What Happens If A Septic Tank Is Not Pumped? (Solution found)

What Are the Consequences of Not Pumping Your Tank? If the tank is not pumped, the solids will build up in the tank and the holding capacity of the tank will be diminished. Eventually, the solids will reach the pipe that feeds into the drain field, causing a clog. Waste water backing up into the house.

• Failure to pump out your septic tank can cause physical damage to inlet and outlet pipes. When a septic tank is unable to handle additional waste, many of its components may become overwhelmed and eventually break down. Your septic tank’s lifespan is significantly reduced when you don’t pump out your septic tank.

How long can a septic tank go without being pumped?

You can wait up to 10 years to drain your tank provided that you live alone and do not use the septic system often. You may feel like you can pump your septic tank waste less frequently to save money, but it’ll be difficult for you to know if the tank is working properly.

What happens if you wait too long to pump your septic tank?

Waiting too long to have your septic tank pumped can not only damage the tank, but in such cases, the overflow from the tank could leech into the surrounding ground and pollute the ground water.

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

• Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
• Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
• Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
• You Hear Gurgling Water.
• You Have A Sewage Backup.
• How often should you empty your septic tank?

Do you really need to have septic tank pumped?

Inspect and Pump Frequently The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.

Can I shower if my septic tank is full?

Unless the toilet’s overflowing or the bath spigot is filling the tub with blood, plumbers and exorcists aren’t usually on our minds. When the waste water from your toilet, shower, sinks and washing machine leave your house, it’s combined. When it hits the septic tank, however, it begins to separate.

How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?

How much does it cost to pump out a septic tank? The average cost is $300, but can run up to $500, depending on your location. The tank should be pumped out every three to five years.

Why do some septic tanks never need to be pumped?

Over time, sludge breaks down further to eventually turn into biogas if given enough time. The methane gas produced is dangerous to us, but since it is combustible, it is often used by treatment facilities for power. By not pumping your tank, you are basically introducing methane into your tank.

How do you unclog a septic tank yourself?

Sprinkle the drain with baking soda, then dump vinegar into the pipe. Leave the mixture to sit in the pipe for an hour or two. Finally, flush the drain with hot water. If the clog is small, this could be enough to clear the pipe.

How do I clean my septic tank naturally?

You can mix about a 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon to make your own natural cleaning agent. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains. It’s a great cleaner and your septic system will thank you!

How do you know your septic tank needs emptying?

Here are some of the signs for which you should look.

1. Water puddling above the septic tank. So you noticed a small pool of water but it didn’t rain?
2. Drains moving slowly. If the drain is moving slowly when you flush the toilet, it could be due to a clog.
3. Bad smells coming from the septic tank.
4. The sewer has backed up.

How do I check my septic tanks sludge level?

To measure the sludge layer:

1. Slowly lower the tube into the septic tank until it touches the bottom of the tank.
2. As the device is slowly pulled out of the water, the check valve closes capturing a liquid/solid profile of the septic tank water. The thickness of the sludge layer can be measured.

What is the most common cause of septic system failure?

Most septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables.

How do I know if my drain field is failing?

The following are a few common signs of leach field failure:

1. Grass over leach field is greener than the rest of the yard.
2. The surrounding area is wet, mushy, or even has standing water.
3. Sewage odors around drains, tank, or leach field.
4. Slow running drains or backed up plumbing.

Can you flush toilet while septic tank is being pumped?

Everyday maintenance: After a septic system pumping, you can take simple steps to ensure the system keeps working as intended. The first step is to only flush wastewater and toilet paper. Don’t flush other items like feminine hygiene products, diapers or paper towels, as they may result in clogs.

How do I keep my septic tank healthy?

Do’s and Don’ts when maintaining your septic system

1. Regularly inspect and maintain your septic system.
2. Pump your septic tank as needed.
3. Keep your septic tank lids closed and secured.
4. Be water-wise.
5. Direct water from land and roof drains away from the drainfield.
6. Landscape with love.
7. Keep septic tank lids easily accessible.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T PUMP YOUR SEPTIC TANK?

By Admin on November 12, 2020 Your efforts to live as environmentally conscious as possible, as a responsible homeowner, are likely already underway, with practices such as recycling, composting, and purchasing energy-efficient equipment among your list of accomplishments. As a septic tank owner, you want to be sure that anything you put into your tank and septic field is causing the least amount of ground contamination as is reasonably practicable. Fortunately, there are a number of modest improvements you can do immediately to make your septic system even more ecologically friendly than it already is.

Have your septic tank inspected and pumped on a regular basis.

