4 Ways to Prepare for a Septic Pumping
Properly maintaining your home's septic system means periodically having it pumped. The following can help you prepare for a septic pumping appointment.
1. Locate the Access Point
Knowing where your septic access point is located can save the service time, which in turn saves you money. Most septic pumping services charge a finder's fee if they have to locate the access point since it does take up time and resources. If this is your first time having the tank pumped, there are a few things you can do to help locate the access point. It may be included in the documents given to you when you purchased the home. Alternatively, if plans for your lot are on file with the local county offices, you may be able to get them there. Failing this, pay the finder's fee but make sure you are alerted to the access location for future service visits.
2. Clean Up the Landscape
Landscaping issues around the access point can make it more difficult for the septic pumping service to perform its job. Mulch, in particular, is a hazard because it can get kicked into the tank accidentally and it doesn't do well in a septic system. Rake away any mulch or debris from around the access cover. Trim back grass or other plants that have grown up around the cover as well so that they don't get in the way of the pumping crew.
3. Clear for Truck Access
Depending on the location of the access cover, the pump trunk may be able to park in the street or in your driveway, or they may need to drive onto your property. If they must drive onto your property, then clear a path so that they can do so safely and without damaging the landscaping. Make sure automatic sprinklers heads aren't in the way of the truck access and turn off the system so it doesn't go off during pumping. Further, use lawn flags to indicate the borders for the drain field and the buried septic location so the pump truck doesn't drive over them.
4. Note Other Issues
If there have been any other issues with your septic, make sure to let your pump crew know. For example, if the system is badly in need of pumping so backups have been occurring in the house, the pump crew may also need to clean out your drains to ensure all the sewage is gone.
Contact a septic pumping service if you have any further questions about your tank's maintenance needs.
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