The typical cleaning cycle is to pump the septic tank every 3 years. Many local townships have adopted ordinances requiring residents to clean their tanks on a 3-year schedule.

Of course, where local ordinances allow, a home with a large system and very light use can go longer between cleanings, while one with a small system or heavy use may need more frequent pumping. At Winding Creek Septic , we help you determine what is best for you and your situation.

Septic tanks are designed with a large opening and lid, usually about 2 feet across, for cleaning. It is best for that lid to be exposed and the tank to be pumped through that larger opening.

There are several alternative style systems in our area now, systems using sand or peat filters, stream discharge, and drip irrigation micro-mounds. Winding Creek Septic can clean your system and determine its maintenance needs.

The best practice is to clean all the tanks in a typical system. The pump is elevated from the floor of the tank to prevent settling solids from being pumped into the mound. Cleaning the pump tank helps keep those solids from entering your sand mound and shortening its lifespan.

At Winding Creek Septic, we believe the best practice is to remove all the liquids and solids from your septic tank. Often companies that claim they are returning “only the clear liquids” back into your system are really trying to save themselves from paying the hauling and disposal costs at your expense. The best way to ensure that the tank is properly cleaned is for everything to be removed.