How to Clean an Effluent Pump Tank

An effluent pump tank is the chamber inside of a septic system that houses an effluent pump. Septic systems utilizing this design often have submerged pumps that help to move overflow water out to adjacent or even distant soak pits. Cleaning the tank is not an every day task, and is usually done every three to five years, depending on the general tank usage. Septic tanks come in a variety of styles, including double and triple tank containers. Check with your local health department about regulations pertaining to who can clean your tank.

Things You'll Need

• Registered sludge transporter
• Shovel

Instructions

1. Hire a registered sludge transporter service to clean out your septic tank. In Texas, for example, the Health Department and the Commission on Environmental Quality both require that only registered sludge transporters can provide service to suction out the tank. That's because the tank holds live bacteria and possibly viruses, virtually toxic waste. Thousands of gallons of waste is removed from tanks during cleaning and it's important that it gets discarded properly, not just strewn on an adjacent property.

2. Provide access on your property for the septic system cleaning truck to get near it. Check that the pathway is free and clear of shrubbery and debris that may have accumulated since the last tank cleaning. Septic tanks are often buried in the far ends of properties and forgotten until the truck needs to get through.

3. Remove dirt from the top of the tank to expose the chamber lid. Septic tank systems have covered openings at the top that are often bolted or cemented on after they are initially filled with water. Allow the sludge technician to remove the lid and suction out sludge and water. During the process, they will also scrape the bottom of the tank using a long-handled tool to help loosen caked on sludge. Sludge is the broken down remains of biological materials that have passed through the tank. Cleaning for an effluent pump tank is normally at the same time that sludge is suctioned out of the main chamber. Water in the effluent tank will be emptied through the large suction hose, as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Routine cleaning can help prevent noxious odors in the vicinity of the septic tank.

References

• King County Public Health: How the septic system works
• Effluent Services: Maintenance of Your Septic System
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: On-Site Sewage Facilities