Septic tank pumping is something that's required when you have your own septic system. This needs to be done regularly. Your tank might go a few years between service calls, but you can't put off pumping too long or sewage might overflow from your toilet or spill into your yard.

Pumping out your tank is an easy process for you, and you probably won't even need to be home. You have no responsibilities other than to make sure the pumping company can access your tank when they arrive. Here are the steps involved with septic tank pumping.

The Contractor Hunts For The Lid

Ideally, your septic tank is marked in some way. Since the tank is buried under grass, you might forget where the lid is if it isn't marked with a riser. If the contractor can't find the tank lid, they have to hunt for the tank in your yard, and that slows them down and could increase the cost of your service.

Once the lid is located, it's removed so the contractor can lower the hose into your tank. The pumper truck usually stays out on the street so your property isn't damaged. The contractor just pulls a long hose from the truck to your tank.

The Tank Contents Are Removed

When the contractor lowers the hose into the tank, the contents are pulled out and deposited into the pumper truck. The contents of the tank may be agitated so nothing gets stuck on the bottom. The goal is to remove all of the sludge, water, and fat so the tank is empty and can start filling again. It could take several minutes to complete septic tank pumping, but the time required depends on the size of your tank.

A Quick Inspection Is Done

The contractor gives your tank a quick inspection during the pumping process so problems can be identified if they're present. This isn't the same as an inspection your health department may require every few years. The quick inspection that is done during septic tank pumping checks for backflow when the tank is being emptied, clogs, and cracks.

The Tank Is Back In Service

When the contractor finishes pumping out your tank, you can use your drains and toilets as you normally do. The tank will gradually fill up with water as water goes down your sewer line, and when the water reaches the drain in the middle of the tank, it will empty into the drainfield and solids will start collecting on the bottom again.

Your septic tank pumping contractor may recommend a date for your next service call if you don't already have a schedule established. It's important to pump out the tank before it overfills, so if you get a roommate or a garbage disposal for the first time, the tank might fill up faster and need to be pumped out sooner than you anticipate.

For more information, contact a company like Overbey's Excavating & Septic Service.