Septic Tank Pumping in Hampstead, NC
- Family owned and operated
- Over 20 years of experience
- Fully licensed and insured
- Free, No-Obligation Estimates
Septic Tank Pumping for Hampstead Homes and Businesses
Coastal Septic Solutions pumps septic tanks for homes and businesses in Hampstead, NC. We are a family-owned company with more than 20 years of experience, we serve all of Pender County, and we are available 24/7 when a tank backs up.
Call 910.271.2008 to schedule a pump-out, or request a free estimate. Tell us when it was last pumped and how many people live in the home, and we can help you decide whether it is time.
What Is Different About Septic Systems in Hampstead
Hampstead is an unincorporated community in Pender County, and septic is the norm here. The North Carolina Division of Public Health says about half of the homes in the state use septic systems, and NC State University puts the share closer to 80 percent in the state's dispersed coastal areas.
The ground is the other difference. The USDA soil survey maps well drained fine sands such as Autryville and Baymeade around Hampstead next to wet soils such as Leon and Murville, where the water table sits at or near the surface for part of the year. NC State's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences describes coastal areas as having quick-draining sandy soils and, in many places, perennially high water tables.
That is why pumping on schedule matters more here. NC Sea Grant reports that groundwater is rising in inland parts of the coastal plain and that rainfall can saturate the soil and stress the system. NC State Extension explains what an overdue tank does: solids overflow into the drain field and clog the soil, and once that happens, pumping will not bring the drain field back.
How Often a Septic Tank Should Be Pumped in Pender County
The Division of Public Health says to have the solids pumped out by a state-permitted pumper every three to five years for a typical home, or as the permit requires. State rules set the minimum tank at 1,000 gallons for a home with four or fewer bedrooms, and NC State Extension's table puts a 1,000 gallon tank at about every six years for two people, three years for four people and two years for six. A garbage disposal roughly doubles the solids and shortens the interval.
Under 15A NCAC 18E .1303, the entire contents of every compartment must be removed whenever the settled and floating solids together take up more than one third of the liquid depth. That is why we measure before we pump.
If you do not know when the tank was last pumped, the Division of Public Health suggests asking the local health department for a copy of your permit and soil evaluation sheet, which show roughly where the parts of the system are. The Pender County Health Department takes those requests on its Request for Septic Permit Information form, which can be returned to the Pender County Health Department.
Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping
Call us if you notice any of these:
- Gurgling from toilets, sinks or tubs.
- Toilets and drains that flush or drain slowly, especially after rain.
- Standing water, soggy ground or a sewage smell near the tank or drain field.
- Unusually green, spongy grass over the tank or drain field in dry weather.
- A red light or alarm on the control panel, if your system has a pump.
- Sewage backing up into the house.
The Division of Public Health puts it plainly: a full tank can send sewage into your yard or back into your house.
Request a Free Estimate
Tell us what you need and we will respond quickly with a free estimate.
Check out what our customers have to say
Angela Bartlett
Google review
Had an unknown emergency with our septic tank during Hurricane Debby. Tracy quickly confirmed it was an emergency, had the crew out within 1.5 hours. When they got there, they were efficient, informative, professional, & honest. Thank you Tracy, Ej & Josh. I highly recommend.
Candice Thomas
Google review
Coastal Septic Solutions was contracted to fix an issue caused by another company. They were super professional and polite and extremely helpful anytime I needed to call to find out the process and when I would expect or could expect the repairs to take place. The day they arrived everybody was in and out very quickly and took into account that I work from home and managed to keep the noise to a minimum and most of the time I forgot they were even outside my house. Definitely recommend their services.
Cristina horrell
Google review
I contacted Coastal about coming out to take a look at my septic tank lines. I had a issue with roots growing into the lines causing them not to drain properly. When I contacted them they were very understanding and came right out to look at the issues. They corrected the problem and even put out grass seed where they had to dig up the lines!
M
Marysusan Rice
Google review
Our septic tank wasn't draining properly and Jonathan came and assessed the situation quickly that we needed a new drain field. He obtained the necessary permit, all the materials needed were delivered the next day, and he and his crew came the next day. They laid a 55ft drain field, cleaned up the yard and were done by mid afternoon. He and his crew work well together and do a beautiful job!!! They are all very personable and we highly recommend Coastal Septic Solutions for any septic problems. Charles and Marysusan Rice.
D
deb woody
Google review
This company stepped in and installation was perfect. The yard was left in beautiful shape, ready for finishing touches. They were honest, hard-working and great to work with. Strongly recommend coastal septic solutions.
D
Darin Boswell
Google review
Sam and Josh showed up on time and were very polite and knowledgeable with my overload of questions about how the system functions and ways to better maintain our system. They found our tank, inspected the system, cleaned the system out, and cleaned up the area with ease and speed. I highly recommend these guys for your next service. I was able to learn alot also. Thanks and be safe.
What Happens on Pumping Day
- Finding the tank. Have the permit or as-built drawing ready if you have it. If not, we locate the tank.
- Opening the lids. State rules require two compartments with an access opening over each. If the lids are buried, we dig to them. A cracked or crumbling lid can be replaced at the time of service.
- Measuring. We check the solids levels before pumping, so you know where the tank stood.
- Pumping every compartment. The Division of Public Health says to make sure both compartments are pumped out, and the pump tank too if there is one. A pump-out from us means every compartment.
- Clearing roots and rinsing the filter. Pumping lets us clear roots that have grown into the system and rinse the effluent filter at the outlet. State rules say the filter must be rinsed, or replaced, so solids do not back up into the house or clog the system.
