Lilly's Septic Tank Pumping Service
King County Septic System and Drainfield Experts
(425) 432-3084 *(253) 639-3606 * (360) 825-4809
 
Septic Tank Cleaning / Pumping - Septic Tank Pumping on a regular schedule will improve your system's efficiency and keep it running smoothly. But using a quick "get in and get out" Septic Tank Pumping service could spell costly trouble down the road.
Your Septic Tank should be pumped every 3 to 5 years depending on household size and usage. Regular Septic System pumping of the Septic Tank will reduce accumulation of scum layer in the Septic Tank. The scum layer (shown in diagram below) should never reach 24 inches thick, if the material reaches 24 inches and beyond in depth there is a risk that material will flow into the outlet pipe and into the drainfield, causing drainfield failure.
In a Pressure Distribution Septic System, the excess material can travel into the pump tank causing, the effluent (sewage) Pump to be damaged or failure and material being pumped out to the drainfield laterals essentially causing Septic system (Drainfield) failure.
When the Scum Layer in the tank reaches more than 24 inches in the tank, not only do you risk damaging the Drainfield but excess material charges may apply to the cost of pumping the septic tank. Material over 24" is considered excess & extra costs are incured to dispose of the excess waste, more gallonage taken onto the pump truck, extra labor & time than would be normaly on a tank that has been pumped every 3 to 5 years.
To have the Septic Tank pumped you will need to locate your main compartment & 2nd compartment of the tank. It is best to uncover the baffle lids as well, so we can check your inlet baffle for blockages and clean the screen in the outlet baffle (if one is installed - highly recommended).
Lilly's Septic Tank Service can locate and dig the tank lids for you if you prefer not to or you do not know where the lids are located.
We can obtain an As-Built drawing from King County for you (NO charge). An As-Built will give the general location of the septic tank but will not give the exact location of the lids.
Septic Tank Diagrams:
Single Compartment 750 - 950 Gallon Septic Tank: Install up to approx 1975
Pumping should be performed in 3 year intervalls due to capacity of these tanks
Two Compatment 1000 Gallon Septic Tank: Installed 1975 to 2009
should be pumped in 3 - 5 year intervalls depending on household size
and other contributing factors. Outlet filter should be checked and cleaned
yearly to avoid backups.
Lilly's recomends pumping the Pump Tank every other pumping unless you are experiencing a problem with the effluent pump. Below is a diagram of a typical Pump Tank.
Typical Pump Tank/Chamber: Installed primarily after 1990 on most but not all Septic systems. Most likely you will have only one access lid on the typical
Pump Tank.
Need help locating your lids? check out the Locating & Digging page
Give us a call to schedule your Septic Tank Pumping Today!
(425) 432-3084 * (253) 639-3606 * (360) 825-4809
Serving King & Pierce County including: Maple Valley, Ravensdale, Hobart, Enumclaw, Black Diamond, Covington,Issaquah, Sammamish, Kent, Renton, Auburn, Federal Way - Greenwater, Buckley, Lake Tapps, Puyallup, Tacoma
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