Thursday, March 02, 2017

How much does it cost to Pump a Septic Tank?

The way we do it is charge you $115 for the job and .16c per gallon to pay the dump fees. The way it would work out for most people is that you would have either a 1000 gallon septic tank or a 1250 gallon septic tank. The 1000 gallon septic tank is the smallest tank allowed in Pima County for all new construction -- no matter if it's a one bedroom guest house. An average 3 bedroom two bath home would have a 1000 gallon septic tank and so your disposal fees to the dump are $160. As you can see it's more expensive to get rid of it than for us to come out. Unfortunately that waste has to go somewhere and we get charged for it. If you call around and find something better, please don't hesitate to call us, ok? I would hate to lose a job to someone for a few dollars. We want you to be our customer for as long as you own that home and will price match any competitor. Fair Enough? If you want more information, or you'd like to book your job online you can go to http://www.tucsonsepticpumping.com or give us a call at 520-449-5057. Cheers.

How we uncover a septic tank

Just another short post I thought of. A lot of people ask about what's involved to uncover a septic tank. Sometimes it's not quite as easy as you think. I wanted to ad a link to a short 3 minute video of a job we did that serves as a good example. I think once you watch that video you will see that trying to dig up a tank with a shovel can be a major undertaking. Anyway, here's that link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta6zFVWFX1o Cheers.
Wow. Has it been sometime since I have posted anything here. I was doing some of my evening duties (which are many) and found my old Blog. I couldn't believe it's been 7 years since I've posted anything here. I see that some people still actually visit this site and so I thought I'd would start once again posting updated information for you to read. Please remember that if you want to call me you can do so at 520-449-5057, or check out our website at http://www.tucsonsepticpumping.com So, what's new over here? Well, we did finally decide to buy a larger truck and so now we have two! For us it's very exciting as we are a small family owned business. I have decided to shift away from doing septic installations but can still help you answer questions about the process. Unfortunately after 20 years my back is shot and I just can't do it like I used to, and so...... I focus now on just septic pumping and servicing -- some small repairs but that's about it. I would be curious to know if anyone sees this new post. If you do please just say hi so I know you are out there. If you would like me to write a post on a particular question just fire away and I will answer any questions you have in detail. Best Regards. David

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Tucson Septic Pumping

Maintaining your Septic System is important, and failing to do so may result in a HUGE expense later down the line.

As a rule of thumb most Septic Pumping companies will tell you to pump your septic tank every 3 to 5 years. That's a good practice to follow, but if you want to know if you need septic pumping more often just find the septic tank and open the lid.

Once you have the manhole open on the septic tank you will see a buildup of scum floating on the top of the tank. If you see that the buildup inside the tank has risen above the inlet baffle in the tank (the inlet pipe) you will want to schedule a pumping call right away.

If you would like pricing to pump out your septic tank please give me a call at 520-406-3871. Call Tucson Septic Pumping at 520-406-3871 today! http://www.tucsonsepticpumping.com

Tucson Septic Certifications

If you are selling your home Pima County will require that you provide the new buyer with a Notice of Transfer and Report of Inspection within 15 days from the date you sell the home.

The Septic Certification is fairly simple, but there are some things you will want to consider when choosing which company to work with.

I have created a new website you can check out at http://www.tucsonsepticpumping.com-- I have made the site very simple and I try to only cover the basics of the process.

If you have any other questions about the Septic Certification process in Pima County and would like to reach us you can call 520-449-5057 or email us with your questions at

Monday, July 05, 2010

Septic Tank Pumping/Cleaning



If it's been awhile since you've thought about your septic system it might be time to have the tank cleaned.

Septic tank pumping should be done about every 3 to 5 years, depending on use. If you want to know if it's time to pump the tank you can locate the tank and dig it up yourself. Once you have it uncovered check the scum layer inside the tank. If the scum layer is over the top of the inlet baffle it's definitely time - failing to have the tank pumped may result in damage to the leach fields.

If you have questions regarding servicing your septic tank please call David at 520-449-5057 or you can visit us at http://www.tucsonsepticpumping.com to find information on pricing to you area.

Septic Certification

When you are selling your home, and you have a septic system, you will be required to have the tank pumped and Certified.

