How to Clean a Pumping Septic Tank

Septic Tank Pumping

The majority of septic systems are gravity-operated. This simply means each component is slightly lower than the previous component and gravity provides the power to move the waste and water from one element of the system to the next. These systems are preferred, but not always possible. Some systems will require an electric pump to be installed in the septic tank to remove the wastewater. Cleaning one of these tanks is slightly different from a standard septic tank.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Long rod or pole
• Flashlight
• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Locate the inspect port on your septic tank. This should be a capped pipe which leads directly down into the septic tank. If your tank does not have an inspection/access port, you will need to dig down to the top of the tank and uncover the access hatch to inspect the tank and to have it cleaned out.

2. Lower a long rod or pole into your septic tank. Measure the overall inside dimensions of the tank. A 1,000-gallon tank will be approximately 60 inches in height, but this can vary a great deal. Once you have the overall height, lower the rod into the tank again. This time, feel for when the rod comes into contact with sludge that has accumulated on the bottom of the tank.

3. Calculate how much of the interior of the tank is occupied by the sludge. Example: a tank 60 inches high with a layer of sludge 20 inches deep would be 33 percent filled with sludge. Any tank which is more than 30 percent filled with sludge should be pumped out.

4. Inspect both chambers of the septic tank. Most tanks which use an electric pump will have two chambers. The waste is contained in the first chamber, and only the waste liquid enters the second chamber, where the pump is located. If the sludge is not overwhelming your tank, there should be very little if any in the second chamber. However, while inspecting, check the second chamber to determine if it too needs to be pumped out.

5. Hire a professional to pump out the tank. Not only will a professional have the equipment to make the job far easier, but also have the permits to properly dispose of the sludge after it is removed from the septic tank. You can expect to pay between $300 and $500 to have the tank pumped out.

Tips & Warnings

• In most cases you should have both chambers pumped out. Be certain to tell the contractor there are multiple chambers and you want them all cleaned out.

• Wear eye and hand protection when working with your septic system.

References

• EPA: Homeowners Guide
• UMD: Septic System A to Z Maintenance