Here at Hartland Septic, not only do we pump, clean, repair, and install septic systems, we educate our customers on everything we do. We encourage you to watch us perform the the work we do. This will give you an understanding on how your septic system works and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Knowledge is key to the long and healthy life of your septic system.
Septic tanks need to be pumped out and cleaned when the solids that accumulate in the tank begin to reach the tank’s storage capacity. Your tank should be pumped when total solid accumulation is between 30% and 50% of the total capacity. We recommend your septic tank be pumped every 1 to 3 years.
WHAT WILL THE PUMPER DO?
- The first step in pumping and cleaning is locating and exposing your tanks access lids. Of course you can dig them up yourself, or if you would rather, we would be more than happy to locate and uncover the lids for you.
- With the access lids uncovered and open but before we begin pumping, we will note the liquid level of the tank in relation to the tank’s outlet pipe. A liquid level below the outlet pipe usually indicates a tank leak. A liquid level above the outlet pipe can indicate a problem with the pipe to the drainfield or the drainfield itself.
- Lowering a “vacuum” hose into the tanks manholes the pumping process begins. The hose is attached to a strong pump on our truck which sucks out all of the solids and liquids from your septic tank and into our truck (affectionately known as a Honey Wagon).
- Our technicial will watch for back flow from the tank outlet pipe. Significant back flow indicates a drainfield system backup. A small amount of backflow can indicate a sag in the pipe to the drainfield.
- Your tank will be cleaned out thoroughly. We use a tool called a septage spoon and a process known as back flushing to loosen all the sludge in the corners of the tank allowing it to be removed. The walls of the tank are sprayed with clean water ensuring a clean tank.
- After Pumping our technician will check inside the empty tank and note any signs of structural damage such as an open weep hole, leaking mid-seam, damaged baffles, or cracks. If anything out of the ordinary is found or any sign of current or impending problems, we will notify you and offer advice on how to remedy the situation.
You can save time and money by taking a few daily precautions that reduce the frequency of pump-outs your system will need:
- To flush or not to flush — Aside from wastewater, toilet paper is the only other thing that should be flushed. Using the toilet to dispose of sanitary products, paper towels, disposable diapers, cigarette butts, and even tissues will harm your septic tank and cause you to need pump-outs more often.
- Don’t use a kitchen garbage disposal. Septic systems are not intended to dispose of food waste, coffee grounds, grease, or fat, and, in fact, they will harm the septic tank. Try using a compost pile; it will reduce the number of pump-outs your system needs!
- Reducing water usage will protect your septic system. Repair leaky faucets and toilets; install low-flow water fixtures, and turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. Water conservation reduces the load of wastewater your septic system has to handle.
- While some manufacturers claim that biological additives enhance treatment and reduce the number of pump-outs your system will need, research indicates hat biological enzymes and other “miracle” system additives do not improve septic system functioning. The amount of bacteria or enzyme in each does of additive is so small, that its effectiveness is virtually undetectable.
- Using additives to avoid pumping may cause even bigger problems. Without proper pump-outs, solids will flow into and clog the drainfield, resulting in an expensive repair process.
Hartland Septic is your local expert on septic system maintenance and care. Family owned and operated since 1985, customer service has always been our top concern. Our job is not done until you are completely satisfied!
