Homeowners who do not live where they are able to hook up to the public water system usually have septic tanks. These tanks have two main parts, the drain field and the tank itself. Waste flows into the tank, and solids go to the bottom. The solids turn into sludge, and the liquids flow into the drain field, eventually going back into the soil. Because the solids don’t go anywhere, they begin to build up, and every so often, the tanks need to be cleaned out because they are filled with sludge. This is something that homeowners should not tackle themselves. It is a job that requires a special truck that can pump the tank.
Often, homeowners are unsure of how often they should do septic pumping in Maui. It usually depends on the size of the tank. Homeowners need to know where the tanks are located, and how much waste they will hold. The local health department normally has this information. Some tanks have lights or sirens that will alert homeowners to when it is time to have their tanks pumped. For those who have tanks that do not have these alarms, there are other signs to look for in order to tell if their tanks need to be pumped.
If there is the smell of raw sewage, it is a pretty good sign that septic pumping in Maui is going to be necessary. It could also be a sign that there is a broken line in the drain field. In either case, the problem needs to be dealt with immediately. Raw sewage is an environmental hazard as well as a health hazard, as it is loaded with toxins and poisons.
Another sign that tanks need to be pumped is if there is any overflow. When there is water above the level of the tank, this means that the tank is full, or a break in the drain field, and pumping will be required. To avoid problems that make it necessary to have tanks pumped immediately, a general rule of thumb is to have it done every five years.
