Why Does a Septic System Require Periodic Pumping?

November 15, 2021

Purchased a home or business with a septic system? Septic systems are affordable and eco-friendly, but they do require some maintenance to maintain proper function.

Why do Holland, OH property owners with septic systems need to invest in periodic septic tank pumping and septic tank cleaning? Read on to learn the basics you should know about caring for this critical home system.

Septic system basics

Before you can gain an understanding of how to maintain your septic system with septic tank cleaning or pumping, you need to get to know the primary components of every system.

Each septic system consists of a tank and a drain field. As wastewater goes down the drain and as you flush your toilets, waste is sent through the pipes and into the septic tank. The wastewater settles in the tank. and the liquid separates sludge and scum. The liquid that leaves the tank is naturally filtered by the soil in the drain field, and helpful bacteria safely break down all organic matter. Sludge and scum settle and collect in the tank, which is why periodic pumping is required.

A healthy septic system environment must contain all three layers: scum at the top of the tank; liquid that lies below the scum; and sludge resting at the bottom of the tank. If layers aren’t in balance, the septic system may fail to properly break down waste. If this is the case with your system, call a septic maintenance professional right away for maintenance.

Septic pumping

Septic pumping is the most common solution when it comes to returning a healthy balance to a septic tank. For most systems, pumping is necessary every three to five years, and staying on top of your maintenance schedule will prevent minor problems with your system from becoming major ones.

Your maintenance technician removes liquids and floating solids during a septic pump. They’ll use a heavy-duty hose to vacuum solid and liquid waste; then the technician uses specialty equipment to dislodge any remaining waste. Finally, the technician removes all effluent from the tank, returning balance to the tank, so it can perform its job of breaking down waste.

Septic cleaning

Septic tank cleaning is a bit different from a pump. During this process, the technician pumps all sludge and liquid from the tank and then follows a more thorough cleaning routine to get the tank completely free of all waste. The end result of a septic tank cleaning is a totally reset tank as if it were completely replaced.

If your system’s exhibited drain field issues or backflow problems, technicians typically recommend a full cleaning. In cases where compacted solids are inhibiting the function of the tank, a hydro-jetting process can break them up during the complete cleaning process.

If you need septic tank pumping for your Holland, OH system, don’t hesitate to call Ace Diversified Services today. Using the right equipment and an expert understanding of septic systems, we provide professional maintenance solutions to keep your system in perfect function.

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