Homes and businesses that aren’t connected to city sewer systems instead use septic systems to treat wastewater. After wastewater flows into a septic tank, the weight of any solid waste will pull it to the bottom, with the liquids rising to the tank’s top. This fluid then disperses into drain or leach fields, where it drains into the soil and groundwater through natural filtration or simply evaporates. Bacteria will break down the solids.
Septic tanks need proper maintenance and routine pumping to prolong system life, sustain operational efficiency, and prevent system backups. Service Pumping & Drain Co., Inc.™ has been a trusted septic system maintenance company for nearly 100 years. Read on to learn about the cleaning process, why it’s important, and how our team can help.
Septic Pumping Process
Scheduled septic pumpings will keep your property free from overflowing waste and contamination. The process usually follows these five steps:
Accessing and Opening the Lid
Before our workers can access your tank, they must first uncover its lid — depending on when the system was installed, there can be up to 3 covers. Once they’ve opened the tank, they may need to replace your lid if it’s worn or corroded.
Pumping Out the Waste
We use a vacuum truck and an attached high-power hose to suck out both the solid and liquid waste from the tank, down to the bottom. This helps prevent clogs in your leaching system.
Inspecting the Septic Tank
Our technicians will then check the inside and outside of your tank for cleanliness, as well as any damage or roots that might cause problems. They’ll also inspect the tank’s dividing wall and baffles.
Closing and Reburying the Tank Lids
After the inspection, our experts will close any lids and cover them back over. They may choose to install risers to facilitate access in the future.
Benefits of Commercial Septic Tank Cleaning
Cleaning your septic tank regularly is advantageous for humans, the environment, and the tank itself. Clean septic tanks safeguard people against health concerns from contamination, as well as foul odors. They prevent system backups, which would otherwise result in slow drainage and toilet flushing.
Well-maintained septic tanks keep your water sources and the nearby environment clean. As for the equipment, regular cleanings prolong the septic tank’s life cycle while improving its overall efficiency. This has a side benefit of saving you from future repair expenditures.
Tips to Maintain a Healthy Septic System
In general, you should pump your septic tank every one to three years. To determine the best schedule for your system, consider the size of your septic tank, how many people use your septic system, if any one of those people might be taking medications that might affect the tank’s friendly bacteria, and what graywater- and household waste-producing appliances you have.
For optimal functionality, maintain your system by:
- Regularly cleaning the system as well as any drains
- Minimizing the amount of water passing into the tank, particularly at one time
- Decreasing the amount of fat, grease, cleaners, and chemicals entering the tank
- Keeping non-biodegradable items out of the septic system
- Composting instead of using the garbage disposal
- Watching for physical damage or plumbing leaks to address these immediately
If you’re a Massachusetts resident, you must comply with particular guidelines for septic system pumping and routine maintenance. The Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) 310 CMR 15.351 states that septic tanks should be pumped as necessary to ensure effectiveness and adhere to manufacturer specifications.
While it recognizes that septic tank pumping frequency is dependent upon use, CMR requires that pumping occur when the solid layer’s top is within 1 foot of the outlet tee’s base, or the layer of scum is within 2 inches of the outlet tee’s top or bottom. After pumping, the system pumper must submit the results to the approving authority within two weeks.
Residential Septic System Cleaning From Service Pumping & Drain Co.
Septic tanks require proper maintenance to ensure long-lasting effectiveness, and an experienced service provider will keep your system in optimal condition and fully compliant with local and state ordinances. To experience the Service Pumping & Drain Co., Inc. difference, partner with our trained experts, who provide commercial non-hazardous wastewater solutions and superior service to customers throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Contact us using our online form or give us a call at 1-800-794-9265 today.