Septic Tank Pump (& Location)

[calvert_biker]

Two-part question for y'all....

1. Recommendations: My husband and I are getting the ol septic tank pumped for the first time since we moved into our home, and I'm wondering if anyone has any personal recommendations before we start calling all the companies in the local yellow pages? (Also if you have a cost estimate of what they charged you that would be great...but just a recommendation is what I'm looking for...)

2. Location: Our builder did a great job concealing where the dang tank is, and so we don't know exactly where it's located. We've tried to find it with a few thin metal rods, and haven't been successful yet...any tips? We've read in other locations that paying the company to find the tank can easily be several hundred dollars...argh!

Apologies if this has been addressed before, I did a quick forum search and didn't come up with anything specific...thanks guys (and gals)!

We've always lived in locations with city sewer, so the septic thing is kind of new for us - fun times.

 

[Black-Francis]

Two-part question for y'all....

1. Recommendations: My husband and I are getting the ol septic tank pumped for the first time since we moved into our home, and I'm wondering if anyone has any personal recommendations before we start calling all the companies in the local yellow pages? (Also if you have a cost estimate of what they charged you that would be great...but just a recommendation is what I'm looking for...)

2. Location: Our builder did a great job concealing where the dang tank is, and so we don't know exactly where it's located. We've tried to find it with a few thin metal rods, and haven't been successful yet...any tips? We've read in other locations that paying the company to find the tank can easily be several hundred dollars...argh!

Apologies if this has been addressed before, I did a quick forum search and didn't come up with anything specific...thanks guys (and gals)!

We've always lived in locations with city sewer, so the septic thing is kind of new for us - fun times.

Cotton's Septic for Calvert.....

 

[belvak]

Wayne's Drains (Mechanicsville)! I knew where the tank was, but they checked anyway and didn't add any additional cost. We've used every time we've had ours pumped. Paid a little extra the first time to have rings and a cover added so that there is never a question about where it is for the next time.

On a side note, your tank is most likely within 15 feet or so off of your house; where the main drain is located. If you have a basement, it is really easy to see (if your ceiling is open).

 

[Homer J]

Not to hijack the thread, but how often do you need to have it pumped? We lived on our last house for 7 years and never had it done. We do use Rid-X every month though.

 

[ranger]

If you go under your house or in the basement,you should be able to see where the drain goes though the foundation to the tank.Tanks are normally 10' away from the foundation,or you can go to the Health Dept. they have a diagram of the location of the tank.

 

[HunterJJD]

C&C in Hollywood

 

[JEB]

Our tank was 30' away, but in a straight line with the drain pipe under the house. 1'-2' down.
Rid-X is a must.
Have a garden hose ready for the guy after he finishes.

 

[Vince]

Not to hijack the thread, but how often do you need to have it pumped? We lived on our last house for 7 years and never had it done. We do use Rid-X every month though.

Even with Rid-X pump it every 3 years or you take the chance of plugging your field drains. It gets expensive to install all new field drains. Worth every penny of a 3 year pump out.

 

[Dymphna]

2. Location: Our builder did a great job concealing where the dang tank is, and so we don't know exactly where it's located. We've tried to find it with a few thin metal rods, and haven't been successful yet...any tips? We've read in other locations that paying the company to find the tank can easily be several hundred dollars...argh!

It's supposed to be marked on the plat for your property. That'll get you within a few feet anyway.

 

[Black-Francis]

Not to hijack the thread, but how often do you need to have it pumped? We lived on our last house for 7 years and never had it done. We do use Rid-X every month though.

You should have it pumped every 2-3 years depending on how many people live in the house and the amount of usage. You my friend are long overdue.

 

[BadGirl]

We had ours done last year by C&C (out of Hollywood), and I believe the cost was about $225.00 Based on our family size and usage, I think we're good for 5 years until we have to pump it again.

 

[calvert_biker]

Thanks all for the advice! We had Lee's come out and they helpfully located our tank for us - we need to dig 26" diameter holes Fun, but we're cheap so we will do what we need to in order to save some $$.

I have also heard from many folks that Rid X use is actually not adviseable...we stopped using it...not to start a debate but I've heard that from several septic-using homeowners!

 

[jasonandjen]

septic pump

had ours done by guy septic.
301 884 4571