The Septic Certification is a 10 page document that detail as much information as possible about your septic system.

When doing your Septic Certification, don't wait until the last minute. Try and schedule the Septic Certification at least two weeks before closing so you will have time to make any necessary repairs. Those that wait until the last minute typically find themselves having to move their closing date back at least a week.

If you require a Septic Certification anywhere in Pima County call David us at 520-449-5057 or just check out our website at http://www.tucsonsepticpumping.com for pricing and more details.

Monday, May 04, 2009

Pima County Septic Inspections

Building codes no longer handles Pima County septic inspections. Now you only get one septic inspection and each additional visit costs $130 - no more partial inspections.

I have had this come up on a few jobs -- make sure your plans are right and that you don't need an "as built" -- once the inspector comes out this counts as your inspection. If she needs to come back for any reason be prepared to pay the additional $130 fee.

If you need more information on septic systems in Tucson please visit my website at http://www.tucsonsepticpumping.com

Monday, January 07, 2008

Troubleshooting a failing septic system

If you've recently had a backup of your septic system you know how unpleasant the whole experience is. So what can you do to find out what's wrong with the system?

Basically the septic system is split up into a few different categories.

1. The plumbing from your home to the septic tank.

If you live in an area with a lot of trees you might want to have the line from the house to the tank visually inspected. The best way to do this is to call a licensed plumber with a small video camera to drop down the cleanout and inspect the outlet pipe to the tank. Often times the tree roots will find their way into the inlet pipe and split the pipe open. Once the roots are inside they will branch out and clog up the system. Typically snaking the line is not going to do it -- replace the pipe from the home to the tank.

2. Problems inside the septic tank.

The septic tank typically has 3 baffles. The inlet baffle, the center wall baffle and the outlet baffle. The biggest problem with the septic tank is going to be the outlet baffle. If the outlet baffle has deteriorated and is allowing solid material into the leach fields you are going to have a pretty serious problem. Replace the outlet baffle -- find the distribution box and clean it out and pray you have not totally clogged up the leach fields.

3. Leach Fields have failed.

In Pima County I have found that most leach lines start to fail at about 25+ years -- some less and some a little more, but this is about the average. Over time, the sediment from the septic tank get into the gravel beds and build up a nice layer of sludge that will not allow liquid to pass through.

Another issue after 25+ years is that the trees near your septic system have found your leaching field and have rooted inside the gravel beds. Once this happens you really don't have much choice other than to replace the existing leach fields.

Whatever you situation -- give me a call at 520-406-3871 and I can help you get back to normal. To visit my website go to http://www.tucsonsepticpumping.com

Sunday, September 16, 2007

When do I install my septic system?

At each percolation test most of my customers will ask, "So, when should I install the septic system -- before or after the home is built?"

I suppose it's fair to say that you could choose either option but here's a few things to consider:

1. After you build the home will the Septic Contractor have enough room to access the site with a backhoe and crane truck?

2. Are you planning on living on the site while the home is being built? Do you want to use your own septic or pay for a portable toilet?

3. If you install the system first will it be far enough out of the way so that it's not damaged during the construction process?

4. Does your plumber have experience plumbing for septics? Most plumbers are used to hooking up to city sewer lines and plumb too deep. If your septic contractor has to follow a plumber who over digs the plumbing it could affect your engineering plan and raise the cost of your septic system.

If you have any questions about when to install your septic system give me a call at 520-406-3871 and I can help you with your decision. If you want to visit my website check out http://www.tucsonsepticpumping.com

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Fiberglass or Concrete Septic Tank?

Most of the septic systems installed in Pima County are concrete and range in size from 1000 gallons up to 2000 gallons. The concrete septic tank has stood the test of time in Pima County and is found on over 98% of all the septic installations I have performed.

When would you use a fiberglass tank? On rare occasions we will use a fiberglass septic tank when we are unable to access the excavated area with a crane truck. The fiberglass tank is substantially more to install due to site preparation and much weaker than a traditional concrete tank. While I would never recommend driving over a septic tank, you could drive a personal vehicle over a concrete tank, whil the fiberglass tank would probably cave in.

If you have any questions about installing a fiberglass septic tank or concrete septic tank give me a call at 520-406-3871. If you want to visit my website check out http://www.tucsonsepticpumping.com