A bigger septic tank with only a couple of people living in your house, for example, will not require pumping as frequently as a smaller septic tank or as a septic tank that must manage the waste products of multiple family members will require.

When in doubt about how often to pump your septic tank, consult with a professional for advice.

1. In addition to locating and repairing any damage, a professional can ensure that the septic field is in good working order and that your septic tank is functional, large enough to handle your family’s waste, and not causing any unwanted pollution in nearby ground water.
2. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet or down the toilet.
3. Items that are not biodegradable are unable to properly decompose in the septic tank and might cause the system to get clogged.
4. In addition to causing issues in your house, septic system backups can damage ground water in the area surrounding your septic field.
5. Towels made of paper Products for feminine hygiene Grease or fats are used in cooking.
6. grinds from a cup of coffee Even if you have a trash disposal, the food scraps that you flush down the drain and bring into your septic system may cause unanticipated harm to your plumbing system.
7. Food scraps can enhance the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in the wastewater, which can disturb the natural bacterial balance of the septic tank, among other things.
8. Water conservation should be practiced.
9. Exceedingly large amounts of water use will interfere with the normal flow of wastewater from your home into your septic tank.
10. Limiting the amount of time you spend in the shower and turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, as well as purchasing a smaller dishwasher and washing machine that use less water, are all simple strategies to reduce water use in your home.

The following are some basic steps you can take to make your septic system more ecologically friendly: save water, maintain your septic system and tank, and recycle wastewater. To get answers to any of your septic tank-related issues, get in touch with the experts at Upstate Septic Tank, LLC.

What Happens If I Don’t Pump My Septic Tank?

When you fail to maintain your home’s septic tank, the consequences extend beyond the unpleasant odors; depending on the severity of the problem, it can have an influence on the entire neighborhood. It is recommended that you pump your tank on a frequent basis to keep it in good working order. For the following reasons, it is an essential duty.

Purpose Of Your Septic Tank

Septic tanks, regardless of the type you have, function to properly handle the waste generated by your home or business. When there is no centralized sewer system, they are utilized to collect and dispose of waste. The tank, which is located below, retains wastewater and treats it using mechanical processes that are not harmful to the environment.

What Pumping Does

When your system reaches capacity, it will need to be pushed out again. This will occur spontaneously as a result of regular usage. Pumping is an element of routine septic system maintenance, just as are inspections and repairs for your system. Pumping has been assigned the task of clearing your system of water waste so that it can create way for more. As a result, your tank’s lifespan is extended, sewage odors are avoided, and other problems that might affect your family and your neighbors are avoided.

When it reaches a publicly owned wastewater treatment plant, it can be processed and the water recycled for use in a variety of additional uses, depending on the treatment facility.

What Happens if You Don’t Pump Your Septic Tank?

Septic tanks are loaded with human waste, and if they are not maintained properly, they may discharge bacteria, phosphorus, and nitrogen into your water system, causing it to become contaminated with these contaminants. A conventional septic tank is typically comprised of two components: a septic tank and a drain field, also known as a soil absorption field. If your system becomes overburdened, it may begin to block the critical components that allow it to function properly. The following are some of the ramifications of failing to pump your tank:

• Contamination of the water supply for your home and adjacent properties Smell of sewage in the yard or in the house Drains in your house are either too sluggish or fail to drain completely
• The water in the home is backed up
• In the vicinity of your tank or in the yard, look for swampy patches.

Signs You Need Your Tank Pumped

Your tank will eventually fill up and need to be emptied because it is unable to pump itself. This is a crucial component of your home’s systems, and it need maintenance in the same way that your HVAC, plumbing, and automobile do. It is recommended that you pump your tank at least once every three years. Keep an eye out for these frequent warning signals to determine whether or not your septic tank requires pumping:

• In your yard, there is standing water
• You have a clogged drain or toilet that refuses to unclog. You notice that your yard smells like raw sewage or garbage, especially in the vicinity of your septic system manholes. Sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and other fixtures that take a long time to drain
• Nitrate levels in your well water are quite high
• The last time your septic system was cleaned and pumped was several years ago

Call The Professionals

Septic tank pumping is a tedious and time-consuming task that the ordinary homeowner is unable to complete on their own. It’s possible that they don’t have the required equipment or information about how to properly dispose of the garbage. This does not imply that you should forego pumping; rather, it indicates that you should contact your local pros to do the task before it becomes an issue.

Turn to NoCo Septic in Boulder for all your residential and business septic requirements if you aren’t sure when you should have your septic system cleaned. If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at (720) 513-5037 or by completing our online contact form.

What If My Septic Tank Has Never Been Pumped?

