How to pump out / clean a septic tank, step by step photo-illustrated guide
Before starting, some safety warnings for septic pumpers and homeowners
When to pump the septic tank - why now?
Other Reasons to Pump the Septic Tank besides just passage of time
How to find the septic tank
How to open the septic tank cover; removing the septic tank cover
How to Inspect before pumping the septic tank;
How the pumper truck or vacuum truck is operated
Actually pumping out the septic tank; septic tank inspections while pumping
Washing the septic tank after pumping, inspecting the tank after pumping
Closing the septic tank
How to record the septic tank location, advising homeowners
Our site offers impartial, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest.
We will block advertisements which we discover or readers inform us are associated with bad business practices,
false-advertising, or junk science. Our contact info is at
InspectAPedia.com/appointment.htm.
This document explains reasons for pumping the septic tank at times other than those provided by septic tank pumping tables.
Readers should see Septic Tank Pumping Frequency Guide for a table explaining when to schedule a septic cleanout. Citation of this article by reference to this website and brief quotation for the sole purpose of review are permitted. Use of this information at other websites, in books or pamphlets for sale is reserved to the author. Technical reviewers are welcome and are listed at "References."
At When to Pump and in the table shown at Septic Tank Pumping Frequency Guide we've discussed the basic guidelines and tables used to determine when a septic tank should be pumped. But There are other reasons besides time or sludge/scum layer thickness that lead people to pump septic tanks out. Here's a list of other reasons to pump the septic tank along with links to more details:
Before the party: you can reduce the chances of a septic system backup as well as avoiding overloading the drainfield if you have the septic tank pumped right before any anticipated heavy usage such as having many visitors or having a large party with many guests in your home. We discuss this suggestion in detail at Septic Backup Prevention.
Septic Pumping in Response to Sewage backups: pumping a septic tank because drains are backing up in the building is a "band aid" that
gives very short relief since the tank will fill again quickly, perhaps in just a day or so of use.
The reason for the septic backup needs to be determined. If the septic system is backing up because the tank is totally blocked
by solid waste the tank needs to be pumped but the owner needs to be warned that the drain field has been damaged and
has less remaining life.
If the septic system is backing up because the drain field itself is failing and refuses to accept
effluent, the drain field needs to be replaced. See Sewage Backup Diagnosis & Hazards in Buildings
If the septic system drains are clogged the clog needs to be found and cleared.
(See Clogged Drain Diagnosis)
Houses being sold: often an owner or realtor will arrange for a septic tank to be pumped just before a home inspection
or before a septic system inspection or septic loading and dye test. Such a "favor" performed for the buyer is in fact
preventing a valid septic inspection and test since an empty tank means the drain field can't be tested.
This is a fraudulent act and should not be tolerated.
(See When Not to Pump a Septic Tank)
Septic tanks exposed to flood conditions need to be pumped and inspected as the tank may have been
filled with backing up silt or mud.
(See SEPTIC FLOOD RESPONSE)
Filled cesspools are often "repaired" by pumping and perhaps by other means such as agitating the
cesspool bottom or sides. If a cesspool is found filled to within 6-12" of the top of the unit it is at end of
life and needs replacement. Pumping some cesspools risks dangerous cave-ins or collapse.
(See Cesspool Safety Warnings)
Evidence of Septic Failure such as effluent on the property surface in the drain field area or odors
leads some people to pump the septic tank. As cited in our first example above, "Sewage backups", this is a futile
effort and other diagnosis and repair are needed.
See
Sewage odors sometimes lead people to pump septic tanks. Pumping is not likely to correct a sewer gas
problem though tank inspection may provide some information about system condition.
(See Diagnosing & Curing Sewer Gas Smells and Septic Tank Odors.)
Critique, contributions wanted: Contact Us to suggest corrections or additions to articles at this website, and if you wish, to receive online listing and credit as a contributor. Particular thanks are due to the many experts and also consumers who read and critique technical articles at InspectAPedia.com.
Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.
Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.
Special thanks to M & O Sanitation, Dutchess County NY (845) 471-0308 for permitting us to photograph steps during septic system service at our demonstration property.
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
Our recommended books about building design, inspection, and repair, and about indoor environment testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore.
Septic Tank Inspection Procedure - How to Inspect Septic Tanks and evaluate the septic tank condition, baffles, sludge levels, damage, evidence of septic failure, etc.
Planting Over Septic Systems: trees, shrubs, groundcover over the septic system: what can you plant over or near septic system components without causing a problem?
SPOTTING SEPTIC BREAKOUTS - Spotting Dyed Septic Effluent Breakout Outside - Where Septic Dye is Likely to Show Up During a Septic Dye
Pennsylvania State Fact Sheets relating to septic systems & domestic wastewater treatment systems include
Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-161, Septic System Failure: Diagnosis and Treatment
Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-162, The Soil Media and the Percolation Test
Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-l64, Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment
Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-165, Septic Tank-Soil Absorption Systems
Document Sources used for this web page include but are not limited to: Agricultural Fact Sheet #SW-161 "Septic Tank Pumping," by Paul D. Robillard and
Kelli S. Martin. Penn State College of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension, edited and annotated by
Dan Friedman (Thanks: to Bob Mackey for proofreading the original source material.)
InspectAPedia® Home & Site Map - Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair, & Problem Prevention Advice: In-depth research & advice on diagnosing, testing, correcting, & preventing building defects & indoor environmental hazards. Unbiased information, no conflicts of interest.
The Mold Information Center: What to Do About Mold in Buildings, When and How to Inspect for Mold, Clean Up Mold, or Avoid Mold Problems
Environmental Inspection, Testing, & Diagnosis On-Site IAQ, Gas, Air Testing, Mold Investigation, Sick Building Diagnosis, Lab Services, & Remediation Plan Preparation - indoor air quality testing, problem source determination, supporting lab work, written remediation plan addressing removal of environmental and other hazards and prevention of their recurrence.
Website en espanol 
Website en Francais 
Website en Portugese 
InspectAPedia ® Home & Site Map 
InspectAPedia® Home & Site Map
