InspectAPedia®   -   Search InspectApedia

PHOTO of the septic tank opening after the cover has been removed. How & Why to Inspect the Septic Tank Before Pumping & Cleaning

  • POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about septic tank inspection procedures: what problems should we check for before beginning the septic tank pumpout?

Septic tank inspection before pumping:

What to look for and what it means. Information visible in the septic tank before pumping it can be very diagnostic about the condition of both the septic tank and the drainfield.

This septic tank pumpout article series provides a step by step, photo-illustrated guide to opening, pumping, and inspecting septic tanks, how a conventional septic tank is located, opened, pumped out, cleaned, and inspected.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Inspect the Septic Tank Before Pumping Begins

PHOTO of the septic tank cleanout cover being removed.A Photographic Guide to Pumping a Septic Tank - what should be inspecdted before beginning to pump a septic tank.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Article contents

As the septic tank cleanout cover is lifted clear of the tank the worker keeps his back straight to avoid injury.

Notice that the worker above has also spread his feet and found secure footing before lifting the tank cover. Slipping at this point can lead to a serious injury or even to falling into the septic tank.

PHOTO of the septic tank opening after the cover has been removed.

Once the septic tank cover has been removed, we can observe that the level of sewage in the tank is at a normal level (Second photo ). Low sewage level in an in-use system would indicate a leaky or damaged septic tank.

Before starting tank pumping, inspect:

PHOTO of a modern concrete septic tank baffle

PHOTO of a repair at a septic tank leak at its
inlet pipe


...

Continue reading  at SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Septic Pumping Procedure & Pumper Truck Operation Articles

Suggested citation for this web page

INSPECT the SEPTIC TANK BEFORE PUMPING at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.


Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.

Search the InspectApedia website

Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, photograph, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. Apologies for the delay.

Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like.
You will not receive a notification
when a response to your question has been posted.
Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response.
Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca

Comment Form is loading comments...

Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.



ADVERTISEMENT