Seepage Pit Pumping in Lancaster, California
A full seepage pit can back water all the way into the house. We pump it down, watch how it behaves and give you an honest read on what comes next.
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About Seepage Pit Pumping
A seepage pit is a deep, round pit lined with brick, block or precast rings that have gaps for water to pass through. Liquid from your septic tank flows into the pit and soaks into the soil through the sides and bottom. Many properties in Los Angeles County use seepage pits instead of, or alongside, a traditional leach field. Over time, fine solids and a slimy layer called biomat coat the pit walls, and the pit drains more slowly. Seepage pit pumping removes the standing liquid and loose material so the walls have a chance to breathe and start absorbing again.
Seepage pits are common across Lancaster and the Antelope Valley because deep pits can reach soil layers that drain better than the ground near the surface. The trouble is that our soils vary from lot to lot. Sandy ground can absorb well for years, while a caliche or hardpan layer can slow a pit down from the start. A rare heavy storm can saturate the ground and cause a pit to fill faster than usual. When a pit stays full, the septic tank backs up behind it, and the first sign is often a slow shower or a toilet that will not flush properly.
Our crew starts by finding the pit cap and checking the liquid level against the inlet pipe. We usually pump the septic tank at the same visit, since a full pit often means solids from the tank have been reaching it. Then we pump the pit down, pulling out liquid and loose sludge from the bottom. Once it is empty, we watch how quickly water seeps back in from the surrounding soil and whether the walls look intact. That recovery tells us a lot about how much life the pit has left and whether a second pit or other work should be part of the conversation.
Seepage pit caps are often buried a few feet down, so tell us if you know where the pit is or if a previous company left a marker. Keep vehicles off the area around the pit, since the ground over an old pit should never carry heavy loads. Cut back water use before the visit if the pit is already overflowing, and hold off on laundry until we have finished. If you have records showing how many pits the property has, have them ready. Call or use the form to schedule seepage pit pumping in Lancaster, and our crew will plan the visit with you.
Looking for a full-service Lancaster septic service company? Our crew handles every service, from routine pumping to inspections, repairs and new systems.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a seepage pit and a leach field?
Both get rid of the liquid that leaves your septic tank, but they do it differently. A leach field spreads effluent through perforated pipes in shallow gravel trenches, so it needs more yard space. A seepage pit sends the liquid straight down into a deep lined pit, where it soaks into the soil through the walls. Pits take up less room and can reach better-draining soil, which is one reason they are common in Los Angeles County.
Will pumping fix a seepage pit that keeps filling up?
Sometimes it helps a great deal, and sometimes it only buys a little time. If the pit is full because solids from an overdue tank have been washing in, pumping the tank and pit together can bring back drainage. If the soil around the pit walls has sealed with biomat over many years, the pit may refill quickly. In that case, adding a new pit or other repairs may be the lasting fix.
How do I know if my property has a seepage pit?
Start with any paperwork from when you bought the home, since a past inspection or pumping receipt may list the system type. Older permits on file with Los Angeles County Environmental Health may also show a layout. On the ground, a seepage pit usually sits some distance beyond the tank, often with a round concrete cap buried below the surface. If you are unsure, our crew can help find it.
Is it safe to be near an open seepage pit?
An open pit is a real hazard. Pits are deep, the walls can be unstable, and gases inside can be harmful, so nobody should lean over the opening or try to climb in. During our visit, we keep the area clear and close the cap as soon as the work is done. If you ever notice a cap that is cracked, sinking or loose, keep everyone away and call us.
Service Area
Seepage Pit Pumping Near Lancaster
Schedule Septic Tank Pumping in Lancaster
Tank overdue for pumping, slow drains or a question about your septic system? Call us. We will set up a time, pump and check your tank and explain what we found in plain terms.
(818) 214-7434Or fill out the form and we'll be in touch shortly.