Your septic tank needs to be pumped out regularly to ensure that your drain field functions properly. When it doesn’t, sewage will back up into your home and expose you to disease-causing organisms.

The process is a lot like getting your car’s oil changed. Contact Septic Tank Pump Out Perth for professional help.
When your septic system starts to malfunction, it’s important to catch the problem as soon as possible. This can save you a lot of trouble and money down the road. Thankfully, there are some warning signs that your septic tank is full and needs to be pumped out.
If you notice that your sinks, tubs, and toilets are draining more slowly than usual, it may indicate a clogged septic tank. The clog could be due to excessive amounts of solid waste or even a cracked tank. The septic tank should never be viewed as an afterthought, so make sure to keep up with its regular maintenance.
Another sign of a septic tank problem is wastewater that backs up into the drain field or the home’s plumbing fixtures. Sewage that backs up into the home can be dangerous to humans and pets. If the sewage isn’t removed quickly, it can contaminate soil and water that enters the groundwater supply.
A full septic tank can also lead to clogs in the septic tank’s drain field, which can cause sewage to overflow onto the ground surface. This exposes humans and animals to disease-causing pathogens.
You can check if your septic tank is full by looking at the outside sewer cleanout. The cleanout will be a large pipe that extends outward from the septic tank and into the septic system’s drain field. If the cleanout is filled with wastewater, you’ll need to get it pumped out by a professional.
You should also be on the lookout for wet spots or extra green grass in areas near your septic tank and drain field. If these areas are wet or have lush grass, it means the septic tank is overflowing and creating an overabundance of nutrients. These excess nutrients will encourage growth that can lead to a septic system failure. This is why it’s important to keep up with regular inspections from a Lapin Services septic tank specialist. These inspections can detect a variety of issues before they become bigger problems. This can prevent costly repairs and even complete system failure down the road.
Preparing for the Pumping
Unlike cleaning, pumping aims to clear out the accumulated sludge, scum, and wastewater from the septic tank itself. It essentially hits the septic system’s “reset button,” restoring its full liquid waste capacity. It’s also the best time to repair any septic system components that have become compromised by wear and tear, broken baffles, or invasive roots.
Before the septic tank is pumped out, it’s essential to make sure that the area surrounding the tank is free of obstructions. The tank access lid can be buried under six to 12 inches of soil, so the septic service team will need to carefully remove any debris or heavy items that might prevent their ability to locate the tank’s opening. It’s also a good idea to mark the area ahead of time if necessary. This can help homeowners ensure that the septic tank is not obscured by landscaping or other features, and it can also provide a valuable visual guide for future services.
In addition, it’s a good idea to reduce water usage in the days leading up to your scheduled appointment. Flushing large amounts of water at one time can overload the drain field and strain the septic tank’s ability to absorb wastewater efficiently. Try to spread out laundry loads and avoid excessive dishwashing. It’s also a good idea not to flush chemical drain cleaners, as these products can disrupt the natural bacteria that break down wastewater in your septic tank and drain fields.
On the day of your septic tank pump out, you should be on-site to greet the septic service professionals and ensure that they have everything they need to get started. You can also give the technician a heads up about any particular preferences or concerns you may have for the job, which can help to set the tone for a smooth and efficient collaboration.
Once the technicians have located the tank’s access lid and uncovered it, they will begin to pump out its contents. They will typically aim to empty the tank in about an hour. Once the septic tank is emptied, the technician will check for any signs of damage or other issues that might warrant additional attention.
The Pumping Process
A professional septic tank service provider will empty your tank’s waste by connecting a high-powered hose to the opening in the septic system. The hose creates negative pressure, sucking in liquid waste. This removes the scum and water layers (also known as effluent). It also pumps out the sludge layer, which is what clogs drainfields. This septic tank pumping process is essential to keep your septic system working properly, and to protect your family from the health hazards associated with untreated sewage.
Before the service technician arrives, be sure to clear a path to the septic tank’s access point. This allows the technicians to easily locate your tank and assess its condition without disturbing too much of the surrounding area. Clearing the area will also save time and money – a few hours spent in advance of your scheduled service can reduce overall service time by 30-60 minutes.
It’s important to provide the septic tank service professionals with accurate information about your home and septic system. This helps them evaluate the condition of your tank, and recommend any necessary repairs or upgrades. It’s also helpful for them to know how many people live in your household, as this can affect your septic tank size and how often it needs to be pumped out.
The septic tank services crew will then dig up the lid of your septic tank and open it for inspection. They will check the condition of your tank and baffles, as well as inspect the inlet and outlet pipes to ensure they are in good shape. During this step, it’s a good idea to get rid of any toys or garbage that may have fallen in the tank.
After the septic tank is fully emptied, the service crew will return to your property and replace the septic tank lid. They will then clean up the debris and dirt that was removed from the septic tank area. Once the job is complete, they’ll cover the area with soil and make sure it’s safe for future septic tank use.
Post-Pumping Inspection
A thorough inspection after the pumping process helps ensure that all residual debris is eliminated from the tank and system, eliminating near-future problems. It also provides the opportunity to perform an extensive inspection of the tank and all connected parts to assess their condition. Performing an inspection after the pumping process is more comprehensive than using the inspection ports that offer limited access to the entire tank, including the sludge and scum levels.
During the post-pump inspection, technicians thoroughly examine all components, checking for signs of wear and potential failure. This includes examining the pump’s seals, bearings, impeller, and baseplate mounts. This detailed approach maximizes downtime and reduces repair costs in the future.
The inspection process can also reveal structural damage that could shorten the lifespan of the tank. An open hole, a broken baffle, or mid-seam leakage are examples of such structural damage that can be addressed with immediate repairs.
After the pumping process, your specialist can inspect the septic system and drain field for evidence of water leakage, corrosion, or other issues. The inspection can also reveal if the septic tank is at capacity, which is another important indicator of the system’s health and efficiency.
It is a good idea to conserve water usage following the pumping of the septic system, as this can help prevent any issues from arising. It’s best to avoid washing clothes, operating the dishwasher or taking long showers during this time.
Regular septic tank pumping is an essential part of maintaining your septic system. Solids build up over time, even with perfect usage, and regular septic tank pumping removes these materials before they cause serious structural or functional problems. Keeping your tank and drain field clean helps keep the microbial balance that breaks down waste and keeps your septic system in optimal working condition.