Septic Pumping in Culver City, CA

How Does the Septic System Work?

Knowing how the septic system works can help you better understand the value and importance of routine septic service.

When you flush the toilets or use your sinks and appliances, the waste and wastewater travel down the drains and into the septic tank installed outside. This watertight container is typically buried underground and can hold between 500 to 2,000 gallons.

As waste and wastewater enter the septic tank, they naturally separate into 3 layers: a top layer of scum, a middle layer of wastewater, and a bottom layer of solid waste. Helpful bacteria in the tank gets to work, breaking down the waste. The wastewater, or liquid effluent, flows out of the septic tank through the outlet pipe and toward the drain field where it percolates through the soil for final treatment.

The solid waste and scum, meanwhile, must stay in the septic tank. Helpful bacteria helps make the most of the space in the septic tank by breaking down solid waste into dense, space-saving sludge. Even sludge, however, builds up and can threaten to clog and overwhelm the septic system.

What Happens When the Septic Tank Reaches Capacity?

The septic tank can only hold so much sludge and waste. Eventually, it must be pumped out – but when? This depends on factors like the size of your septic tank, the number of people in your household, your activity levels, the working condition of the septic system, and so forth. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests the traditional septic system be pumped once every 3 to 5 years, but other models may need more frequent septic pumping.

If you delay your septic pumping in Culver City, you can expect sludge and waste to get into the pipes and cause all sorts of headaches like sewage backups, leaks, and even a septic system failure.

What is Septic Cleaning?

Often confused or equated with septic pumping, septic cleaning is a more comprehensive job involving pumping the tank as well as cleaning the walls and crevices of the septic tank. This septic service is meant to remove stubborn gunk and muck, thereby increasing flow rate and reducing the risk of clogs and other issues.

It is typically advised to schedule a septic cleaning in Culver City once every other septic pumping appointment. It is also advisable to go straight for a septic cleaning if it has been over 5 years since your last septic pumping.

If you want to leave the septic service to a reputable and established septic company, then call the professionals at Rooter Man Plumbing. We are ready to take your call and schedule an appointment or arrange urgent assistance today.