Why Pumping Your Own Septic Tank Is Riskier Than You Think
Have you ever asked yourself, “Can I pump my own septic tank?” If so, Acme shares some information to help you decide.
DIY projects can be fun, more affordable, and save time. However, not all DIY projects are created equal. If you know your septic tank is due for a pump-out, you may be considering whether or not it’s any more complicated than building a new piece of furniture or installing new cabinets. There are many reasons why septic pump-outs should only be performed by a certified professional. Acme shares our reasons for this with you today.
A DIY Septic Pump-Out Can Be Hazardous To Your Health
Most of us are taught from a young age to wash our hands after using the bathroom. While we may not often stop to consider the details of its importance, one of the primary reasons for hand washing is that it prevents exposure to harmful pathogens, bacteria, and viruses including E. coli, salmonella, C. diff, hepatitis A, and norovirus.
If simply failing to practice hand hygiene can result in exposure to these organisms, consider how much the risk increases when you come into contact with the amount of waste that is present in septic tanks. Even if you are extremely cautious, the chance that you could become infected with one or more of the illnesses carried by these organisms is not worth the risk.
Physical Injuries May Occur
Proper training and certification is necessary to safely perform a septic pump-out. Without qualification, attempting to repair or pump-out a septic tank can be very dangerous. Most septic tanks are buried 1-4 feet beneath the ground, and the tank interior may be anywhere from 4-6 feet deep. If you were to fall into a hole this deep, you could be seriously injured. Even if you were able to escape a situation like this without injury, falling into a septic system would probably discourage you from wondering, “Can I pump my own septic tank?” in the future.
Septic technicians are trained according to strict safety protocols that make it less likely for them to become injured on the job. Additionally, septic pump-outs are often performed by more than one technician, especially when the job requires pumping out a large septic tank or other unique challenges exist.
Environmental Risks
The risk of infection due to improper pump-out procedures are not limited to the individual performing the pump-out. If septic waste is not managed in a safe, sanitary way, spillage may contaminate nearby soil, groundwater, or surface water.
If contamination becomes more widespread, your community and wildlife populations in the area are at a higher risk of being exposed to bacteria and pathogens that are harmful to their health. Pollution problems can be expensive and challenging to correct, and repercussions may involve fining and legal issues. So, is DIY septic pumping safe? Given the chances of any one of these problems occurring, we’d say contacting a professional will always be your safest bet.
Damage To Your Septic System
Septic technicians receive specialized training and certification that enables them to service septic systems. Some types of septic systems, such as ATUs, which are mandated in certain parts of Florida, require even more specific qualification before they can legally be serviced.
Without proper training on safe septic pumping procedures, there is a chance that you may damage your tank or another part of your septic system. If damage occurs, not only will you have a faulty septic system, but you’ll also risk polluting the environment.
Proper Equipment
Professional septic companies use commercial-grade trucks and equipment to safely and efficiently accomplish septic services. Without proper equipment, pumping your own septic tank is not only extremely challenging and time-consuming, but it is also far less safe than enlisting the help of a professional company.
Septic companies also conduct inspections when performing pump-outs, which allow a professional to identify wear, breakdown, and other potential problems that may exist. Tools that aren’t commonly kept for everyday use, such as camera systems, metal detectors, soil probes, sludge-measuring devices, and dye test kits, are used to thoroughly inspect and evaluate the condition of your system.
Even without considering other risks, relying on a professional company to pump your septic tank is more economical, practical, and won’t require you to find extra storage space in your garage.
Take A Break – Call Acme!
Is DIY septic pumping safe? To answer this question, it’s best to remember that there are many ways that you may care for your septic system, but septic pump-outs are one service that should always be left to the professionals.