Septic Tank Pumping in Myrtle Grove, NC
- Family owned and operated
- Over 20 years of experience
- Fully licensed and insured
- Free, No-Obligation Estimates
Septic Tank Pumping for Myrtle Grove Homes and Businesses
Coastal Septic Solutions pumps septic tanks for homes and businesses across New Hanover County, Myrtle Grove included. We are a family-owned company with more than 20 years in the septic business, and we answer 24/7 when a tank backs up.
Call 910.271.2008 to get on the schedule, or ask for a free estimate. Tell us when the tank was last pumped and how many people use it, and we can say whether it is due.
What Is Different About Septic Systems in Myrtle Grove
Myrtle Grove is unincorporated: the Census Bureau counts it as a census designated place, its label for unincorporated communities, and its 2020 place list puts all of it in New Hanover County. The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority is the public water and sewer utility for Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach and much of New Hanover County, though its development manual notes some areas where service is not yet available. This page is for the homes beyond those lines.
The soil map tells the rest. In USDA soil survey data for the Myrtle Grove area, the three largest soils are wet: Leon sand, poorly and very poorly drained in USDA's description; Murville fine sand, very poorly drained, its water table at or near the surface most of the time except in summer or where artificially drained; and Lynn Haven fine sand, poorly or very poorly drained. The drier ground includes Wakulla and Kureb sand, somewhat excessively and excessively drained.
A tank on wet ground has little margin. NC Sea Grant reports rising groundwater in inland parts of the coastal plain, and NC State Extension warns that solids left in the tank overflow into the drain field and clog the soil, after which pumping will not rejuvenate it. One more local reason: under CFPUA's posted connection deferral policy, a deferral from a mandatory sewer connection is void if the septic system fails or needs a repair the County Health Department mandates, and the owner must then connect.
How Often a Septic Tank Should Be Pumped in New Hanover County
For a typical home, the Division of Public Health says to have a state-permitted pumper remove the solids every three to five years, or as the permit directs. State rules make 1,000 gallons the smallest tank for a home with four or fewer bedrooms, and NC State Extension estimates a 1,000 gallon tank goes about six years between pump-outs with two people, three with four and two with six. A garbage disposal roughly doubles the solids.
The rule that decides it on the day is 15A NCAC 18E .1303: when the settled and floating solids together exceed a third of the liquid depth in any compartment, the entire contents of every compartment must be removed. We measure those layers before we pump and tell you the result.
Lost track of the last pump-out? The Division of Public Health suggests asking the local health department for the septic permit and soil evaluation sheet, which show roughly where the system's parts lie. For Myrtle Grove that is New Hanover County Environmental Health, 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 140, Wilmington; the county encourages septic records requests by email to programsupport@nhcgov.com.
Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping
Call us when you see:
- Sewage backing up into tubs, toilets or sinks.
- Drains and toilets that empty slowly, particularly after a rain.
- Gurgling in the plumbing.
- Odd smells in the bathroom nearest the tank.
- Puddles, soggy spots or unusually green, spongy grass over the system.
- A flashing red light or an alarm on the pump control panel, on pump systems.
As NC State Extension's Owner's Guide puts it, do not wait until your drain field fails to have your tank pumped.
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
- Locating the tank. A permit drawing helps; without one, we find it.
- Uncovering the lids. State rules call for two compartments with an access opening over each. We dig to buried lids and can swap out a cracked or crumbled one on the spot.
- Measuring first. We record the solids depth before pumping.
- Pumping every compartment. The Division of Public Health says to pump both compartments, and the pump tank too if there is one. We do.
- Roots and the filter. Roots that have grown into the system are cleared, and the effluent filter is rinsed, which state rules require so trapped solids do not back wastewater into the house or clog the system.
- Hauling. Under state law, a pumper must hold a state permit, and septage goes only to a wastewater system or site the state has approved.
- Closing up. Lids on, soil back, site left tidy.
Afterward the tank refills with water, as designed: the EPA says a tank holds wastewater long enough for solids to settle while the liquid moves on to the drain field.
What Pumping Does Not Fix
A pump-out empties the tank; it does nothing for a clogged drain field. NC State Extension says pumping after the drain field has clogged will not rejuvenate the system and buys only a few days. State rules go further: a tank pumped more than once a month to keep sewage off the ground or out of the house is a malfunctioning system by definition, and the owner must contact the local health department.
When the trouble is downstream, we say so. The fix may be line jetting, a distribution box repair, or a repair permit from New Hanover County Environmental Health for the drain field. We do not push a repair or replacement unless it is truly needed.