It is a fairly typical problem that people who are purchasing their first house are completely unaware of the fact that they need to pump their septic tank. On the other hand, there are many people who say that they have only recently moved into a home and have discovered that the septic tank has never been emptied. The septic tank is a storage container that is shrouded in mystery – and why shouldn’t it be, after all. From a very young age, we are taught to stay away from these tanks and other weapons.

The question then becomes, what happens if your septic tank has never been pumped?

If you fail to pump your septic tank on a regular basis, you are exposing the soil surrounding the system to potentially harmful untreated water, increasing the likelihood of clogging the system, increasing the likelihood of clogging your drainage pipes from time to time, and, most importantly, increasing the likelihood of incurring a costly venture.

What Happens When the Septic Tank Is Pumped?

A septic system is highly reliant on sludge buildup through diffusion, which occurs as ‘treated’ water seeps down the drain field and sludge settles to the bottom of the system. In order to accommodate the increasing volume of material entering the tank, the older sludge settles at the bottom of the tank, where it is devoured by bacteria. Bacteria, on the other hand, does not eat the same amount of food that humans do. This implies that surplus sludge continues to exert pressure on older layers, ultimately causing them to settle.

• In contrast, if the excess water is not pushed out, every subsequent layer keeps causing the one below it to settle, putting even more pressure on top of the bottom layer.
• Homeowners must realize that septic tanks are essentially ‘holding places’ for all of the waste that is generated by their residence.
• The natural filtration system works with the aid of dirt, heat, and increased pressure to filter out impurities.
• Although the methane gas generated is hazardous to human health, because it is flammable, it is frequently utilized to generate electricity by wastewater treatment plants.
• In the event that enough time has passed, not only will the gas begin to leak out, but it may also transform into a land mine, waiting for someone to detonate the mine.

Oh, and if you don’t get your septic system and sewage pumped on a regular basis, you may anticipate your system to lose efficiency.

What Are the Consequences of Not Pumping Your Tank?

Whether you are not pumping your tank or there was a lack of pumping on the part of the previous owner, the amount of damage done is totally dependent on how long it has been since the tank was last fully pumped. As sediments make their way into the drainage system, they will ultimately become clogged and cause a blockage. Please keep in mind that the sludge accumulation process is extremely gradual and might take several weeks or months. This is precisely why it is so easily overlooked when it occurs.

The following are only a few of the issues that you are likely to encounter over time:

• Sewage smell throughout the yard
• Septic tank overflow
• “swamps” and sinkholes all over the drain field
• Sewage smell throughout the yard
• Backing up of wastewater into your home or onto your yard
• Drains on the ground floor are overflowing or becoming sluggish

If you are unsure if the tank is overflowing or not, check at the grass on top of the septic tank. Although you should really wait for this to happen, if you are unsure, look at the grass on top of the septic tank. The water in your tank is overflowing if it is brilliant green and fresh — perhaps a little too fresh. If you begin to notice these issues, keep in mind that it will only take a couple of weeks, or at the most two months, for them to become significant.

Understanding the Reality of Never Pumping a Septic Tank

Someone is inserting a pipe into a septic tank in order to empty the tank. Consider your septic tank to be a huge container designed exclusively for the storage of sludge. When in use, the tank steadily fills with material, which is then “digested” by the bacteria. Because of the way it digests, it will eventually settle at the bottom of your tank. Not only that, but you will notice that a film of wax will accumulate on the surface of the tank. It is recommended to have it pumped when it reaches 70 percent of its maximum capacity – or 90 percent at the very least.

• Let’s pretend you haven’t emptied it yet.
• Because the solids settle, it will be mostly water at the beginning of the process (in most circumstances).
• As time progresses, the outflowing material will begin to make its way into the field through numerous side pipes and into the surrounding field.
• That is when the sewage scent will begin to permeate your land.
• At this stage, the septic system is only doing two things: hanging on to the solids and evacuating the liquid, without really ‘treating’ the waste material.
• Weather conditions such as rain or snow might worsen the situation.
• Solids are accumulating in the tank over this entire period of time.

Either the particles begin to clog pipes, resulting in poor or non-existent drainage, or the pressure creates a hole in the tank and exits from there, resulting in the development of fractures in the tank.

Otherwise, the sludge on the interior of your septic tank is ‘pasted’ by the pressure of the water.

It is important to remember that the longer you wait to pump your septic tank, the more layers will build up on top of each other.

It’s important to remember that sludge must be mixed with water before it can be pumped.

Additionally, there may be some light cleaning required; nevertheless, scraping it becomes a very time-consuming operation.

If a septic tank has never been pumped, it is likely that cleaning it would be more expensive than having it completely replaced with new equipment.

