge.
Step 4: Breaking up Scum and Sludge with a Crust Buster
Break up the Scum Layer: If you want to clean the septic tank thoroughly, you need to use a crust buster to crush the accumulated scum and sludge. Break up the scum and sludge so everything can be pumped out easily.
Step 5: Setting up the Hose
Insert the hose: Insert the hose through the access ports, not the inlet or outlet, to avoid damaging baffles or effluent filters.
Step 6: Pumping the Tank Empty
Avoid additives: They can break the balance of natural bacteria and reduce system performance.
Step 7: Cleaning the Tank
Clean the tank: Rinse the tank with a water hose and clean the inside of the septic to ensure that the sludge inside the tank is thoroughly cleaned.
Step 8: Inspect and Close the Tank
Check the septic tank: Check if the septic tank is clean and if maintenance is required. A licensed technician can check your system and report any issues.
Replace the access lid: If your access lid has been used for a long time, the septic service company will replace it with a well-sealed access lid to prevent odor and contamination.
Cover the access ports: It can level the soil to keep your yard safe and clean.
Post-Pumping Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance helps your septic tank last longer. You can follow the following methods for maintenance:
- Regularly inspect all pipelines for leaks
- Do not throw the following items into the drain: personal hygiene products, antibacterial cleaning agents, hard sanitizer, cat litter, fat or grease, paint, etc.
- Limit water usage
- Avoid planting trees near septic tanks
- Use fully certified technicians in all maintenance tasks
- Only use cleaning products specifically designed for septic tanks
Conclusion
Regular pumping helps your septic system last longer and prevents expensive issues. When you maintain your septic system, you need to follow local regulations and EPA guidelines.
If you are unsure about pumping your septic tank, contact a licensed septic service provider in your area for a professional inspection.
FAQ
How long does it take to pump the septic tank once?
30 minutes to a few hours. The time depends on the septic tank’s accessibility, size, and any unexpected issues.
How often do you pump a septic tank?
Most septic tanks need pumping every 2-3 years, depending on your household size and water usage.
How to clean the effluent filter in a septic tank？
First, you should remove the filter. Then you can spray the filter with a garden hose. Finally, you should replace the effluent filter.
Why can’t additives be used to treat wastewater?
Additives can disrupt the bacterial balance in septic tanks and cause malfunctions in wastewater treatment processes.
How much does it cost to locate a septic tank?
From $10 to about $1175. Different ways require different costs:
- Based on the depth of burial of your septic tank, you will spend $10 to $450 to buy a soil probe to locate your septic tank.
- Based on the type of inspection, you may spend $100 to $1175 if you hire a septic tank company.
