Why Should I Pump A Septic Tank For Inspection
Pumping a septic tank before an inspection is an important part of any septic inspection for several reasons:
Visibility: Pumping allows the inspector to see below the effluent line and into every part of the tank, which can help determine if it's watertight, structurally sound, and operating properly. It also allows the inspector to view the baffle wall, which separates the tank's inlet portion from the tank's outlet portion.
Non-compostable materials: Pumping can reveal non-compostable items like wipes, tampons, and kitty litter that might have built up in the tank. Septic systems cannot break down materials such as those listed. If left to build up over time, these items can potentially prevent the system from operating at optimum levels and may decrease operating capacity.
Damage: Pumping can also reveal damage to the tank below the effluent line. When the tank is full, inspectors cannot adequately see through the multiple layers of effluent. Pumping allows inspectors to view as much of the internal area of the tank as possible.
Inlet and outlet tees: Once the tank is pumped, the inspector can check the inlet and outlet tees to ensure they're intact and working properly. Older systems rely on concrete baffles rather than PVC. Over time, these baffles can break down.
Filter: If the tank has a filter, the inspector can clean it of any buildup. Filters should never be removed unless the tank is pumped. The main purpose of the filter is to keep unwanted components from entering the drain field and damming the leach lines.
Our inspectors are trained and certified to understand how a system is supposed to work and why each step is important to each inspection we provide.
