SEPTIC TANK MAINTENANCE

Frequency of Pumping

Septic tanks must be periodically cleaned (pumped) to remove floating scum and sludge that accumulate.  If either floating scum or sludge is allowed to enter the soil treatment system (drainfield) it will cause expensive and often irreparable damage.  How often to clean a septic tank depends on its size, use, and operating condition.  The general rule for pumping frequency is 3 to 5 years. The recent ordinance calls for pumping every 3 years.  Please submit a copy of your receipt if you pumped before we began issuing permits to residents ( Jan 09).

Proper Cleaning Method
Cleaning, or pumping, as it's often called, must be done by a State-licensed contractor.  Proper cleaning will remove ALL scum, sludge and liquid from the septic tank(s).  This requires pumping, flushing, and backflushing liquid contents back and forth between the truck's tank and the septic tank through the manhole several times.  This process breaks up all scum and sludge in the tank, allowing all solids to be removed by the truck's suction line.  Floating scum left in the tank after cleaning may plug baffles or allow solids to enter the drainfield when the tank refills.  Cleaning will leave a black film on the tank walls and a small amount of liquid on the tank floor. This contains millions of bacteria to help get the tank working following the cleaning. 

When the tank is cleaned, ask the contractor to make sure the baffles are in place and functioning properly. Cleaning a tank through the inspection pipes will often leave solids in the tank and possibly damage baffles.  INSIST that the tank be cleaned through the manhole. After cleaning, it is not necessary to add a starter.  Bacteria present in wastewater and in the tank will do the job.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities licenses septic tank pumpers.

Township Registered Pumpers: 

Aaron Septic Service, LLC - 973-663-6058  

Accurate Waste - 973-663-6600
Anderson Septic Service - 973-728-8802
Beachstone Septic - 973-427-1888
Coppola Services - 973-962-1890
David Schaefer Septic Service - 973-219-3514

David Zuidema, Inc. - 201-445-3188
Earth Care - 800-428-6166

Harris Sanitation - 973-697-3399
Lakeland Septic Company - 973-838-0438
M&B Trucking - 973-838-5840
Morris Septic/Northern Ridge Enterprises - 973-332-6614
P& W Excavating - 973-728-1155
Rich Kimble & Sons - 973-664-9171

Septic Care (Stern Auto Corp.) – 973-579-7109
Wm. H. Wilson Septic System Service - 973-729-2112
North Church Excavating Corp. - 973-827-7828
R & D Trucking, Inc. - 973-492-5006
Septic Service, LLC - 973-694-4779

If you have any further questions, call the Health Department at 973-728-2720