By now, you already know that septic pumping is one of the most effective ways to maintain your septic system. You may even be considering hiring a septic pumping company to come and handle the job. But do you know what happens during the process and how often you should have your septic tank pumped? Don't worry—continue reading for answers to these and other questions. 

What Happens During Septic System Pumping?

The septic system technician opens your tank's lid and inserts a high-power connected to a vacuum truck. Consequently, all the liquids and solids are sucked out of the tank. In some cases, the technician may need to break some solids using a muckrake and then mix them with the liquids for efficient pumping.  

Once the pumping is done, the technician checks the interior and external parts of the tank to see if there is any deterioration. They may also request you to flush the toilets to ensure the system is working properly. Finally, they will close the lid and cover the tank back up before giving you a detailed service report. 

How Often Should You Seek Septic Pumping Services?

How often you need septic pumping services will depend on various factors like the number of people in your household, the size of your tank, the amount of wastewater generated, and the age of your system. Therefore, what works for your neighbor may not work for you. 

EPA recommends pumping your septic system every three to five years. However, undersized systems that see heavy use may need to be pumped more frequently because they are likely to fill up at a faster rate. Overall, to know whether your septic system is due for pumping, call a septic technician for a professional inspection. 

Will the Septic Pumping Service Be a Smelly One?

While the technicians are pumping out wastewater from your system, the covers are off, meaning there can be odors. If your windows or doors face the septic tank, it may be a good idea to close them. However, the smells should disappear as soon as the pumping is complete and the tank is closed. 

Why Not Use Additives Instead?

You may have come across marketers who claim to have additives that slow the buildup of waste in your tank so you don't need septic system pumping. But this is not true. No additive can magically eliminate the sludge. 

In fact, using these additives in place of septic pumping can lead to long-term damage like corrosion of your tank's walls. Save your septic system by ignoring such marketing gimmicks.