Septic Tank Service

A septic tank is a key component of a septic system, and is the tank that treats and disposes of household or building wastewater on-site. A septic system is a decentralized wastewater treatment system for buildings, homes and structures not connected to a locale’s municipal sewer system. Wastewater that enters a septic tank includes wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers and other plumbing fixtures, and proper septic tank maintenance ensures its efficiency and overall health.

Once wastewater enters into your septic tank, it naturally divides itself into three distinct parts:

Solids quickly sink to the bottom of the septic tank and form a sludge-like layer
Liquids stay in the middle of the tank and form a layer of mostly water
Fat and oils rise to the top, along with any small debris, to form a layer of scum

The liquid layer is the most cumbersome layer because it accounts for roughly 90% of your tank’s total capacity. This means excess water use can largely affect your septic tank’s performance over time and will require a more frequent septic system pumping to keep it performing optimally.

The sludge layer is what requires period septic system pumping or cleaning because even the strongest bacteria cannot break down the organic material fully. If the interval at which you clean or pump the system is too great, then that sludge can begin to back up into the pipes and begin seeping into your leach field or your home’s pipes, which can cause strong odors and can even cause your home’s pipes or septic tank to fail completely.

While urban sewer systems run wastewater into central drainage systems, septic tank service is designed on a house-by-house basis. The size of the house largely determines the capacity because, ultimately, they are the destination for every type of wastewater from your home, including the bathtub, sink, shower, dishwasher, washing machine, and more.

While each septic tank service is different and varies in size, the majority of septic services rely on gravity to work properly. Your home or business’s wastewater will flow into the tank, which is typically buried in the ground away from your home. Then ideally, the water layer is carried via drain pipes to your leach (or drainage) field, where it can be safely distributed into the soil.

Septic tank pumping is integral for the health of the overall septic system. Over time, sludge and waste will accumulate in your tank, which hinders its capacity and effectiveness. Regular pumping removes these accumulations and prevents potential backups and overflows. Getting your septic tank serviced ensures efficient breakdown of waste and promotes the longevity of your system. With proactive maintenance, you can prevent costly and unsanitary system failure, as well as safeguard the environment from contamination. Pumping helps reduce the risk of clogs, odors and damage to drain fields. It is a crucial preventative measure to preserve your septic system health and avoid more problems in the future.

The cost of septic tank pumping can vary based on several factors, and United Site Services (USS) recognizes the importance of transparency in pricing. One major factor is the size of the septic tank, as larger tanks require more time and resources for pumping. Another factor is the location of the tank, as accessibility may affect the ease of service. The current level of sludge and scum in the tank plays a role in the complexity of the job, impacting the overall cost. Lastly, disposal fees for the extracted waste contribute to the total expense. We offer a convenient solution by providing free quotes online or via phone. Customers can receive an accurate estimate of septic tank services tailored to their specific needs.

Typically, it is recommended to pump a septic tank every 2-3 years. This is crucial to prevent buildup of solid waste and sludge, which may lead to septic tank failure. Failing to adhere to this schedule can lead to various problems, including reduced system efficiency, increased risk of backups and potential damage to drain fields. Neglected septic tanks may reach a point of failure without regular pumpings, necessitating a costly replacement. Replacing a septic tank can cost upwards of $10,000 or more, depending on the size and complexity of the system. With routine pumping, homeowners and businesses can avoid this financial burden and ensure the longevity of their septic tanks.

Taking preventative measures is key to protecting your septic tank and potential costs associated with fixing issues. Not only do these preventative actions help preserve the longevity of your septic tank system, they also contribute to environmental protection and regulatory compliance.

Explore the following guidelines to fortify your septic tank’s resilience and minimize the risk of disruptions:

• Check with your local regulatory agency or inspector if you have a garbage disposal to make sure your septic unit can handle this additional type of waste
• Check with the local health department before using commercial tank additives because they can be harmful when used in the wrong system
• Use high-efficiency fixtures throughout the home to minimize the amount of wastewater entering the system
• Use mild detergents and cleaning supplies when possible to avoid damaging the septic system
• Keep records of each repair, inspection, permits issued, and septic tank cleaning so you can hand over maintenance records to proper authorities or when selling your home or business
• Plant only grass near your septic tank because roots from shrubs and trees can easily clog the septic system and can damage the leach (drainage) field also
• Don’t put trash into the septic system, such as feminine hygiene products, diapers, condoms, cotton swabs, paper towels, pesticides, paint, or other hazardous materials or chemicals, because these can clog or severely damage your septic system
• Don’t park or drive vehicles over the buried septic tank or the drain field, as this can damage the system components

Septic tank services can take anywhere between 1-2 hours, with various factors affecting length of service. For example, larger septic tanks may require a longer time to inspect and pump. Additionally, the location of the septic tank may also hinder ease of access to the septic tank itself. Other factors, like the current level of sludge and scum in the tank, may also affect the overall time needed for septic tank services. For more accurate information tailored to your specific situation, your service technician will offer detailed insights when scheduling the service.