Even by adhering to the daily best practices of using a septic system, you will need it to be routinely inspected, maintained, and – less frequently – pumped. Even if you’re a handy mechanic, craftsman, or experienced blue-collar professional, you should leave these steps to licensed service professionals at Atlantic Sewage. You can be prepared for a visit from our service personnel by locating your septic tank in advance. This way, when we arrive, you can report the location and speed up the inspection process!
Where is my septic tank?
The inlet pipe from the building is generally connected to the front of the septic tank. In order to locate it, see which way your drainage pipes point out of your building from the basement or other service room. Follow them to the inlet pipe and the lid of the tank will be within a few feet.
Inspection: By signing up for an annual check-in with Atlantic Sewage, you can keep up-to-date records detailing the state of your system. This ensures that you and your service professional will see when your system is due for its next pump. Don’t try to do this step on your own! Harmful gases and chemicals contained within your septic tank can be dangerous to approach. Our licensed professionals wear the necessary gear, have the necessary training, and use the best tools for conducting inspections on septic systems.
What happens during the inspection?
Our professionals determine the overall health of the system by assessing the scum and sludge levels present in your septic tank. Through a complete inspection, Atlantic Sewage personnel note the proximity of the scum and sludge to the bottom of the outlet on the tank, which ultimately helps them determine if it is ready for its next pump. A good rule of thumb for getting service on your septic system is once every 3-5 years, though this can vary depending on how well you are following good septic hygiene procedures.
Pumping and Maintenance
Multiple factors play into determining the frequency of getting your system pumped from building size and total wastewater generated, to volume of solids in the wastewater and septic tank size. However, with regular inspections, Atlantic Sewage professionals can help you determine when it is ready to be cleared.
If you are ever smelling foul, foreign odors coming from drains, toilets, or sinks, this could be a sign that you need a maintenance check-in and potential repair – something is clogging up your system and needs to be handled by a professional!