If you rely on a septic tank for your home’s waste management, there are two key maintenance tasks that you can’t ignore: septic tank cleaning and pumping. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, there are a few distinctions between them.
What Is Septic Tank Cleaning?
Septic tank cleaning refers to the removal of solid waste, sludge, and scum that builds up inside the tank over time. Professional septic technicians first suction out the accumulated sludge and wastewater. This is then followed by removing any built-up solids that are stuck to the sides and bottom of the tank. For this, they use special equipment like vacuum hoses and agitators to stir up the contents of the tank and suction out the accumulated solids.
What Is Septic Tank Pumping?
On the other hand, septic tank pumping focuses on suctioning out the scum and solids that have accumulated on top of the wastewater. The goal is to remove enough built-up solids to allow the wastewater to flow properly again from the home to the drain field. This process is done routinely every 3-5 years and is the one most people tend to be most familiar with.
When Do You Need Septic Tank Cleaning?
In many cases, a septic service provider will recommend septic tank cleaning when a tank inspection reveals the need to do more extensive maintenance, or when a homeowner needs to empty a tank before repairs or replacements. However, it’s still possible to pair it with septic tank pumping. By doing so, you’ll increase the frequency of your tank’s maintenance, making it easier to remove waste before it solidifies on your tank’s walls and bottom.
At John E. Byrd, Jr. Trucking and Tractor Service LLC, our team offers both septic tank cleaning and pumping services in Hillsborough, North Carolina and the surrounding areas. If you’re unsure about which service you need between the two, we’d be happy to assess your needs. Get in touch with us today.