How often should the system be cleaned?

Septic tanks should be checked and cleaned regularly. However, if you have a large family, an older septic system or a garbage disposal, more frequent cleaning of the tank is advisable. Every 2 to 3 years is an average interval.

Solids, which settle down to the bottom of the tank, are broken down by bacterial action. Eventually, the remaining undigested material, known as “sludge”, accumulates and must be removed. If solids are not pumped out regularly, they will build up to a high level and can be carried from the tank into th e leaching system. These solids will clog the pipes, stone and the soil surrounding them.

For over the last 40 years, Connecticut Public Health Code regulations require that new septic tanks have a minimum capacity of 1,000 gallons and 1,250 gallons if a garbage disposal is installed. 1,250 – 1,500 gallon tanks are common for a four to five bedroom home. At a use range of 60 gallons per person per day – Code regulationconsidered average by most plumbers – a family of five uses 109,500 gallons of water a year! If the number of people in the house exceeds the average for that size dwelling, or if the septic tank is smaller than what state regulations now require, or if you have teenagers – the tank should be cleaned every one or two years until experience indicates a longer period can be allowed.

Additionally, since 2000, all new tanks are required to have a filter at the outlet. This protects the leaching system from solids held in suspension in the effluent, escaping the tank to the fields. However, if this filter is not cleaned every couple of years, it may clog, causing slow drains, seepage of effluent above the tank, or worse yet, a sewage backup into the home.

When we clean a septic tank, we start by locating the proper “door(s)” to open, removing the grass and soil over the door(s), and then visually checking to see that the tank has a normal liquid level. The technician will engage the pump of his vacuum truck and start to clean the tank. If there is a filter, he will clean that also. Once the contents have been removed from the tank he will perform another visual inspection to check for any signs of structural damage and to make sure that the tank has the proper inlet and/or outlet baffles or tees in place. Once the tank door(s) are replaced and the soil and sod restored, our technician will spend a minute or two with you to give you his report and perhaps a tip or two.