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Septic Pumping
Portland / Vancouver Metro – The Dalles – Hermiston OR & Tri Cities WA
Speedy Septic is proud to offer septic pumping services in the Portland Oregon, Tri-Cities Washington, and Hermiston Oregon areas. Our technicians have over 40 years of experience in septic tank pumping and septic system maintenance. We’ll clean your tank, evaluate its condition, inspect the drain field, check the distribution box, and more to make sure your septic system is operating optimally.
When you own a septic tank, it’s important to have it pumped regularly. When it fills up, there’s nowhere for the sewage to go, and you’ll begin experiencing backed-up drains and pooling lawns–not to mention irreversible damage to your septic system. You shouldn’t have to worry about septic tank problems; let our experienced technicians do the work.
Looking for dependable and fast septic pumping service in Portland? Call Speedy Septic today.
What Are the Signs Your Septic Tank Is Full?
Have you been noticing any of these warning signs? If so, your septic tank is trying to send you a message that it’s time to get it pumped.
- Pooling water in the drainfield near the tank: if your septic tank is full, wastewater has nowhere to go. You may start to notice wastewater overflowing and rising to the surface.
- Greener, more lush grass above the septic tank: Sometimes, the wastewater doesn’t rise all the way to the surface, but stays just below, nourishing the grass. Wastewater is nutrient-rich, so if it’s seeping into your lawn, you’ll notice patches of extremely healthy-looking grass.
- Foul odors: Sometimes, the signs of a septic tank in serious need of pumping aren’t seen but smelled. If you’re getting a whiff of sewage in your yard or through the drains, it’s likely sulfur or other sewer gases. This is a sign to get your tank pumped ASAP.
- Slow drains: If your drains or toilets are backed up or slow, it could be something wrong with your pipes. If you rule out a problem with your pipes, there’s a good chance your tank needs pumping.
- Gurgling sounds: Sounds that are especially loud or long.
- Septic tank alert system is going off: Many new septic tanks are equipped with alarm systems that alert you when your septic system is full or in need of maintenance. It could be a flashing light or a loud sound.
Why Choose Speedy Septic for Septic Pumping?
- Well-trained, highly skilled professional septic technicians: You don’t want to mess around when it comes to your septic tank. When you work with Speedy Septic, you can be sure you’re getting an experienced septic professional at the top of their field.
- Fast and responsive service: It’s right in our name – Speedy Septic. Sometimes, you need septic service right now. We strive to assist people with emergencies whenever possible and provide prompt and responsive service always.
- Comprehensive evaluation: Our technicians perform a full assessment, going through our extensive checklist to ensure your system is in tip-top shape.
- Complimentary septic cleaning with your service: We don’t just pump and take off. Every service also includes a complimentary power washing to help your system run efficiently and prevent recurring clogging issues.
- Quality you can trust: No surprise charges ever. With Speedy, you’ll always get a clear and easy-to-understand estimate to see and approve. And you only pay for what we pump. Many of our trucks are equipped with advanced measuring technology to determine the precise gallon extraction.
Boat Septic Pump Out
Keeping a boat sewage system can be a challenge when you should be enjoying the marine outdoors instead. Your boat’s holding tank has to withstand saltwater corrosion, fit into tight spaces, and handle constant movement on the water. All of this demands specific expertise and specialized equipment.
Boat Septic Pump Out
When you own an RV, it's important to have your sewage tank pumped regularly. And if it gets full, there will be nowhere for the waste to go. Emergency Septic Pumping
If you’re facing a septic emergency, Speedy Septic is ready to help. When your system stops draining, sewage can back up into your home or create large, hazardous puddles outside. Beyond the mess, exposed sewage carries harmful bacteria that can put both people and pets at risk.
Emergency Septic Pumping
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn some of our most frequently asked questions regarding septic pumping, septic maintenance, septic inspection, and more.
How Often Should Septic Be Pumped?
Your septic system, whether it’s a septic tank or holding tank, must be pumped periodically. For an average-sized household, 3-5 years is the recommended range. However, the frequency of septic cleaning depends on several factors:
- The capacity of your septic tank or holding tank
- Flow of wastewater
- The volume of solids in wastewater (if a garbage disposal is used, more frequent pumping is required)
- Number of people in your household
- 1 person = every 5 years
- 2 people = every 4 years
- 3 people = every 3 years
- 4 people = every 2 to 3 years
- 5 people = every 1 to 2 years
- 6+ people = every year
- Solids ratio – In Oregon DEQ recommends pumping your septic tank or holding tank when sludge and scum take up over 35% of the tank volume
- Type of septic system
- Pressure distribution system: every 2 years
- Simple gravity systems: every 3 years
- Mound systems and other alternative systems: every year
A Speedy Septic technician will be able to determine a more exact frequency while at your property. If you’re unsure when your septic system was last serviced, you can check with your county’s public health center.
