Though it may look like a simple concrete block from the outside, a modern septic tank is a complicated mechanism. As water rushes from the pipes in your home, it flows through pipes and into the first compartment of your tank. It is held here for a long enough time to allow for your wastewater to interact with the complex chemical ecosystem and separate naturally into three primary parts. Solid waste settles at the bottom of the tank. Liquid waste flows through an effluent screen, into the second compartment in your tank and then eventually into your drain field.
As any septic system owner can tell you, from time to time, your septic system will require regular inspections to check on the chemical balance in your tank as well as complete routine removal of your solid waste. To accomplish these tasks, septic tanks have at least two access points. One of these access points is the manhole cover, and the other is your inspection pipe. These two openings are not interchangeable.
When the time comes to have your solid waste removed, there should be no argument regarding septic tank pumping manholes vs. inspection access points in Prior Lake, MN. Here’s why.
Meet your access points
Modern septic systems will have at least one inspection point and one manhole cover. The inspection point is typically located above the second compartment of your septic tank, the one that handles greases, oils and liquid waste. Meanwhile, the manhole cover is located above the primary compartment, where most of the tank’s solid waste is stored. Typically, these two compartments are separated by a filter that prevents solid waste from traveling from one compartment to the other.
So, what’s the big deal?
When your septic tank maintenance team debates manholes vs. access points for septic pumping in Prior Lake, MN, you should be concerned. The reason is simple: when you pump the solid waste from your tank using the inspection point, you could do severe damage to your effluent filter, destroying it early and allowing solid waste to flow freely between compartments.
You also run the risk of causing an imbalance in your tank’s overall ecosystem. That could lead to the premature destruction of your tank and your drain field, as well as the further contamination of your community.
Stay on the right side of the law
That last bit was something of a sticking point for state and federal authorities. That’s why, years ago, several states enacted regulations that made pumping a septic system through the inspection point and not the manhole cover punishable by hefty fines. In other words, pumping your septic system via an inspection point isn’t just destructive—it’s likely illegal.
Your trustworthy team
Septic tank pumping manholes vs. inspection access points in Prior Lake, MN isn’t something you’ll have to worry about when you work with Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services. We take pride in offering impeccable, reliable septic service that keeps your system running flawlessly for years to come. That’s how we’ve kept the doors open since 1956. Find out what makes Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services special. Pick up the phone and give us a call today!