Septic trucks are extremely useful vehicles that are often overlooked in the world of commercial trucks. They do not have a glamorous job like firefighting bucket trucks that rescue stranded people; or crane trucks that lift large, heavy objects high into the air; or gigantic dump trucks that are the heart of the construction site. When there is an ad: "Septic Trucks for Sale" are there hundreds of responses? Yet how would owners of septic tanks get them clean – by themselves? So these trucks do indeed appear to be a valuable rescuer in the world of septic systems.

Those without these containers probably do not understand what this process involves. Vacuum tank pumping is an essential method used for preventive maintenance. It is not only helpful in maintaining the system at an optimal level of function; it can also have a major impact on the performance of the receptacle.

These tanks are engineered to hold wastewater from household drains. Pumping them is necessary to remove the scum and sludge that accumulates and fills it to capacity. Removing the effluence from the cylindrical container using a vacuum truck is an important process. This maintenance procedure should be closely followed to ensure that the effluence removal is done correctly.

Inspection

An inspection of this container is something that one should understand prior to the removal and cleaning of the tank. This examination is usually performed by a qualified contractor. It is done by checking solid accumulation and determines the current condition of the tank.

The pumper will do the following prior to the actual pumping:

• Locate the underground container.

• Remove the manhole cover and listen for any sounds and ascertain safety in the surrounding area.

• Check the level of effluence. A high level of effluence means a clogged outlet or drain field, while a low effluence level means that there is a crack or leakage in the system.

• Check to make sure the wastewater passes over the baffles. This is a strong signal that the septic tank has experienced failure.

• Measure the accumulated solids inside the vessel using the ‘Sludge Judge’ or a similar type of device. This tool is a long, hollow, transparent piece of plastic branded with one-foot accretion. This will be inserted into the tank until it reaches the bottom and will then be removed to check the liquid and solid levels. This method will measure if the cistern needs to be pumped.

• Inspect the vessel’s components and its water-tightness. These tanks can be made from fiberglass, concrete or plastic and should be watertight. This is important to make sure wastewater will not contaminate the groundwater.

• Check the condition of the baffles. Inspection will be done to determine if the baffles are still connected to the inlet and outlet pipe. Commonly, in concrete models, the baffles are checked for missing or corroded parts. These baffles are installed to slow down the water from the drain field going into the tank to ascertain that the solid materials will settle at the bottom of the cylinder.

• Check to see if the container has an effluence filter. The filter is located on the outlet and it is necessary to check this component because it will prevent solids from getting into the drain field.

In septic tank pumping, it is important to know the correct procedures performed by the pumper. Routine inspections before pumping the septic tank are vital in determining the condition of the tank as well as ensuring safety while emptying the cistern.

This is some basic information about septic trucks and tanks – and how important one is to the other. So the next time there is an ad for septic trucks for sale, remember the useful job this often-overlooked commercial vehicle performs as it pumps away septic tank problem