Septic Pumping Services

How Often Should I Have my Septic System Pumped?

You will know if your system needs to be pumped when you get your inspection report. Our inspectors measure to determine if you are ready for a pump. If you are experiencing gurgling in toilets, sinks or spongy soil around your septic tank lids that may be an indication that your system needs to be checked. Clallam County requires septic systems be pumped when the sludge layer exceeds 12 inches or a combined value of solid material of 18 inches or more. Please call our office for our recommended service based on your septic system symptoms.

Variables that Influence Septic Pumping Frequency;

A number of life style habits can contribute to your total volume accumulated. Such as the chemicals used in your home that enter your septic system. The number of occupants in the home, and what type of toilet paper being used. Please see our Septic Do's and Don'ts at the bottom of this page to help support a healthy system.

How a Septic System Works

The typical septic system consists of a septic tank and some type of a disposal drain field. The septic tank collects all the wastewater from the kitchen, bathroom and laundry and then separates the solids from the liquids. The septic tank is designed to use naturally occurring bacteria to digest organic matter and separate floatable materials like oils and grease while the solids settle out from the wastewater. 

Modern septic tanks are divided into two chambers. In the first chamber, heavy solids settle to the bottom to form a sludge layer; greases and soaps float to the top to form the scum layer. Bacteria begin to work on the solids and partially digest them. The liquid portion between the two layers, called effluent, then flows into the second chamber where additional settling and digestion occurs. The outlet baffle prevents the sludge and scum from leaving the tank. The addition of an outlet screen can further help extend the life of your septic system by preventing even finer waste particles from escaping the septic tank to clog soil pores in the drain field.

We are licensed to provide septic pumping services in Clallam County.