Who pumps septic tanks?

Septic system professionals pump septic tanks. Pros in different states will have different licensing and certification regulations. Make sure the company you hire is licensed and certified, is a legitimate business, and has the appropriate insurance. Damage to your septic system could cost thousands of dollars in cleanup and repair, so it’s best to hire a qualified professional from the start.

Using an industrial-strength vacuum hose connected to a tanker truck, the septic tank company will pump out the contents of your tank. First they break up the scum of the top layer, then mix the sludge (on the bottom) into the wastewater for removal. To get all the sludge and scum from the tank, pros may use a tool called a septage spoon that loosens stubborn waste from the sides of the tank. After the tank is hosed down and empty, it is inspected for any cracks or leaks that could lead to trouble in the future. The waste in the truck is then transported and disposed of at a waste management treatment center, a cesspool or an approved dumping site.