Pumping Systems With Pumps, Filters and Lift Stations
Wet sites often carry more than a tank and trenches. The EPA notes that low-pressure pipe systems were developed for problem sites, a high water table among them, and that poor tank maintenance can clog their small openings with solids.
- Pump tanks and lift stations. The Division of Public Health says to pump the pump tank too; we do, in the same visit, and we service lift station pumps. A flashing red light or beeping alarm, per NC State Extension, means the pump is not working properly or the pump tank is too full.
- Effluent filters. Required on systems installed since 1999, per NC State Extension's Owner's Guide, and due for checking and servicing about every two to three years, per its maintenance bulletin. Pumping day is when we do it.
- Businesses. 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
Between visits, these habits keep solids down and protect the drain field:
- Fix leaks; the EPA says one running toilet can add as much as 200 gallons a day.
- Keep grease, cooking oil and fats out of the sink; NC State Extension says grease hardens in the tank until it clogs the inlet or outlet.
- Go light on the garbage disposal; the EPA says it means more frequent pumping.
- Flush only human waste and toilet paper; wipes, paper towels, diapers and feminine products go in the trash.
- Keep gutters, downspouts and sump pumps away from the tank and drain field, and keep vehicles off both.
- Skip the additives; NC State Extension reports research has not shown any reduction in solids buildup from them.
- Keep a record of each pump-out and the levels found.
- Consider a riser, which brings the lid near the surface; state rules require risers when a new tank's openings sit more than six inches below grade.
Why Hire Coastal Septic Solutions
- Family owned, with more than 20 years in septic work.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- 24/7 emergency service for backups.
- Straight answers: we measure before we pump and recommend repairs only when necessary.
- Roots cleared and crumbling lids replaced during the same visit.
- State-of-the-art equipment and a clean site.
- Quick response and free, no-obligation estimates.
Related Septic Services
- Line jetting. Pressurized water clears buildup from the lines; we suggest it about every other pump-out.
- Septic tank risers and replacement lids. Risers bring the lid to the surface; broken lids are replaced at the time of service.
- D-box repair. Septic gases wear at concrete; a deteriorated distribution box is repaired or replaced.
- Emergency services. 24/7 help for backups, clogged filters and failing drain lines.
- Septic system installation in Myrtle Grove. When a drain field is past repair, we install the replacement system the county authorizes.
Nearby Towns We Serve
Beyond Myrtle Grove, we pump septic tanks in Wilmington, Porters Neck, Leland, Hampstead, Rocky Point and Currie; see all our service areas.
Coastal Septic Solutions pumps across all of New Hanover and Pender counties, and in parts of Brunswick, Onslow, Duplin, Bladen, Columbus and Sampson counties; see the main septic tank pumping page.
Septic Pumping Questions From Myrtle Grove Property Owners
How often should I pump my septic tank in Myrtle Grove?
Most tanks should be pumped every three to five years, according to the Division of Public Health. Tank size and household size set the interval: NC State Extension puts a 1,000 gallon tank at roughly three years with four people and six years with two. The one third rule settles it on the day, which is why we measure.
Should I have my tank pumped before a hurricane?
Not all the way. The Division of Public Health warns that an empty tank can float out of the ground, and the EPA says not to pump while the drain field is flooded or saturated. Use little water during the storm, cut power to any septic pump until it has been checked, and have both compartments pumped once the ground over the system has dried.
Do I need to find the tank and dig up the lids before you come?
No. Locating the tank and uncovering the lids is part of the job. A copy of the permit drawing speeds things up. If you do not have one, New Hanover County Environmental Health encourages requests for septic records to be emailed to programsupport@nhcgov.com; its office is at 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 140, in Wilmington.
Will pumping fix a backup or slow drains?
It depends. A full tank drains normally once pumped. A clogged drain field does not: NC State Extension says pumping then gives only a few days of reprieve before the tank fills again. The solids measurement, and what we see at the outlet, tell us which you have, and we will say so.
Should I pump the tank before selling my house?
The EPA's homebuyer guide recommends a septic inspection before a home is purchased, covering solids levels, the tank and its pipes, the distribution box and the pumping records. Pumping and documenting the tank before you list answers those questions early, and the permit on file can be requested from New Hanover County Environmental Health by email.
Get a Free Estimate for Your Myrtle Grove Septic Tank Pumping
Call 910.271.2008 or contact us online to book a pump-out or request a free estimate. For a backup or any other emergency, call. We answer 24/7.
