What Is Septic Pumping

Septic Pumping is the removal of sludge and floating solids from your home's septic tank. This allows your plumbing system to work more efficiently. You may notice your toilets flushing more easily and drains working faster.

During the septic process, wastewater is separated into three layers. The top layer, which is made up of greases and soaps, floats on top of the wastewater. The middle layer is the wastewater with waste particles, and the bottom layer is sludge, which forms when these particles are too heavy to float. Bacteria in the  Knoxville Septic Tank Pumping breaks down these solids, allowing the liquid layers to flow freely from the septic tank into the absorption field.

If a septic tank isn't pumped periodically, sludge will build up to the point that it may start flowing into the inlet and outlet tees of the septic tank, as well as clogging the soils in the absorption field. It is also possible that the sludge will begin to seep into groundwater supplies.

When this happens, it may cause health and safety issues. It is a sign of severe problems in your septic system that requires immediate professional attention.

You can help avoid the need for septic tank pumping by reducing water usage. High-efficiency toilets and faucets, repairing leaky pipes, and other simple measures will decrease the amount of water that goes into your septic system.

You will also need to be cautious about what you flush down your drains and toilets. It is important to only flush human waste and toilet paper. Non-flushable materials like coffee grounds, "flushable" wipes, and sanitary products can clog your septic system and lead to expensive repairs. You should also avoid putting any solids down your drains, including yard and garden debris.

It is recommended that you hire a licensed, certified septic tank inspector to perform a visual inspection of your septic tank every two to three years. During the inspection, he or she will determine the size of your tank and suggest an appropriate interval for septic tank pumping.

Ideally, your septic system will be designed for the number of bedrooms in your home, the soil type and depth to water table. In some cases, a septic tank will need to be larger or smaller than expected due to environmental factors such as hardpan, rock or clay formations.

Once the septic system is installed, it must be properly maintained. A septic system that isn't maintained will require a more frequent schedule of pumping and cleaning, as well as more extensive and costly repair costs.

Before hiring a septic tank service, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Look for services that are licensed, insured, and have a good reputation in the community. Choosing a reputable company will help ensure that you get quality septic tank maintenance, which in turn will prevent your septic system from failing prematurely. In addition, a professional will be able to inspect your system and provide you with a written report of the results.