Septic Tank Cleaning

The reason for pumping a septic tank is to prevent solids from building up to a point where they begin overflowing and exiting the septic tank and potentially plugging other components of the septic system. With today’s modern systems, we recommend a minimum of every 2 years. The number of people who live in your house also plays a role in the recommended pumping frequency. Many municipalities are adopting this minimum 2-year guideline.

A trained professional from Micsky Excavating & Septic Systems can locate the tank based on variations in the ground. There are also locating devices designed for this task, like probe rods and electronic locating equipment that can be flushed down the toilet.

The most common, harmful items we routinely find being used in the household are cleaning products containing chlorine bleach (laundry or toilet bowl cleaners) or salt brine backwash from water softeners. 

Many septic system manufacturers void all company warranties if salt brine backwash is found to be discharging into the septic system.

Some products will never break down; they should be thrown in the trash:

• Bandage wrappers
• Bones
• Cigarette butts 
• Coffee grounds
• Condoms
• Dental floss
• Disposable diapers
• Plastic bandages
• Sanitary napkins
• Tampon applicators
• Tampons

If you flush these items, they'll build up in your septic tank. In addition, petroleum-based and latex paints will inactivate the bacteria located inside your septic tank and can pollute the groundwater.

The bacteria located in the septic tank cannot efficiently digest the waste from a garbage disposal unit.  More frequent tank pumping would result and the potential for excessive solids passing through the septic tank would increase the chances of premature failure for the entire septic system.  We strongly recommend not using a garbage disposal when connected to a septic system.