- Hauling and disposal. Under North Carolina law, septage haulers are permitted by the state, and septage goes only to a wastewater system or disposal site the state has approved.
- Closing up. The lids go back on and we leave the area the way we found it.
Afterward, the tank refills with water over the following days. That is normal: the EPA explains that the tank holds wastewater long enough for solids to settle while the liquid moves on to the drain field.
What Pumping Does Not Fix
Pumping is maintenance, not a cure for a failed drain field. NC State Extension is direct about it: pumping a tank after the drain field has clogged will not rejuvenate the system, and gives only a few days of reprieve until the tank fills again. State rules go further: a system that needs pumping more than once a month to keep sewage from surfacing or backing up is malfunctioning by definition, and the owner must contact the county health department.
That is where we are honest with you. If the pump-out shows the problem is in the lines or the drain field, we will say so and talk through the options: line jetting to clear the lines, a distribution box repair, or a repair permit through Pender County for a failed drain field. We do not recommend a repair or replacement unless it is necessary.
Pumping Systems With Pumps, Filters and Lift Stations
Some systems have more than a tank and trenches. The EPA notes that low-pressure pipe systems were developed for problem sites such as those with a high water table, and that poor tank maintenance lets solids clog their small openings. Systems like these need a little more at pumping time.
- Pump tanks and lift stations. The Division of Public Health says that if the system includes a pump tank, have it pumped out too. We pump it at the same visit and service lift station pumps. NC State Extension says a flashing red light or a beeping alarm means the pump is not working properly or the pump tank is too full.
- Effluent filters. NC State Extension notes that effluent filters are required on systems installed since 1999, and its maintenance guide says they need checking and servicing about every two to three years. Pumping is the natural time.
- Commercial properties. State rules require grease traps and grease tanks to be pumped at least yearly, with records kept on site. We pump commercial septic tanks and grease traps.
Between Pumpings: Caring for Your Septic Tank
These habits stretch the time between pump-outs and protect the drain field:
- Keep grease, cooking oil and fats out of the drain. NC State Extension explains that grease hardens in the tank until it clogs the inlet or outlet.
- Flush only human waste and toilet paper. Wipes of any kind, paper towels, diapers and feminine products belong in the trash.
- Go easy on the garbage disposal. The EPA says a disposal means more frequent pumping.
- Fix leaking toilets and faucets. The EPA says one running toilet can add as much as 200 gallons a day.
- Keep downspouts, sump pumps and surface water away from the tank and drain field.
- Skip the additives. NC State Extension reports that research has not shown they reduce solids or the need for pumping.
- Keep a record of every pump-out, with the solids levels the pumper found.
- Consider a riser. It brings the lid to the surface so the tank is easy to find and service, and state rules require one on a new tank buried deeper than six inches.
Why Hire Coastal Septic Solutions
- Family owned and operated, with more than 20 years in the septic business.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- Available 24/7 for emergency pumping and backups.
- Honest advice. We measure before we pump, and we do not recommend a repair or replacement unless it is necessary.
- Roots cleared and crumbling lids replaced at the time of service.
- State-of-the-art equipment that keeps the job efficient and the site clean.
- Quick responses and free, no-obligation estimates.
Related Septic Services
- Line jetting. Pressurized water clears buildup out of the lines. We recommend it about every other pump-out.
- Septic tank risers and replacement lids. Crumbling lids are replaced at the time of service.
- D-box repair. Septic gases eat away at a concrete distribution box over time. We repair or replace it.
- Emergency services. Available 24/7 for backups, clogged filters and failing drain lines.
- Septic system installation in Hampstead. When a drain field is past repair, we install the replacement under the county's repair permit.
Nearby Towns We Serve
Along with Hampstead, we pump septic tanks in Porters Neck, Wilmington, Rocky Point, Burgaw, Maple Hill and Myrtle Grove. See all of our service areas.
Our septic tank pumping service covers all of Pender and New Hanover counties, and parts of Brunswick, Onslow, Duplin, Bladen, Columbus and Sampson counties.
Septic Pumping Questions From Hampstead Property Owners
How often should I pump my septic tank in Hampstead?
Every three to five years for most homes, according to the Division of Public Health. In NC State Extension's table, a 1,000 gallon tank serving four people is on about a three-year schedule. A garbage disposal or a bigger household means sooner.
Should I have my tank pumped before a hurricane?
Not fully. The Division of Public Health warns that an empty tank can float out of the ground, and the EPA says not to pump during flooded or saturated drain field conditions. Cut water use during the storm, turn off power to any septic pump until it is checked, and have both compartments pumped once the ground dries.
Do I need to find the tank and dig up the lids before you come?
No. We locate the tank and uncover the lids. The permit or as-built drawing speeds things up, and if you do not have one you can request the permit on file from the Pender County Health Department.
Will pumping fix a backup or slow drains?
If the tank is full, yes. If the drain field is clogged, no. NC State Extension says pumping a tank with a clogged drain field gives only a few days of relief. Measuring the tank tells us which you have, and we will tell you.
Should I pump the tank before selling my house?
The EPA recommends a septic inspection before a home changes hands, covering solids levels, the tank and its pipes, the distribution box and the pumping records. Doing it before you list gives the buyer a clean record.
Get a Free Estimate for Your Hampstead Septic Tank Pumping
Call 910.271.2008 or contact us online to schedule a pump-out or get a free estimate. If it is an emergency, call. We are available 24/7.