What Happens If You Don’t Pump Your Septic Tank

Residents who do not have access to a centralized sewer system might benefit from the efficiency and convenience of septic systems. Despite the fact that these onsite sewage treatment systems eliminate the need for monthly sewer fees, regular maintenance is still necessary. Pumping the septic tank is by far the most crucial preventative maintenance task. Because of improper septic tank pumping, your septic system might be damaged, costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair, replacement, and/or land restoration fees if not addressed immediately.

• Pumping your septic tank does not have to be a time-consuming or difficult task.
• How Frequently Should You Have Your Septic Tank Pumped?
• Unfortunately, the frequency with which your septic tank should be pumped is not predetermined.
• Pumping your septic tank depends on several factors, including the size of your septic tank, the size of your family, the quality of your septic system, and the amount of water you use in your home.
• Larger septic tanks may, without a doubt, last four to five years before needing to be pumped, whereas big families may require their septic tank to be pumped on an annual or biannual basis.
• We may evaluate the sludge and waste levels in your system to determine when your next pump may be required.
• The Consequences of Ignoring Your Septic Tank Pumping Services Septic tanks are available in a variety of sizes, measured in gallons.

Because of its limited capacity, the septic tank will ultimately fill up.

A sewage backlog and scents in your house, for example, might be a source of concern.

If you smell foul scents coming from your drains or observe pools of stinking water in your yard, you may have a serious problem on your hands that has to be addressed immediately.

Septic Connection is a team of experienced professionals.

Our courteous staff members are always available to answer your call and provide assistance.

Providing you with 24-hour emergency services, we make certain that you are never left alone to cope with septic-related problems. Call us at any time of day or night and you can be confident that a courteous expert will answer the phone. We are looking forward to speaking with you.

What Happens If I Don’t Pump My Septic Tank?

There are several advantages to having a septic tank, including not having to be concerned about the condition of your local sewage system. Septic systems, on the other hand, have one ongoing expenditure that you may be unsure of: having the tank pumped. It is advisable to schedule a visit from a sewage and drain cleaning specialist to your home in Montgomery, Chester, or Delaware Counties in order to have your septic tank drained.

Why Do I Need to Pump My Septic Tank?

Your septic tank is an example of a system that maintains a delicate balance in order to prevent the water waste from your home from seeping into the environment. During the course of time, a layer of sludge and solid waste accumulates in your tank. In theory, the presence of bacteria in your tank should aid in the breakdown of those substances, preventing them from causing more difficulties.

Shouldn’t The Bacteria Handle the Sludge Buildup?

The question you could be asking is, “doesn’t the septic tank have microorganisms to break down anything that would necessitate pumping?” While bacteria are present in your septic system to assist in sludge control, the amount of sludge that accumulates tends to be more than the bacteria’s ability to handle. If left uncontrolled, not draining your septic tank can result in the following consequences: Blockages Blockages are among the most prevalent problems that might arise when you don’t pump your septic tank on a regular basis.

Once this occurs, you may notice a slowing of the drainage from your home’s water system, as well as the appearance of objects such as:

• Grass that is more lush above the drainage field
• Swampy places in the vicinity of the drainage system
• In your home’s drains, there is a backup of wastewater

Along with the outward signals of problems, you’ll start to smell the signs of trouble as well. You’ll start to smell the raw sewage that has nowhere else to go since it has nowhere else to go. Due to the fact that it will frequently hover over your drainage field and find its way into your home if left untreated, this stench will be difficult to ignore.

Disease

Septic systems are relatively simple to maintain, but because they are sewage treatment systems, they can pose a serious health hazard if they are not properly maintained. It is possible for raw sewage to leak into the surrounding ground if the septic system isn’t properly maintained and pumped on a regular basis. Waste can reach the surface of the earth if the soil gets sufficiently moist, and it can come into touch with you and your family, potentially infecting them with a variety of diseases.

Damage

Furthermore, in addition to serving as a breeding ground for illness, a clogged septic system can cause the system as a whole to collapse in an irreversible manner.

If found in time, a single blockage is unlikely to cause irreversible harm to the system; but, failure to maintain the system on a regular basis might increase the amount of stress the system is under over time. Eventually, the damage may be severe enough that a new system will have to be installed.

How Often Should I Pump My Septic Tank?

Now that you’ve learned why it’s important to frequently pump your septic tank, the next issue is how often you should do it. The typical advice is every one to three years, but you should also consider how many people reside in your house when determining how often you should clean. Pumping your septic tank on a regular basis is the most effective strategy to maintain your house safe and healthy. Give the Delaware Valley Septic, Sewer, and Storm team a call today for septic system maintenance advice or to speak with a septic system replacement professional who serves Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County in the greater Philadelphia area.

