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Top Septic Tank Cleaning Questions

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You asked. We answered.

What happens when a septic tank is cleaned?

  1. Tanks that have access lids without risers need to be cleared of dirt before opening, and this requires digging, which can take more time to service. Conventional septic tanks generally have one or two compartments, so it’s crucial to use the access lids located on top of each compartment’s tank. Your servicer should never pump out a tank from the four-inch PVC located cleanout between the house and the tank. Next, the pumper will insert the hose in the tank and agitate the wastewater to break up the heavy solids to clean the tank.
  2. If heavy solids were found in the tank, we rinse out the tank after the wastewater is pumped out.
  3. We check the tanks for apparent issues (such as missing baffles, roots, corrosion, cracks, etc.), but pumping the tank alone is not considered an inspection of the system.
  4. After pumping is complete, we reattach the lids and backfill with the same soil that covered them.

How long will it take?

  1. The length of time it takes to pump a septic tank depends on a few factors, such as the depth of the access lids and more:
  2. How easy or hard is to locate the tank. A tank with exposed lids will be easy to find, while a tank with buried lids may not be so easy.
  3. How easy or hard it is to uncover the lids from under the soil.
  4. How many lids are there? Each lid will add more time to the service.
  5. The deeper the tank is buried, the more time it takes to access it.
  6. How heavy the sludge is in the tank can affect the amount of time it takes to service it.
  7. How close the truck can get to the tank determines pump time also. The further the distance, the longer it may take.
  8. Also, if the service truck has to park uphill from the tank, this may add time.

Does anyone need to be home?

Since the work is generally performed outside, the homeowner should not need to be present for the tank pumping service. We have procedures to handle what we need through the website, phone, or email. We can accommodate you whether you can be there or not.

How can I pay?

We accept cash, check, or credit card. Payment is due at the time of service, so if you cannot be present, we ask for a credit card to hold until after the job is complete. Because most customers pay by check or credit card, our technicians do not carry change for cash payment.

Does Van Delden Wastewater Systems send a reminder when it’s time to pump my tank again?

We send reminders via email and postcard for customers that have not had their system pumped in at least three years. The recommended pumping frequency is usually an average of every 3-5 years. Because there are so many variables to determine when the as to when each tank will need to be pumped, we begin reminding customers to pump their tank after three years.

There may be variations on time and steps depending on the system type. The steps above are for a conventional septic tank. If you are interested in knowing more about steps for an aerobic system, stay tuned for our next blog!

To schedule a service, call (210) 890-2778 or Contact us online.

Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash


For 86+ years, Van Delden Wastewater Systems has withstood the test of time as the leading Wastewater System company, providing San Antonio, Boerne, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country with services you can count on now and in the future. 

Call us for any of your wastewater systems needs and let our professionals help you with your septic installation and maintenance requirements: 210.698.2000 (San Antonio) or 830.249.4000 (Boerne).


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Licensed by the Texas Commission of Envirotnmental Quality (TCEQ)
Certified by the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT)