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Septic Tank Pumping in Fort Smith, AR

Free referral service. Fort Smith Septic Help is not a septic company. We connect homeowners in the Fort Smith area with local septic providers, who do the work and quote you directly.

Pumping removes the sludge and scum that build up in your septic tank before they can clog the drain field. If your tank is due, overdue, or already backing up, we'll connect you with a local pumping company that serves your part of the Fort Smith area.

How often to pump

The EPA's general guidance is to pump a household septic tank every 3 to 5 years and to have the whole system inspected every 1 to 3 years. How often your tank needs it depends on:

• the size of the tank
• how many people live in the home
• how much water you use
• whether you use a garbage disposal
• how much solid material has built up

A common rule of thumb is to pump when the solids take up two-thirds of the tank. A pumping company can measure the levels and tell you how long your household can go between pumpings.

Signs the tank may be full

• Slow drains throughout the house
• Gurgling in the plumbing
• Sewage odors in the yard
• Wastewater backing up into tubs, showers or floor drains

If sewage is already backing up, ask for the soonest available appointment and keep water use to a minimum until the tank is pumped.

What to know before the truck arrives

• Find the lid if you can. An old permit, inspection report or the previous owner may show where the tank is. You can request a copy of your septic permit from your county's ADH health unit (see Arkansas septic basics).
• Clear access for a hose from the driveway to the tank.
• Ask what's included. Some companies include digging up the lids, a look at the baffles, or a written service report. Others charge separately.

Arkansas pumping companies must be licensed

Under Arkansas Department of Health rules, anyone who pumps or cleans septic tanks for pay, or hauls septage, needs an ADH Septic Tank Cleaner license. Licensed pumper trucks carry an ADH decal next to the company name, license number and tank capacity, and the worker's name and the business's license number have to be on your receipt.

Sources: U.S. EPA, Resolving Septic System Malfunctions; ADH Rules Pertaining to Septic Tank Cleaners; Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater FAQs.