A septic tank is just a sewage trap, sewage and water enter the tank, the sewage is trapped and the water keeps going out to the drain field. Periodically you must remove the sewage or the water leaving the tank will have sewage in it which can cause damage to the drain field. It is also important to pump the tank to have the conditions of the tank and plumbing checked to make sure everything is working properly to prevent costly repairs.
It is recommended to pump your tank at least every 3-5 years to help prevent costly repairs.
The first step should be to check your property for lids at the surface.You will typically find round green lids a little bit smaller than a manhole. Sometimes they are concrete or black plastic as well. The next step is to contact your county environmental health department and request the “As Built” drawing that shows approximately where your tank is located. If they don’t have any records or you need to find it faster contact us for guidance on locating your tank.
The most common methods used to locate a septic tank are a ground probe or a metal detector. However if a tank is difficult to locate or is suspected to be under a deck, patio, or driveway a flushable electronic locator or a sewer line camera can be used to locate the tank.
Our vacuum truck which carries between 100 and 200 ft of hose will park on a roadway or driveway and run the hose to the tank. We then remove the water and the sewage from each chamber of the tank. During the pumping process we inspect the plumbing going into and out of the tank as well as the condition of the tank and look for signs of root intrusion.
No, you can not. Accessing the lids to the tank is the only way to pump a septic tank.
Each time the tank is cleaned, the pumper should check for any problems in your tank.
We rinse down the tank during the pumping process when needed.
Yes. Live bacteria live in the septic tank which break down the sewage. The bacteria from our bodies will suffice, however, during the breakdown process some of the sewage is digested and eliminated which means the more bacteria introduced to the system the better the system will operate. There are systems now designed with so much bacteria that all the sewage is eliminated and no pumping is necessary.
Typically the more bedrooms in your house, the bigger your tank will be. The minimum tank size varies by county regulation and the year the house was built. To help determine the size of your tank, contact us for guidance.
You and I naturally produce the necessary bacteria for a septic tank to function properly. Minimizing your use of bleach or other antibacterial cleaning products can help sustain the bacteria in your tank. If during the pumping process it is noted that a lot of the sewage is floating and not breaking down then you may want to add an anaerobic bacteria to help break down the floating sewage. You may also want to use an additive if you have a high number of people living on the system to help break down the paper faster. No bacteria will break down “Flushable” wipes. Do not use wipes with a septic system or you may have to remove them by hand yourself.
Do not plant trees near your septic tank or drainfield.
Septic systems are designed to handle dangerous waste and can pose serious health hazards to homeowners and inspectors. The following are a list of precautions:
Companies that keep thorough pumping records should have a system in place to remind you to pump out your septic tank every 3-5 years. Experience the “Blue Ribbon Difference”
In summary, septic system inspections should be performed based on your original square footage and how many people are living in the home to ensure proper function. The septic tank is the most expensive household fixture and it’s lifespan will be shortened significantly if it is not maintained. If you are unsure when it was pumped & cleaned, call Blue Ribbon Septic Service (916) 676-6325
