Septic Tank Pumping vs Septic Tank Cleaning: What You Should Know

Something that’s crucial, but maybe not the most glamorous part of home ownership, is taking care of our septic tanks. Septic systems do the behind-the-scenes dirty work of handling wastewater, and require pumping and cleaning. Anyone who’s ever had a problem with their system knows it’s not something you want to ignore unless you’re into unpleasant surprises and big repair bills. Plus, in our gorgeous corner of the country, where we’re all about the trees and waterways. 

Septic tank pumping involves removing liquids and floating solids or sludge from the tank. On the other hand, septic tank cleaning goes a step further and involves removing liquids and floating solids — as well as digging out the harder sediments that have settled at the bottom of the tank.

If you’re wondering about the difference between septic tank pumping and cleaning, or if this is the first time you’ve even considered it since you moved in, don’t sweat it. Speedy Septic is here to untangle the details and share some insights on keeping your system running smoothly so your home stays cozy and your property stays pristine.

What Is the Difference Between Septic Pumping and Septic Cleaning?

While often used interchangeably, septic tank pumping and cleaning are distinct processes – each critical for maintaining the health of your septic system:

• Septic Pumping: Pumping sucks out the water and the floaty bits to prevent overflows and keep things flowing smoothly. This is often achieved using a vacuum truck that sucks up the contents of the tank.
• Septic Cleaning: Cleaning gets rid of the stubborn gunk settled at the bottom and checks that everything inside is looking good and working right. Septic specialists typically perform a cleaning so they can conduct a complete inspection of the tank for any potential issues.

How Often Should You Clean Your Septic Pump?

How often to pump and clean your tank isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer — it depends. The general recommendation is to have your septic tank pumped every three to five years, but your system’s mileage may vary depending on your household size and water use. Regular check-ins keep nasty surprises at bay!

However, septic tank cleaning should be performed whenever pumping is performed to make sure that all sediments are removed. Regular maintenance keeps your septic system working efficiently and decreases the likelihood of unexpected failures.

How Do You Know If Your Septic Tank Needs to be Pumped?

Keep an eye (and nose) out for these red flags when considering if your system needs pumping: 

• Unpleasant odors indoors or around the septic tank area.
• Sinks and toilets draining slowly.
• Weird gurgling sounds in your plumbing.
• Any mysterious, suspiciously stinky wet spots in your yard. 

Paying attention to these warnings can help you avoid more serious and expensive problems. 

Let the Pros Clean and Pump Your Septic Tank

Here’s the thing: septic maintenance doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right team on your side, it’s a hassle-free process – and our local pros at Speedy Septic are knowledgeable about all things septic.

Remember, staying on top of your septic tank’s pumping and cleaning schedule is all part of the great adventure of home ownership here in . So let the experts do the heavy lifting so you can have one less thing to worry about as a homeowner.

Call us today to schedule a service! If you’re having a septic emergency, we’re here 24/7 to answer your call.

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