While there may be some homeowners who try to clean their own septic tanks, this is a task that is best left to professionals. Without the proper tools, it can be difficult to get rid of certain materials that cause clogs and waste buildup. In addition, the wrong cleaning methods could damage important components and lead to expensive repairs.
What Happens During Septic Tank Pumping
It is important to have your septic tank pumped regularly to avoid sewage backups and environmental contamination. When solid waste reaches a critical level, it can overflow into the drain field and cause clogs and other problems. Getting your septic tank pumped removes the excess solid waste, preventing it from reaching this point and allowing new wastewater to flow into the drain field properly.
The heaviest solid waste sinks to the bottom of the septic tank and forms a sludge layer. Lighter materials float to the top of the tank, including fats and oils. Between these two layers is the gray water, or effluent, which is discharged into the drain field to be absorbed and degraded by the soil.
To avoid overfilling your septic tank, we recommend scheduling regular grease trap cleaning services every 2-3 years. In between septic tank pumping, you can help prevent overflow and other problems by being mindful of what goes down your drains. This means not flushing items like diapers, “flushable” wipes, cotton balls, and grease down the drain or garbage disposal. Additionally, you should limit your water usage to reduce the amount of water that is entering your septic tank.
