Pumping a septic tank removes heavy sludge, liquid, and grease/scum which will plug and clog the drainfield or mound. All tanks need to be pumped every three years. Many owners have their tanks pumped more often to make sure that their septic system is working properly.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Rule 7080.0175,
Septage shall be removed by pumping of septage from all tanks or compartments in which the top of the sludge layer is less than 12 inches below the bottom of the outlet baffle or whenever the bottom of the scum layer is less than three inches above the bottom of the outlet baffle.
Dakota County requires monthly pump logs from septic pumpers. All townships and some cities contract with Dakota County to have the County send reminder letters to homeowners for tanks not pumped within the required three-year frequency. Reasons for receiving a reminder letter when that tank was recently pumped may be: the pump log was not received, address error, computer glitch, incorrect data entry, administrative error, and/or illegible address on the submitted pump log. If you received a reminder letter and the septic tank on your property was recently pumped, please contact
Dakota County Water Resources Department.
There are several ways to protect a septic system and lengthen its life span:
- Minimize water use by installing water-efficient appliances.
- Fix all leaks.
- Spread water use throughout the day and week - don't over load the septic system.
- Minimize garbage disposal use - better options are composting or a garbage service.
- Keep grease, plastics, and feminine hygiene products out of your septic system.
- Install a lint filter in the washing machine.
- Minimize using harsh cleansers, bleach, detergents, and soaps.
- Do NOT dispose of medications, paints, or chemicals through your septic system.
- Do not use septic tank additives - only pumping totally removes sludge and scum.
- Avoid toilet tank disinfectants that work "every flush" when placed in the tank or bowl.