What to Expect During a Septic Pump-Out
- dsportable
- Oct 15
- 2 min read
If you’re a homeowner with a septic system, regular pump-outs are essential to keeping things running smoothly. But if you’ve never had it done—or if it’s been a while—you might be wondering: What actually happens during a septic pump-out?
At D&S Septic Services, we believe in transparency and helping our customers understand the process, so here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect.
How Long Does It Take?
Most standard septic pump-outs take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the tank size, accessibility, and how full it is. Our team works efficiently but thoroughly to make sure the job is done right the first time.
🛻 Step-by-Step: What Happens During the Visit
1. Arrival and Locating the Tank
When we arrive, our first task is to locate your septic tank. If you know exactly where it is—great! If not, we can help find it. It’s usually a good idea to have the tank lid(s) exposed before the appointment to save time.
2. Opening the Tank and Inspection
Once we uncover the lid, we’ll open the tank and perform a visual inspection. We check the sludge and scum levels, look for signs of damage or wear, and confirm everything is functioning properly.
3. Pumping Out the Waste
Next, we insert a large vacuum hose into the tank and pump out the waste. This includes solids (sludge), grease, and liquid waste. Our trucks are equipped to safely haul the material away for proper disposal.
4. Quick System Check and Recommendations
While the tank is empty, it’s the perfect time to check for early warning signs of trouble—like cracks, loose baffles, or backflow from the drainfield. We’ll let you know if anything looks off and recommend next steps, if needed.
5. Clean-Up and Closure
Once everything is pumped and visually inspected, we’ll securely replace the lid and clean up the area. You’ll receive a record of the service for your maintenance history.
What Should You Do to Prepare?
Clear access to the tank (move vehicles, furniture, etc.)
Let us know if you’ve had any recent problems (slow drains, odors, soggy ground)
Mark the tank location if possible
Secure pets indoors during the visit
How Often Should You Schedule a Pump-Out?
For most households, a pump-out every 3 to 5 years is recommended. However, this can vary depending on the size of your tank, the number of people in your household, township regulations and your usage habits.
Ready to Book Your Septic Service?
Whether it’s your first pump-out or just time for a routine visit, D&S Septic Services is here to make the process easy, clean, and stress-free.
Proudly serving Berks, Lehigh, Northampton and portions of Schuylkill counties for over 15 years.
📞 610-488-5294
