Get matched with top aquarium service pros in Staunton, IL

To break down fat in a septic tank, you will need to hire a professional septic tank cleaner near you to either pump the septic tank or use a shock treatment to clear the clog. It’s important to not pour fat, oil, or grease (memorable with the helpful acronym FOG) down your drains because they can clog the septic system. Instead, you can dispose of them with regular trash, or if your household produces a lot of FOG waste, you may want to install a grease trap for your plumbing.

Yes, you can pump a septic tank too much. The ideal pumping schedule varies based on capacity, water usage, and household size. If you pump the septic tank more frequently than your recommended pumping schedule, the beneficial bacteria can leach into the drain field, causing an imbalance and solid waste build-up.

Yes, states and municipalities require septic tank companies to be licensed, so an unlicensed  individual or company cannot complete a septic tank installation or alteration. Most municipalities also require licenses for septic tank pumping. You should always verify that the company you’re considering for your septic tank project is properly licensed, which you can do by using Angi’s licensing search tool. You should also verify that the company is fully insured to avoid legal issues should an employee be injured on your property.

It depends on several factors, such as the equipment used and the company. However, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to pump an average-size septic tank of 1,000 gallons. A larger tank that is over 1,500 gallons can take up to an hour to pump as long as there are no complications.