Why Septic Tank Pumping is Vital
Septic tank pumping is required for all homeowners who own a home that does not have access to the sewage system of their community. A septic tank is basically an underground storage container for sewage waste for residences that do not have access to public sewage systems. They differ in composition and size, but their ultimate purpose is still the same: to store sewage and deliver basic sewage treatment and sanitation to a home before the tank needs emptying by another company that provides septic tank pumping services. Septic tank pumping companies are responsible for cleaning out septic tanks on a regular basis and ensuring that they are functioning properly. They are also responsible for pumping water from a septic tank back into the main sewage system.
The average lifespan of a septic tank pump is between forty-five years and eighty years. During the initial installation of the equipment, all sludge and scum deposits are pumped out to a pump room. Once they are pumped out, they are typically covered with an plastic bag to protect them from the outside environment. After this plastic bag has been used, the pump itself can be placed into the receiving pit and left to perform its normal tasks for the next several years.
When it comes to proper septic tank pumping, there are two types of waste water systems that typically call for the service. Disinfected wastewater and non-disinfected wastewater are the typical topics for these maintenance calls. The type of waste product that will be pumped into your drains depends on the type of drain field that exists in your home. If you have a soil filled dump field, your waste will go to a sewer line that discharges into a septic tank, while if you have a penetrated clay or penetrated soil system your waste will go to a gravity feed system such as a manhole. Once the wastewater reaches either of these drains, the system will pump the wastewater into a holding tank. The holding tanks usually contain multiple layers of porous material such as silt, rock, sand, or wood chips that help collect the solids in the wastewater, preventing them from making their way back into the soil where they belong.
The average homeowner does not give septic tank pumping much thought, but it is something that every homeowner should be thinking about. Homeowners that let their toilets sit for more than three years without cleaning them could be paying hundreds of dollars in unnecessary costs. When homeowners have to make frequent visits to the septic tank, they can expect to empty it at least once every two months. If the homeowner is forced to make frequent visits to the septic tank pumping station, it is highly likely that they will be charged more than one time and may even receive a penalty. One thing to keep in mind is that homeowners are required by law to have their toilets working when it is inspected. If the toilet is not functioning, it is vital that the homeowner replace it before it becomes uncontrollable.
Many people are unsure why septic tank pumping often occurs during the winter. One thing to consider is that because rainwater is freezes over, it can freeze as it moves through the pipes and create a sludge layer. This layer can make it much more difficult for the sewage to decompose and release its waste. Once the sludge layer has formed, bacteria will begin to build up in the tank, looking for somewhere to live. Once this bacteria has found a place to live, it will continue to multiply and until the clog is plugged, the bacteria will continue to grow unchecked.
Homes that do not properly maintain their septic tanks can also experience leaks. Leaks can occur anywhere inside of the pipes. These pipes are designed to resist pressure, but even the slightest movement can cause a leak. If these leaks are not tended to promptly, they can eventually lead to a catastrophic failure of the tanks themselves. When sewage backup is due to these leaks, the costs can quickly mount up and prove to be more than the home owner is able to handle.