Here’s what will happen if you don’t maintain your septic system.

Owners of septic tanks frequently tell us, “I’ve never had to pump my tank,” leading us to believe that their septic system is in proper operating order. Failure, on the other hand, might be just around the corner if your septic system is not properly maintained.

Here’s What Can Happen:

Keep Your Septic System in Good Working Order to Avoid a Mess. The accumulation of sludge and floating trash in your septic tank limits the functional capacity of your system after several years of usage. As a result, waste passes through the tank at an excessively fast rate. At this time, one of two things can happen: You’ll notice that waste is beginning to block the pipes in your septic system, making it useless. As soon as this occurs, it is only a matter of time until you begin to experience foul-smelling wastewater backing up into your house.

1. This may be a distressing event for many reasons, not the least of which being the filth and expense of cleaning up after the accident.
2. When this occurs, the microorganisms in the drain field no longer have access to the aerobic atmosphere essential for them to carry out their cleansing function effectively.
3. Now that the system has failed, you’ll need to install a new drain field.
4. You might spend anywhere from $5000 to $20,000 on your leach field, depending on the size of your field.
5. Just because your septic system is operating normally now does not mean that a septic failure and a stinking problem will not occur in the future if regular maintenance is not performed.
6. Start managing your septic system immediately and you will never have to worry about your septic system again.

How To Maintain Your Septic System:

• Septic tank maintenance is a cost-effective method of keeping your septic system in good working order. Use of Water in the Proper Manner: Overwhelming your septic system with water might cause it to fail prematurely. The septic system requires time to separate solids from liquids, with the liquids being pushed to the drain field by the solids. This is a crucial principle to keep in mind at all times. For example, if you have a significant amount of laundry to do, try to spread it out across several days. Instead of completing six loads in a single day, spread them out and do a couple of loads each day instead
• Keep an eye on what you flush: You should just be flushing toilet tissue down the toilet in this case, which is straightforward. It is crucial to remember that, with the surge in popularity of disposable wet wipes, it is important to remember that they might cause problems for your septic system. Maintain the use of toilet paper to avoid problems. Maintenance of a septic tank is necessary. Septic Tank Maintenance can ensure that you never have a septic backup issue again in your home. Maintaining your septic tank helps to ensure that organic waste is digested quickly, allowing your system to function more efficiently.

What Happens If You Don’t Pump Your Septic Tank

If you are the owner of a septic system, you are responsible for keeping it in good working order. Not only must you engage a third-party septic firm such as Septic Blue to perform the maintenance, but you must also perform the maintenance yourself if you want to save money. Septic pumping is one of the most significant, if not the most vital, of these services. In general, you should have your septic tank drained once every two years, although the frequency may vary depending on a variety of circumstances, such as the amount of rainfall.

1. The Functions of the Septic System Let’s start with an explanation of how a septic system works.
2. While 80 percent of residences in the United States are linked to a centralized sewer system that is managed by the municipality or local government, the other 20 percent rely on a septic system to dispose of their waste water and waste materials.
3. Waste, both liquid and solid, exits the residence and is deposited in a septic tank, which serves as a holding tank for the waste.
4. Liquids are discharged to the drain field, where they percolate through the soil, while solids and scum are retained in the tank, where they are broken down into sludge by microorganisms and bacteria that are housed in the septic tank, which is then disposed of.
5. Generally speaking, your septic tank has a capacity of between 1,000 and 2, 000 gallons, depending on the size of the tank.
6. After a period of time, however, the sludge and scum levels rise to the point where they threaten to encroach on that area.
7. The Consequences of Not Performing Septic Pumping You can probably now see the dangers of not draining your septic tank on a regular basis.
8. As a result, the flow of liquid waste will be slowed, and sludge and scum will be forced into the drain field.
9. If your septic tank and pipes fail, sludge and other waste will be released into your yard and down into subterranean water sources, contaminating them.
10. We are a locally owned and operated septic business that offers cheap pricing and rapid response times.

We also provide emergency services that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you may contact us anytime you want immediate assistance. The members of our pleasant team are waiting to receive your call!

Septic Tank Pumping Guide: When NOT to pump out the septic tank – When do I Have to Pump the Septic Tank? How to Save Money on Septic Tank Pumping Cost By Pumping Only When It’s Appropriate

• Send us your question or comment on when it is not necessary to pump a septic tank.

