I had my tank pumped out last week. Is it possible that it's full already?

Not only is it possible, it’s necessary. Septic tanks are designed to operate full for proper water/solids separation.

Is there anything I can put in my tank to avoid pumping?

No. Some of the material in the tank is not biodegradable. This material must be pumped out.

My system backed up recently for the first time in many years. Why should I start maintaining now?

Even though the backup may have been caused by broken pipes, tree roots intruding into your lines, or some other obstruction, it is also possible that this backup is the first sign of system failure.

The drainage in my house seems to be sluggish and sometimes temporarily backs up. I also sometimes have a foul odor and mushy ground in my backyard. Are these signs of septic system failure?

These may or may not be signs of a deteriorating septic system. Contact us to discuss these problems.

How often should I have my septic tank pumped?

We recommend having your tank pumped every 2-5 years depending on how many people live in the home.

Tank Locations - Septic System Professionals

TANK LOCATIONS / CONFIGURATION

Location of tanks: In all honesty, tanks can be found almost everywhere underground. However, they are typically around 6 feet away from the lavatory. You can also follow the house’s roof’s vents. It might be on file with Clark County. We do, however, have an electronic tank locator that can discover it if everything else fails. A transmitter is flushed down the toilet, and we then follow it to the tank. It is perfectly true. So call me before you make your property appear as though you had a mole on steroids.

Our typical tank configuration is seen here. There are typically an inlet lid and an outlet lid. This tank may have one or two compartments. Both must be opened up for inspection.

A very typical 1250 gallon tank is seen here. Five lids are present. For the inspection, four must be accessible. Inlet, Outlet, and the covers for both pump chambers. Only when there is an issue is the cross-over lid required to be opened.

A typical, one chamber, single lid tank is shown below. There is only one way to determine if it has two lids. Dig in and join the fun.

The one below is identical to the one above but has two lids. Their sizes differ. Measuring it is the only way to determine its size.

An ATU, or aerobic treatment unit, is shown below. Its purpose is to expedite the breakdown process by supplying a tonne of oxygen. The trash side of the inlet lid. The baffle cleanout lid follows, which requires annual cleaning. In the middle is ATU. then an outlet, which may or may not include a pump. according to the arrangement.

Tank configuration: I created these illustrations for people who enjoy participating in the pumping process. For everyone who wants to assist, we also provide gloves in all sizes.