Septic Tank Pumping
Snowbridge Roto-Rooter is the oldest and largest septic maintenance company in the Central Mountain Region. We have pumped septic systems in Summit, Eagle, Park and Lake Counties since 1976. Our two vacuum pumping trucks have a combined 5,000-gallon capacity.
We offer a complete septic maintenance service; in addition to vacuum-pumping septic tanks, we locate and dig up septic tanks, high-pressure clean septic inlet and drain field lines, repair and replace septic pumps, install septic systems, and renovate drain fields. We also pump grease traps and sand traps. We are OSHA-authorized for confined space work.
"How does a septic system work?"
All household waste is disposed of through the septic system. The septic system is a small, underground on-site sewage treatment and disposal system comprised of a septic tank and leachfield. When septage enters the tank, several things occur:
- Organic solid material floats to the surface and forms a layer of "scum." Bacteria in the septic tank biologically convert this scum to liquid.
- Inorganic or inert solid materials and the by-products of bacterial digestion sink to the bottom of the tank and form a layer commonly called "sludge." This sludge does not break down and must be pumped out by a septic pumping truck.
- Only fairly clear water should exist between the scum and sludge layers. It is this clear water - and only this clear water - that should overflow into the drain field.
"When should I pump my septic tank?"
Solid material overflowing into the drain field area should be avoided at all costs. It is these solids that clog the drain field and cause septic systems to fail. The sludge in the bottom of the tank should be pumped out every one to three years, depending on the size and age of the tank, the amounts and type of use, and the condition of the septic system.
In our mountain climate, the ground surrounding the tank remains cold year-round. Bacteria do not work as well in the tank as they do in a warmer climate. Therefore, tanks need to be pumped more often, and many tanks require the addition of a bacteria/enzyme treatment. We recommend and sell ccls®.
Much of the above information was summarized from "What Everyone Should Know About Septic Tank Systems," a brochure published by Cape Cod Biochemical Company, producers of ccls® bacterial enzyme.
Visit SepticOnline.com and look under "Products - ccls" to learn more about septic systems and to find answers to your septic system maintenance questions. You may also visit septicyellowpages.com and look under "homeowner information" for septic system information.