InspectAPedia does not allow any form of conflict of interest. The sponsors, goods, and services described on this website are not affiliated with us in any way. When is it a bad idea to have your septic tank pumped out? Depending on the circumstances, pumping the tank may be dangerous or it may result in damage to the septic system itself. Pumping after a septic system has been inundated, as well as pumping some systems that might lead to a severe or even catastrophic collapse, are examples of the kind of situations mentioned here.

For this topic, we also have anARTICLE INDEX available, or you may check the top or bottom of the page.

When is Pumping a Septic TankNotRecommended

Having a septic tank pumped out when groundwater is still flooding the region around the septic tank might cause some unforeseen difficulties. For example, if your property has been inundated by rising water due to a storm, hurricane, or river overflow, you may have the following problems:

1. If the septic tank is made of plastic or fiberglass, and if the ground water level surrounding the septic tank is still high, the tank may actually float up out of the ground, causing damage to the septic plumbing and more expensive repairs. Wait until the floodwaters and groundwaters around the septic tank have subsided before proceeding. It doesn’t matter whether the septic tank is made of concrete
2. If ground water is over the septic tank, or even over its inlet or drainfield piping, if you pump out the flooded septic tank, floodwaters, including silt and mud, may simply flow into the tank, filling it with silt and debris that will need to be removed later on. Wait until the floodwaters have gone and ground water levels have dropped sufficiently to prevent muck, silt, and floodwater from just flowing back into the tank.

More information on how to examine, pump, and repair your septic system following floods may be found at What to do once a septic system has been exposed to floods in the event of a septic system failure.

If a Septic Tank or Cesspool is Old, of Unknown or Fragile Construction Don’t Pump Without Inspecting

Especially at danger is an ancient, site-built septic system constructed of dry-laid stone or concrete block, and in particular a deteriorated home-made cesspool, which may collapse when the system is being pumped or collapse shortly thereafter. The septic “tank” on the left was completely clogged with particles, was not functioning, and was the subject of a lawsuit for faulty septic system inspection and testing, which was eventually dismissed. It was also a concrete-block structure that was falling at the time.

If you are unsure of the materials that make up your septic system, be certain that the septic cleaning service takes the necessary precautions.

This means that the septic contractor should proceed with caution, perhaps pumping only a portion of the contents from a high point in the “tank,” just enough to inspect the tank interior with a flashlight and mirror mounted on an extension pole to determine how the tank was constructed and what condition it is in, before proceeding.

More information about septic system risks and safe techniques may be found at SEPTIC SYSTEM SAFETY: Warnings about septic systems, septic tanks, and cesspools for septic inspectors, septic pumpers, and homeowners.

If the septic system sludge level is very low and the floating scum layer thickness is minimal

Unless the septic system sludge level is extremely low, such as an inch or two in a 5 foot deep septic tank, and the thickness of the floating scum layer is likewise quite thin, such as an inch or two, the only reason I can think of for pumping the tank would be a requirement to examine or repair the tank. It is fairly feasible to assess the thickness of the sludge layer and the scum layer using probes that have been specifically designed for this purpose. Measuring the thickness of septic tank scum and sludge is not a typical home improvement project, and it may be dangerous (falling into tank, methane exposure, etc.) You should delegate this task to a qualified specialist.

MEASURE THE SCUMSLUDGE and provide this information to your septic contractor if he or she states that it is “not possible.” See SEPTIC TANK LEVELS OF SEWAGE for an explanation of what sewage levels in the septic tank imply and how that information is used to determine how frequently the septic tank should be pumped.

It is important, however, to inquire about and observe for yourself how much sludge was there on the tank bottom and how thick the floating scum layer was present at the top of the septic tank.

See our table atSEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULEand make any necessary adjustments to the data to account for what you’ve just learned.

If you performed this and there was practically no sludge or scum, you may generally expect to be out for three years, and possibly longer depending on what you find after three years of soaking in the water.

Do Not Pump the Septic Tank Right Before a Septic Inspection and Test

The photograph depicts a puddle of red septic dye at the entrance to a basement in a house with a septic system that is completely failing. If the septic tank had been flushed immediately prior to our arrival at the site, the dye would not have emerged following our 150 gallon test results. Instead, the dye would have merely sat in the empty 1000-gallon septic tank, concealing a problem until the septic tank was re-filled with wastewater, which would have taken several days. Presented here is an image of a completely broken septic system that was found the morning after its new owners moved into their “new” house.

1. Because an empty tank implies that the drain field cannot be examined, such a “favor” performed for the buyer actually prevents a legitimate septic inspection and test from taking place.
2. Purchasing a property with a septic system is a wise decision, as it allows you to thoroughly check and test the system before committing to the purchase.
3. Often, a building owner would pump the septic tank as a “favor” to the buyer in exchange for the sale.
4. However, if this is the case, it may be a foul ploy.

