Ah, the Beauty of Construction

If you recently moved into a home with a septic system, then you've probably been told that you need to call a septic company to come pump out your septic tank every few years. This advice is often passed on by real estate agents, home inspectors, and others in the industry. It is good advice, and luckily, many homeowners know to follow it. But they don't often understand exactly what it is that septic companies do when they pump a tank. Keep reading to learn more.

Removing Solids From The Tank

The main reason to have your septic tank pumped is to remove solids from the tank. When waste and wastewater flow into your septic tank, the water leaves pretty quickly. It travels down the effluent pipes into the drain field, the soil around your septic tank.

The solids, however, sink down and stay in the tank. They slowly break down, and as they do, smaller bits of solids pass out into the drain field. However, this does not happen as quickly as you add solids to the tank. So solids can build up over time.

A septic pumping company removes the solids from the bottom of the tank. This way, you can "start fresh" and have enough room in the tank for your waste and wastewater. If you never have the tank pumped, the solids will eventually take up so much space that your sinks start backing up whenever you flush or turn on your water.

Inspecting the Tank

The other main aspect of a septic pumping appointment is the inspection. Some companies charge more for a comprehensive inspection, but almost all companies include a basic inspection with their pumping service.

During this inspection, your septic professional will check for issues, such as holes in the tank, blockages in the effluent lines, and a compacted drain field. If they do find anything amiss, they generally give you a quote for repairs. As with many home systems, it is best to make repairs early on when the problems are minor. If you wait too long, you may have to replace the tank, which is more costly.

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what a septic pumping company does when they come out to service your tank. If you have any questions about a company's specific services or approach, reach out and ask a septic tank cleaning company near you today.