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Septic tank pumping is necessary
for homes on private septic systems. Septic tank pumping protects the
leaching field from becoming clogged and damaged. The frequency of septic
tank pumping is dependent upon the size of the septic tank, the number of
people in the household, where you live, and the amount of waste that is fed
into the septic tank.
A septic tank is a holding tank
for collecting untreated household waste.
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As the household waste enters the
tank it separates into three components. The solids settle to the bottom of
the tank to form sludge. Grease and light solids form a crust that sits at
the top of the tank. And the remaining clarified liquid sits in the middle
of the septic tank. It is the clarified liquid, or effluent, that exits the
septic tank and is dispersed over the leaching field.
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If septic tank pumping is not
done periodically the sludge can build up to a level such that it begins to
exit the outlet pipe of the septic tank and spread throughout the leaching
field. In short order the sludge can clog the leaching field. Repairing a
leaching field is extremely expensive and replacing one can cost upwards of
$20,000.
The frequency of septic tank
pumping depends upon the septic design and in particular the size of the
septic tank.
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A septic design is derived from
the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in the home as well as soil drainage
conditions on the property. Based on the size of the septic tank specified
in the septic design and the number of people living in the home, a
homeowner can determine how often to have the septic tank pumped. For
example, a 1000 gallon septic tank with an average 4 person household should
be pumped every 2.6 years. If you are unsure about the size of your septic
tank, the septic tank pumping technician should be able to tell you, and
recommend the appropriate frequency for pumping your septic tank.
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Where you live also plays a role
in the frequency of septic tank pumping. In warmer climate areas, the sludge
in the tank can break down more completely than in colder climates. Thus
colder climate areas should have their septic tanks pumped out more
regularly.
Septic tank pumping includes
pumping the septic tank sludge and crust from the septic tank.
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Photo by Mark Donovan |
In addition, the septic tank is
also inspected for any cracks or roots that may have grown into the septic
tank. The septic tank baffles and pump (if a pump up septic system) are also
checked for any damage.
Preparation for septic tank
pumping requires identifying the location of the septic tank and removing
the soil above the septic tank lid. The septic tank pumping service
technician can do this, however it may cost you a little more money. If you
want to save a few dollars, take a look at your home’s septic design plans
to determine where the septic tank is. Then grab your shovel and unearth the
septic tank lid yourself.
If septic tank pumping is
performed at the correct prescribed frequency your leaching field should be
able to last almost indefinitely. So spend the occasional dollars to pump
your septic tank. By doing so you’ll save a fortune in repair or replacement
costs of your leaching field.
Other Septic System Information
Septic System Design and other Home
Plumbing Resources from Amazon.com
