Tank Cleaning

Think of your septic system as you do your vehicle.  The septic tank is like the oil-filter: it needs to be cleaned (changed) periodically to prevent blockage at the tank inlet and a potential backup into the house, as well as to protect your leach field from clogging and causing costly replacement.  Cleaning removes the build-up of solids known as scum and sludge so that the entire system can continue to work properly.  When we clean your tank(s), we also perform a full inspection of the overall condition of your system in order to catch any defects that may lead to greater problems if left unattended.

Cleaning Frequency:  The Health Department requires that you clean both chambers of your first tank at least every 4 years.  We recommend a 3 year frequency for most of our customers with busy families.  An active, large household or heavily-used system may need cleaning more frequently.  An engineered system has 2 tanks; the second tank should be cleaned every 10-12 years.  In order to better serve our customers and help them maintain healthy septic systems we have a free reminder program to notify you when your next cleaning and inspection are due. Use the links below to estimate your own frequency and let us know if you need to change your scheduling:

• Estimated Tank Pumping Frequency:  a simple table that was adopted by Jefferson County in 2003

• Cleaning Frequency Calculator:  a more complex calculator from Minnesota which we like because it allows for the many variables that exist in any household. 

Engineered Systems:   If you have an engineered system, we check the electrics for your lift station pump and alarm system.  It is important to know that when you push the "Test" button on your alarm panel and it buzzes, this does NOT mean the alarm float in the tank is connected or giving an alarm.  The alarm must be tested by lifting the float switch in the tank.  If you have a Biotube filter at the outlet of your 1^st tank, we check and clean it, if needed, and verify it has an alarm float installed and the alarm works. These filters can plug sooner than your re-pumping date, and should be checked every 6 months until a filter cleaning frequency is established for your household.  We also check the inspection ports for liquid levels in the field sections.  Be sure you have read the engineer’s design letter about field valve or surge tank riser plug switching.  We provide a maintenance service twice yearly for engineered systems.  If you are interested, please see Maintenance Program for Engineered Systems under Services.  We also service “Nutt Shell” and other aerobic systems.