I have a 1 compartment 1000 gallon tank in a home I've recently purchased and admittedly am a newbie when it comes to septic systems. I called a company to look at the tank and pump if necessary, and they confirmed the solids are around 40%. They said they noticed some water in the drain field, but I feel that is to be expected since it's been raining every other day for over a month and a lake is literally over 50 ft away so the ground is never bone dry. I expected the system just needed to be pumped since there have been no issues with plumbing in the house, but then they tacked on other things that they claim needed to be done.

Pumping the tank would cost around $400, but they highly suggested "back pumping" which brought the price to $2000. After scratching my head at the cost, they called their manager and was able to bring the cost down to $1500. Not sure it was necessary and wanting to do some research on back pumping, I asked if they could just pump the tank for now, but then they refused to pump without doing the back pumping even though the system was not failing nor showing signs of failing when I asked them. They claimed they could lose their certification if they did not do the whole procedure.

My questions are:

• What situations warrant back pumping and is it really beneficial in this situation? I've read in some situations back pumping can do more harm than good.
• Are they just trying to maximize profits before taking a job or do they have to follow certain procedures to keep their certification?

 

"Back pumping" isn't a universal term so I'd have them explain the process in detail... then look for a different company.

 

The way they explained back pumping it is that they would suck out the excess water out of the drain field which would dry the pipes out and promote better decomposition in the tank.

 

You do not need and you do not want the process described to you as back pumping.

Any water still persisting in the drain pipes will soak down into the ground leaving the pipes empty of water until more water arrives from the septic tank or the sky.

There will be no change in the decomposition in the tank.

Get another company to pump the septic tank only.

 

I've had septic fields for 40 years, 4 houses, many different companies and never heard that term or that process ever.

That would be like pumping the water out of your toliets to eliminate clogs, tell them to take a hike!!

 

Generally, "back pumping" is about as effective as "changing the starter fluid" in a V8 starter motor.

IF you have a broken baffle, and paper solids get into the field, then you MIGHT want to flush/vacuum the distribution lines. FYI you CANNOT "vacuum the drain field" because the adding a vacuum will only pull outside dirt into the distribution pipes.

Septic System Back Pumping will not fix a drain field and is Not recommended (inspectapedia.com)

 

While you are at it, report these guys to your local sanitary regulatory authority.