What Happens During Septic Tank Cleaning?

After locating the septic tank, the technician will open the access lid. Expect some excavation work to expose an underground septic tank before the technician can begin pumping.

Examine Effluent Levels

Next, the cleaning specialist will assess the waste in the tank to determine whether the liquid levels are normal, too high, or too low.

Factors such as leaks and cracks, faulty tank baffles, issues with the drainfield, and a malfunctioning pump can result in excessively high water levels in the tank. High levels mean the wastewater coming from your house is not flowing down into the drainfield as intended.

This pre-pumping inspection of the liquid levels is particularly important as the technician can determine whether your system functions properly and recommend necessary repairs or replacement of faulty components.

Pump the Tank

Septic tank cleaning specialists use vacuum trucks with a pump and a heavy-duty hose to remove the sludge inside the tank. The technician will insert the hose in the tank through the open lids and remove all the contents of the septic compartments.

Through a suction mechanism, the hose transfers the waste from the tank to the truck for disposal at an out-of-the-way location. The cleaner may also use additional tools such as a septic cleaning spoon to completely remove all the waste on the walls and floor of the tank.

Clean the Tank

After removing the effluent from the tank, the technician will use fresh water to rinse the tank. Some specialists use water jetting as an effective way to give the tank a thorough clean.

Cleaning the tank with fresh water also helps the technician to inspect the tank further for any signs of physical damage. In particular, the technician will inspect the condition of the outlets, baffles, and filters and look for possible cracks inside the tanks.

The technician may also look for water draining back into the tank from the drainfield. This could be an indication of problems with the drainfield, pump, or outlets or a broken line between the tank and the drainfield.

Based on the results of the inspection, your septic cleaning specialist will recommend how often you should pump and clean your septic tank. The general recommendation is that homeowners clean their septic tanks once every three to five years. However, the specialist’s advice will depend on factors such as the frequency of use and the size of your household.

Regular cleaning can prolong the service life of your septic tank system, mitigate costly repairs, and help to maintain proper hygiene standards in your home. Find a qualified and trustworthy septic cleaning specialist who will take the time to thoroughly inspect and clean your septic system.

At AAA Pumping Service Inc., we have the expertise and tools to clean, repair, and maintain your septic system. Call us today to request an estimate.