Maintaining a healthy septic system is essential for preserving the seamless flow of your home's plumbing. If neglected, the results can be expensive, leading to significant repair costs and a host of health risks. One of the cornerstone practices in septic system maintenance is regular septic pumping.
Routine septic pumping is more than just a necessary chore - it's a proactive measure that helps safeguard your home, health, and pocketbook. In this blog, we will dive into the process, detailing what happens during a septic pump and why it's crucial to your home's plumbing health.
What Exactly Happens During a Septic Pumping Service
The septic pumping service involves a meticulous process to ensure that your septic system remains in optimal condition. The service starts with the use of specialized septic pumping equipment to remove the liquids, solids, scum (the layer that rises to the top), and sludge (the bottom layer) that accumulate in the tank over time. Pumping prevents these materials from flowing into the drain field, and causing severe damage.
Once the septic tank is emptied, it's essential to visually inspect the tank thoroughly. This process identifies any potential issues, such as leaks, cracks, or other signs of failure. Our professionals also look for things like backflow from the drain field, which could suggest a problem. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent more significant, more expensive problems down the line.
After the visual inspection, our professionals take images of the empty tank and also of your tank lid replaced. The photos of your secured tank are a pivotal step ensuring the safety of your property and those who share it with you. We include those photos in the post-service report you will have emailed to the account on file when the order is closed, and then your tank will begin to fill with liquids immediately again to function as designed. It should be filled and effectively processing liquids again within 24 hours.
Awareness of your septic system's health is also crucial. Here are some common signs that you may need to schedule a septic pump:
- Slow drains in your home
- Unpleasant odors around the septic tank area
- Lush, green grass over the drain field, even during dry weather conditions
- Sewage backup in the drains
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system
Preparing for a Septic Pump
Before the scheduled septic pump, homeowners must take several preparatory steps to ensure a smooth and efficient process. An essential first step is to locate the septic tank. Knowing where your septic tank is saves time when our technicians arrive at your home. If you are unsure of where your septic tank access point is, you can refer to your property's blueprint, call your local health department for their records, or our team can help you when they arrive.
Ensuring accessibility is another crucial step. The area around the septic tank should be clear of any obstructions to facilitate easy access. This will help avoid delays and ensure the septic pumping service can be completed efficiently.
Here are some more tips on how to clear the area around the tank:
- Remove any physical obstructions such as outdoor furniture, children's play equipment, or vehicles parked near the tank.
- Trim back any overgrown vegetation around the septic area. This includes branches, bushes, or any plants that might hinder the pump-out process.
- Keep pets indoors or secured away from the area during the pumping service. This ensures their safety as well as the efficiency of the operation.
- In the case of areas where storms are common, please clear the access to the tank from storm debris, snow or other weather related obstructions.
- If the septic tank lid is covered by soil or grass, clear it off to provide easy access.
By taking these simple steps, you can significantly expedite the septic pumping process and ensure that your septic system is serviced properly and efficiently.
Get Your Routine Septic Pump Scheduled Today
Understanding what happens during a septic pump is essential for homeowners to ensure the longevity and efficiency of their septic system. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this post and scheduling your routine septic pump service with Wind River Environmental, you can take proactive steps to maintain a healthy septic system.
Generally, it is recommended to have your septic system pumped according to local regulations but definitely not longer than every 3-5 years. The frequency can vary based on factors such as the size of your tank, the number of people in your household, and your usage habits. We strongly encourage you to consult with us about your specific situation to determine the pumping frequency needed for your system.
As the largest service provider in the industry, Wind River Environmental's expansive network ensures consistent, high-quality service no matter what. Our highly trained staff, each a graduate from our intensive training program, is always ready to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions when caring for your system. We even offer detailed online reporting through the capabilities of our mobile app.
With Wind River Environmental, you are not just choosing a service provider; you are selecting a partner committed to ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your septic system. Contact us today to schedule a septic pumping service.