Septic Pumping Myths And Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to septic pumping and cleaning, some myths and mistakes ruin the functionality and lifespan of your systems. A septic tank should be pumped out regularly to avoid drain field failure and costly repairs. Honestly, cleaning and pumping a septic tank too often causes wasting money. These are just some of the things that you should consider when dealing with septic tank cleaning and pumping. In this article, we will discuss the common myths and mistakes about pumping and cleaning a septic tank.
Septic tank must be pumped out whenever it gets full
This is not true. When in normal use, a septic tank is usually full from the outlet pipe to the bottom. That’s why septic pumping should not be done whenever you assumed that your tank is full. Instead, hire professional to check your tank and verify whether it needs pumping out. Usually, a septic tank fills up within days despite being pumped out. After this, the tank discharges the liquid waste to the absorption field. The only time septic pumping is necessary when the scum and sludge layers occupy a larger area leaving the too small liquid area. That’s because when these areas fill a larger space they lessen waste retention time.
Chemicals and additives will extend the septic system’s life and fix them if damaged.
This is a fallacy. In most septic systems, chemicals, additives, and treatments do no or little good. In reality, some of them damage the system causing frothing and solid discharge into the drain field. That’s why many septic tank experts do not recommend any use of chemicals and additives in septic systems. Moreover, these substances are toxic and they contaminate the natural surroundings.
Some septic tanks do not require pumping, cleaning, and servicing.
This is not true. Without proper septic pumping, cleaning, and servicing, your septic system will malfunction or collapse. The frequency of septic pumping varies depending on wastewater volume, tank size, and system design. However, every septic system requires periodic maintenance.
Pumping out and cleaning can save or restore a failing drain field
A failed drain field requires between 5 and 10 years of rest to recover and be restored for normal use. A drain field can fail caused by flood or damage by tree roots and other troubles. If a drain field malfunctions, the only choice might be to dig a new one. However, professional septic experts can look into your system and guide you accordingly. Sometimes, property owners confuse signs of a malfunctioned drain field with plumbing problems.
Only liquid requires pumping out
This is a mistake. To assure the proper performance of a septic tank, it’s necessary to remove the floating scum and the settled sludge from the tank. Effective cleanout of the septic tanks entails removing the sludge and scum by moving a pumping hose in the tank and breaking up the solid with liquid effluent before it pumped out. This is the right process for pumping out and cleaning both commercial and residential septic tanks.
Few Final Thoughts
It’s okay to continue using an old septic system. No property owner wants to pay a septic tank contractor when their system is functioning properly. However, you don’t want to deal with emergency septic repairs. Septic tank cleaning costs may seem like a redundant expense. However, if you don’t have your system cleaned and inspected regularly, you may have to deal with serious septic problems especially if you have an old system. Hence, don’t continue using an old system without having it checked and serviced by septic professionals.
These are some of the septic pumping myths and mistakes that should avoid keeping septic tank pumps functioning optimally. Essentially, regular septic pumping and cleaning are important maintenance practices. Without them, your system will sooner or later malfunction and cost you more money to get working again.
