Septic Tank Pumping Versus Cleaning, Is There a Difference?
In the world of septic tanks, the words “pumping” and “cleaning” are frequently used interchangeably, even though they mean different things. Pumping is the removal of liquid and floating solids/sludge, and cleaning is the removal of the water and any compacted sludge found at the bottom of the tank. So if you are contacting a septic tank pumping service, make sure to use the correct terminology.
This difference may seem minor, but it can make a huge impact on your system’s performance. Here are a few things to be on the lookout for when receiving a thorough pumping and cleaning job.
Septic pumping versus cleaning
Every septic pumping company will remove sludge using a vacuum truck; however, how much of a thorough job they do will depend on whether they “pump” or “clean.”
Some companies will insert their vacuum in the tank and suck out the liquids which are pumping. However, the correct way will be to remove all the liquids and solids, which is cleaning.
Factors affecting septic cleaning
Irregular pumping/cleaning
If your tank is pumped every 3-5 years, the solids can be removed easily. The thicker the sludge is, the harder it is to remove. Sometimes when the sludge is heavy, extra water is needed to break down the solids using a high-pressure water nozzle. Occasionally, solids are so thick they can’t be broken down. With these instances, re-pumping the tank in 6 -12 months will be needed.
Invading roots
Heavy roots will often become entangled with solids. If these can’t be removed, they and the entangled sludge will remain in the tank.
Access lid size
If the access opening is only a few inches big, the vacuum truck hose may not be able to reach all the way into the tank.
If you would like to make an appointment with a professional septic tank pumping service, feel free to call Statewide Septic by Dwayne at (786) 808-7910 today if you live in or around the Plantation, FL region.