3 Ways That Regular Septic Tank Pumping Can Improve Wastewater Treatment

Septic tank pumping is a crucial maintenance step that involves cleaning out wastewater and solid waste inside the tank. This exercise isn't just about emptying a full septic tank—it can also improve the performance of the system. Therefore, you don't have to wait for your tank to overflow to pump it. Pumping and cleaning the system every two or three years can eliminate the risk of overflows and failure. Check out these three ways frequent pump-outs can improve wastewater treatment. 

Restore the Tank's Bacteria Count 

Septic systems rely on aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to break down organic waste into effluent and sludge. Inside the septic tank, there is less oxygen available; therefore, anaerobic bacteria are the main type of bacteria that break down waste. Your system needs to maintain a healthy count of bacteria to speed up waste breakdown. 

Chemical waste such as paint thinners, solvents, and pesticides dumped into the drains can kill the anaerobic bacteria inside the tank. This slows down the breakdown of organic waste, causing the septic tank to fill up faster. Frequent pump-outs remove chemicals inside the tank, allowing the bacteria to multiply. As a result, the bacteria can break down organic waste more effectively. 

Prevent Organic Overloading

Organic substances such as food debris and other organic waste can cause an overload inside your septic system. Although anaerobic bacteria can break down the waste, they may get overwhelmed by large quantities of organic matter. The solid waste may end up in the drain field without proper breakdown, blocking the pipes and slowing down effluent treatment and discharge. 

If you regularly dump organic substances into your drains, you must pump the tank to prevent an organic overload. During a pump-out, the contractor gets rid of all liquid and solid waste inside the tank. This relieves the system of excess amounts of organic matter, allowing effective waste breakdown and treatment. 

Eliminate Inorganic Waste Buildup

The anaerobic bacteria inside the septic tank cannot break down inorganic waste, such as wet wipes, diapers, and synthetic fiber lint. Instead, the nonbiodegradable solids settle at the bottom of the tank, creating a buildup. This waste occupies valuable space inside the system, causing it to fill up faster than it should. Pumping the tank gets rid of this buildup, freeing up space inside the tank for wastewater and organic matter. 

For your septic system to work optimally, you must clear out inorganic waste and ensure that the anaerobic bacteria break down organic matter efficiently. Therefore, if you haven't cleaned the tank in a long time, contact a septic contractor for professional septic tank pumping services.   

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