Does the Septic Need Pumped?

Our septic tank was last pumped in march 2007, It is a 500 gallon tank and is small by todays standards, I was trying to determine the layer of buildup at the bottom of the tank to see if we should have it pumped. It didn't seem really bad at the bottom, maybe 2-4 inches of crud, but the top scum layer was really tall. I guess its all of the soap and grease and hair that makes it to the tank that forms the top layer.
I intended to make this video more informative but the smell from the tank made it hard for me to talk without gagging, and the camera wouldn't pick up inside of the tank real well. I could of put the camera in the tank a bit show what it looked like but while my camera is not fancy its my only one and I didn't want to lose it in the tank.
We are going to have the tank pumped out.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• inspecting
• the
• septic
• tank
• time
• to
• pump
• out

[texaslivewire360]

Yeah, it stinks....what were you looking for in there-a turkey sandwich??

[morbidangelofdeath1]

when it's overflowing into the yard THEN you know it's time to pump it out. if not,then don't worry about it.

[AbnerSolano]

I laughed so hard! This is hilarious!

[crispyspa]

@core251 Sheldon?

[crispyspa]

@MrJimmycesspool In my township, it's mandated to have the septic pumped every other year, or we get a hefty fine.

[MrJimmycesspool]

every 3-5 years is whats recommended take it from a pro close to 10 years i been pumping septics and we always recommend 3-5 years between pumpings

[T3RRABYT3]

how do you know if they ate a lot of corn

[highcountrytimber]

I love the site of of a ful tank! Time for a snack.

[core251]

Referencing the title of the video: There is no such thing as "a septic". The word "septic" is an adjective, never a noun. You of course meant septic tank as you stated in your description.

This drives me nuts. I expect it from idiots who don't know any better, but certainly not from someone who is actually going to get his hands dirty and monkey with the thing.

[CossentinoSeptic]

You are very lucky to have gotten 30 years out of your system especially with only a 500 gallon holding tank. That is great! Regular pumping and maintenance are the way to go but it looks like a new system is in your future. Inner compartments/baffles of the tank appear to be failing. Best of luck.

[rustyr101]

The tank is not operating correctly. The center baffle wall is clearly broken. Solids are passing into the secondary compartment and being released into the disposal field/seepage pit. The solids passing into the disposal component will lead to premature septic system failure. REPLACE THE TANK. Don't be penny smart and dollar foolish.