When a building seller agrees to pump and clean out an existing septic tank in advance of an inspection and test to be done prior to the sale of the property, it appears to be a pleasant gesture, but there is a substantial danger that the cleaning will conceal an existing problem:

• It is not recommended that you pump out your septic tank right before testing because it will result in an empty septic tank, which will interfere with the system loading portion of a dye and water test (where water and dye are run into the septic system to look for evidence of a backup or breakout of effluent on the yard surface)
• Instead, use a septic tank pumping service. In order to avoid hiding an approaching or already existent septic system failure, the seller must take the risk of presenting the new buyer with an expensive surprise that might have been avoided if the breakdown had been recognized prior to the acquisition.

If a facility is not in active use at the time of a septic inspection and loading and dye test, pumping the tank prior to the inspection and dye test will prohibit a legitimate test since the septic tank will stay empty. Pumping the sewage tank in a building with three or four occupants should not be done within two weeks after having a septic inspection and test performed. This (conservative) recommendation assists in ensuring that the septic tank is completely filled before the loading and dye test are conducted.

By opening this cover, the inspector can confirm that the septic tank is at a normal level and, therefore, that the test to be performed is reasonable.

Check out this article:DIAGNOSE Clogged DRAINSIs it a blocked drain or is it the septic system?

Alternatively, visit WHEN NOT TO PUMP A SEPTIC TANK FAQs- a collection of questions and answers on when it is not advisable to pump the septic tank.

Septic Pumping ProcedurePumper Truck Operation Articles

• POSSIBLE CAUSES OF SEPTIC FAILURE
• THE AGE OF SEPTIC SYSTEMS
• THE PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTING SEPTIC TANKS
• THE MISTAKES MADE IN PUMPING SEPTIC TANKS

• ERRORS IN THE TIMING OF THE SEPTIC TANK’S PUMPOUT
• SEPTIC SYSTEM BACK-PUMPING-consumer warning
• SEPTIC TANK OBJECTIVE INFORMATION
• SEPTIC TANK PUMPOUT TIMING ERRORS
• WHEN SHOULD A SEPTIC TANK BE CLEANED
• WHEN SHOULD A SEPTIC TANK NOT BE PUMPED

• THE PUMPING OF SEPTIC TANKS
• THE REASONS FOR THE PUMPING OF SEPTIC TANKS
• THE SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE
• SEPTIC TANK SAFETY
• THE LEVELS OF SEWAGE IN SEPTIC TANKS

Suggested citation for this web page

INSPECTION OF A SEPTIC TANKatInspect A pedia.com is an online encyclopedia of building environmental inspection, testing and diagnosis. It also provides issue avoidance recommendations and a forum for discussion. Alternatively, have a look at this.

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES:ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Alternatives include asking a question or searching InspectApedia using the SEARCH BOXfound below.

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

We encourage you to use the search box just below, or if you prefer, you may make a question or remark in theCommentsbox below and we will get back to you as soon as possible. InspectApedia is a website that allows you to search for things. Please keep in mind that the publication of your remark below may be delayed if it contains an image, a web link, or text that seems to the program to be a web link. Your submission will appear when it has been reviewed by a moderator. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

Technical ReviewersReferences

Please use the search box just below, or, if you prefer, you may make a question or remark in theCommentsbox below and we will react as soon as we can. Thanks for visiting! InspectApedia is a website that allows you to search for information. Please keep in mind that the publication of your Comment below may be delayed if it contains an image, a web link, or text that seems to the program to be a web link. Your posting will appear when it has been reviewed by a moderator. Excuse the delay in getting back to you!

5 Signs You Should Have Your Septic Tank Pumped

The majority of households do not devote much effort to thinking about their septic system. After all, who can blame them?! However, if this leads in a lack of attention, it may become a serious problem. When installed and maintained properly, every septic system has the potential to efficiently handle waste for many decades. Were you able to pick out the crucial word “if” in the above sentence? If a septic system is properly maintained, it will continue to operate at peak performance for decades!

• There are numerous critical components to developing a successful septic system maintenance plan.
• The majority of specialists recommend that you pump your septic tank every 3 to 5 years.
• In the event that a septic system is not adequately maintained, there are several tell-tale indicators that suggest the onset of a problem.
• Sluggish Drains and/or Flushing are required.
• Your sink, tub, or shower will most likely stop draining as soon as they should, and your toilet may not flush as thoroughly as it should if your septic system is beginning to back up.
• Take action now before this develops into a far more serious and expensive situation.
• Some of these gases may begin to originate from your toilet or drains within your home at certain periods.

