How often should you have your septic tank cleaned out?

lm1363 · Mar 15, 2008, 06:22 AM

Average cost to pump septic tank in atlanta area and how often should it be cleaned

speedball1 · Mar 15, 2008, 06:50 AM

The average septic tank needs to be checked and pumped, if necessary, every three years.( Go back and read my septic tank facts.) More if you have a disposal installed. Figure upwards of 200$ toget it pumped and the drainfield checked. Good luck, Tom

Septic Designer · Feb 2, 2010, 01:43 PM

The water level in your tank is an indicator of the health of your absorption field, NOT a sign that that your tank needs to be pumped. Your tank needs to be pumped once the sludge layer is about 12" thick on the outlet side of the tank (or when it takes up about 25% of your tank capacity). So, the only way to know if your tank needs pumping is to use a sludge judge to meansure the amount of sludge in your tank. I hope that helps.
Stuart - Meade Septic Design, Inc.

mstona · Oct 24, 2010, 08:31 PM

Will a full septic tank cause back-flow in a toilet?

I really need some help! I'm in the fayetteville, nc area. Any suggestions on who I can call for help with finding the tank?

speedball1 · Oct 25, 2010, 06:22 AM

Yes! If the septic tank can no longer disperse what you send into it will back up 9into your home through the lowest fixture.
If you don't want to use a probe rod yourself then any septic tank company in the Yellow Pages can do the job. Good luck, Tom

Septic Designer · Oct 25, 2010, 06:51 AM

A high water level in your tank will slow water from entering your tank and will back up your plumbing (flushing) especially on lower levels of the house.

I have a "how to find your septic tank" page on my website. Just search for Meade Septic Design. You might find it useful.

Stuart

Again, your tank needs to be pumped to remove the sludge buildup in the bottom of the tank. It has nothing to do with the actual water level. A high water level in your tank is a sign that your absorption field is not taking water as quickly as you are putting it into the system. This might mean that your system is failing, starting to fail or that you just used a huge amount of water (a surge flow).

Have your tank pumped every 3 years and have your pumper report how deep the sludge layer is. Once the sludge makes up 25-33% of the depth of the tank, it is time to get it cleaned (pumped out).

RickJ · Oct 25, 2010, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Septic Designer

I have a "how to find your septic tank" page on my website. Just search for Meade Septic Design. You might find it useful.

Please see item #10 here:
http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/faq.php?faq=vb_faq

Thank you.

Septic Designer · Oct 25, 2010, 07:36 AM

My post didn't go against rule #10. I did not list a link or refer to my services or products, just information..

"Do not advertise or spam. You are welcome to include information and links in your signature to a reasonable extent, but do not refer or link to your products or services in the body of posts. "

RickJ · Oct 25, 2010, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Septic Designer

My post didn't go against rule #10. I did not list a link or refer to my services or products, just information..

"Do not advertise or spam. You are welcome to include information and links in your signature to a reasonable extent, but do not refer or link to your products or services in the body of posts. "

I just wanted to be sure you saw it since someone else brought it up.

Thank you for giving helpful answers here. Helping others is what we're all about.

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