Where Does the Waste From Septic Tanks Go?
Once a Speedy Septic technician completes your septic pumping, the contents are taken to our Eastern Oregon treatment facility and are eventually returned to the earth as a fertilizer.
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Septic Tank Pumping FAQs
What's the difference between septic tank pumping and septic tank cleaning?
Septic tank pumping is an essential part of owning a property with a septic tank. Septic tank cleaning is an additional part of routine maintenance for your septic tank.
At Speedy Septic, we provide a complimentary septic tank power-washer cleaning with every pumping service we perform. This is a valuable extra step to help keep your system in good working order and maximize its potential lifespan – and most companies don’t do it.
We also offer a more thorogh type of septic tank cleaning called “septic scrubbing” that will get your system as clean as can be and operating as efficiently as like-new.
For more information, give us a call or check out our full-length article >> What’s the Difference Between Septic Tank Pumping and Cleaning?
How often do I need to empty my septic tank?
The frequency you need septic pumping depends on several factors:
- The capacity of your septic tank or holding tank
- Flow of wastewater
- The volume of solids in wastewater (if a garbage disposal is used, more frequent pumping is required)
- Number of people in your household
- Solids ratio – In Oregon, DEQ recommends pumping your septic tank or holding tank when sludge and scum take up over 35% of the tank volume
If you’re unsure when your septic system was last serviced, you can check with your county’s public health center.
Where does waste from septic tanks go?
Septic pumping companies typically haul the waste to their nearest treatment facility. At Speedy Septic, our technicians take the waste to a treatment facility in Eastern Oregon, where the material is eventually returned to the earth as fertilizer.
Signs You Need Your Septic Tank Cleaned
Your septic tank may not be something you think about every day, but it plays a crucial role in managing your household’s wastewater. Neglecting its maintenance can lead to costly problems and a stinky mess. To avoid these issues, it’s essential to know the signs that your septic tank needs cleaning.
- Slow Drains: When you notice slow drains throughout your home, it’s often a sign that your septic tank is becoming clogged with solids. This slowing of wastewater flow can lead to backups and foul odors in your sinks, showers, and toilets.
- Odor Issues: If you start to detect unpleasant odors in and around your home, it’s a clear indicator that your septic tank needs attention. These odors can be especially pungent near the drain field or septic tank itself.
- Gurgling Sounds: Unusual gurgling sounds coming from your drains or toilets when you use them can signify a problem with your septic system. It may indicate that the tank is full and needs to be pumped.
- Standing Water: The presence of standing water in your yard, especially near the septic tank or drain field, is a cause for concern. It could indicate a leak or backup in your septic system, which requires immediate attention.
- Lush Green Grass: While it might seem counterintuitive if the grass over your drain field suddenly becomes overly green or lush, it could signal a septic system issue. Wastewater is nutrient-dense, so exceptionally green grass can indicate a leak or overflow.
- Sewage Backup: Perhaps the most obvious sign that your septic tank needs cleaning is a sewage backup in your home. If you notice sewage coming up through your drains or toilets, it’s an emergency situation that requires immediate professional assistance.
- High Nitrate Levels in Well Water: If your home relies on well water, regularly test it for high nitrate levels. Untreated sewage can contaminate your well water leading to elevated nitrate levels that indicate septic system problems.
Regular septic tank cleaning and maintenance are essential for the proper functioning of your septic system, ensuring the health and safety of your household and the environment. Don’t ignore these signs – address them promptly by scheduling a professional septic tank cleaning service.
Where Does the Waste From Septic Tanks Go?
Once a Speedy Septic technician completes your septic pumping, the contents are taken to our Eastern Oregon treatment facility and are eventually returned to the earth as a fertilizer.
Experts in Septic Pumping and Cleaning
Septic pumping is inevitable, but what makes Speedy Septic a cut above is our cleaner approach to the process — and if our technicians see that your system needs minor repairs, they’ll perform those on the spot, saving you time and money later on.
We understand scheduling septic pumping services can be a hassle, especially if it’s an emergency so we offer 24/7 customer service. To schedule your septic cleaning, give us a call today!
Septic Pumping in Portland OR and Vancouver WA
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