What is the Difference Between Pumping and Cleaning

Any evacuation of a septic tank that does not remove the solids is what we refer to as a service pump. This is done only when the system needs emergency relief, or in some cases where the customer does not want to dig down to the manholes. American Septic Service explains to the customer that this general pumping will not remove the solids. If they still want the pump, we pump the tank. Cleaning is when a larger access is presented, such as 24" manholes, a 4' by 5' lid removed, or in some cases, we will use our mixing machine through two 8" ports that have been enlarged. It is IMPOSSIBLE to remove any solids through a small port. Here’s a good illustration. If you drink the soda in an ice cream soda, what is left? The solid ball of ice cream remains in the glass. The same holds true with your septic tank. If you evacuated the liquid through a small port, the solids will remain in the tank.

Remember, your septic tank is not a landfill. The only thing that should be going into your septic tank is toilet paper and bodily waste. Items that do not decompose make the scum thicker and cause the tank to backup.

No non decomposables	Lots of non-decomposables