How Does Septic Pumping Work?

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300px Septic tank How Does Septic Pumping Work?
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Septic Pumping Essential For a Reliable Septic System

Rural areas where city sewer systems are not available most often rely on septic tanks for sewage treatment. Septic tanks require regular pumping to work efficiently. How does septic pumping work? In order to understand septic pumping, it is important to first have a basic understanding of the septic system.

Septic tanks vary in capacity, but typically hold between 700 and 1,000 gallons. Sewage enters the tank from drains and toilet outlets. Baffles separate solid waste materials from liquids. The liquids then travel on to a leach field, a perforated piping system designed to drain the liquids into the ground once filtered through sand and aggregates. The solids that stay in the tank must then periodically be removed, usually every three to five years. The solid level should reach 35 percent to no more than half of the tank’s holding capabilities.

Septic tank pumping takes a licensed professional with a pumping truck. The septic worker digs down to the cover and removes it from the concrete tank. Before attaching a long, thick hose to the tank on the truck that will hold the solid sewage, he or she will turn on the suction pump. This eliminates the possibility of spillage while making the attachment. The other end of the hose is then lowered into the sludge in the tank. If the sewage is too solidified, the worker must loosen the material with a muck rake to ensure smooth flow while pumping.

Once the bulk of the solids have been removed, rinsing with water is essential to removing the remainder of the sludge. This also cleans the tank for a good visual inspection. A professional will check for cracks, holes and missing baffles. If any damage is found, he or she will be able to make recommendations for repair. Inspection for backflow from the leach field is also addressed at this time. Backflow would indicate a flooded drainage system. When service is complete, the cover is replaced and covered with earth. The sewage is then transported to an approved facility for disposal.

If not sure whether the septic tank needs pumped, a professional will measure the contents of the tank and make the proper recommendations. A septic system will last and operate efficiently for decades if maintained and inspected on a regular basis.

 How Does Septic Pumping Work?

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