If you begin to detect unpleasant scents in and around your house, contact a septic service right once to get the situation resolved before it becomes much worse.

It should not be the case that the lawn above a septic drain field seems noticeably better than the rest of the yard when the system is operating correctly.

This occurs because the grass is receiving more fertilizer in the form of excessive waste fluids, which is beneficial to the grass.

Water That Isn’t Moving It is possible to detect water gathering in numerous locations across your yard when your septic tank is nearly full.

It is a solid indicator that your septic system needs to be pumped and thoroughly inspected if you notice water collecting in these spots.

Back-up of Sewage Raw sewage backing up into a home is the most obvious symptom of a problem, and it is undoubtedly something that no one wants to encounter at any time in their lives.

If this occurs to you, contact a septic service as soon as possible and avoid the affected area.

The most effective approach to prevent having to deal with any of the unpleasant indicators listed above is to keep a regular pumping and inspection routine in place.

In addition to being a full-service septic maintenance and repair company, Athens Professional SepticDrain is well prepared to manage any sort of septic emergency that may occur.

Even yet, the most effective way to prevent disasters from occurring is to enroll in our regular service plan and ensure that your septic system is in peak operating condition.

Septic Tanks Never Need Emptying

Septic tanks and sewage treatment plants are subject to a number of urban legends and misconceptions. Because it is a subject that many people are apprehensive about discussing, misunderstandings and misconceptions can easily occur. We’ve compiled a list of septic tank myths and facts to help you stay informed about your system.

1. You don’t really need to do anything with your septic tank once it is installed.

But this is not the case: your septic tank must be cleaned out on a regular basis in order to eliminate the deposited sediments that are stopping them from passing through the system. Bacterial treatment also contributes to the improvement and maintenance of the levels of bacteria in the aquarium.

2. You aren’t allowed to use any chemicals or cleaning products in your septic tank.

Chemicals, it is assumed, will kill the germs; yet, some chemicals and detergents can be used safely in specific circumstances. Make an effort to use laundry and dishwasher detergents that contain little or no phosphate. To avoid killing the microorganisms in your tank, use bleach and disinfectants only in tiny amounts and only when necessary. Alternatively, septic therapy, such as our Biotreat365 microbial solution, can assist in replenishing bacteria that have been lost due to abuse of chemicals.

3. I only need to empty my tank when it is full

Another misconception: the frequency with which your septic tank has to be emptied might vary depending on the number of people who reside in your home and the size of your tank, but the Environment Agency advises that domestic septic tanks be emptied at least once per year. A few days after the tank is emptied, it begins to fill to its working level, and once it has reached its working level, it begins to function by displacement, capturing solids as they enter the tank and allowing dirty water to flow through the system to the outlet, which is typically a soak-away or drainage field.

4. Some people never empty their septic tank and their system is fine

Even while you may not be able to see the consequences of failing to empty your septic tank, this does not rule out the possibility of harm occurring. If the tank is not completely emptied, the drain field or soak-away is likely to get clogged with sludge, which can limit the efficacy of the system and even cause it to fail. The results of the damage may not be visible for several years, but the overall cost of repairs generally surpasses the expense of annual emptying, not to mention the inconvenience of having groundwork done in the garden.

5. I have a sewage treatment plant so I don’t need to empty it, as it digests all the solids by itself

All sewage treatment facilities require emptying and servicing on a regular basis, however the frequency may vary depending on the size of the plant and the amount of waste it processes. The removal of settled solids from treatment facilities is critical to the operation of the plant. They next treat the unclean water that has passed through the system, which is often accomplished by aeration. Leaving a treatment plant without emptying it for an extended period of time permits sludge to migrate through the system and into areas of the plant where it shouldn’t be, and even into the exit.

As a result of knowing what is true and what isn’t, you need to make certain that you take good care of your septic tank and that it is maintained and emptied at least once per year. If you want any assistance with your trash management, please contact our experts immediately on (0800 3587 455).

How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:

• Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
• Conserve water
• Dispose of waste properly
• And keep your drainfield in good condition.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.

• The size of the household
• The total amount of wastewater produced
• The amount of solids present in wastewater
• The size of the septic tank

Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.

When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.

In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.

An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.

Use Water Efficiently

In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure.

• Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
• Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.

Properly Dispose of Waste

Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.

Toilets aren’t trash cans!

Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system.

A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:

• Cooking grease or oil
• Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
• Photographic solutions
• Feminine hygiene items Condoms
• Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.

Think at the sink!

Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:

• If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
• Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.

Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?

If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.

• The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.

Maintain Your Drainfield

It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:

• Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.