Our Pumping Process

Simple & Straightforward Service

Arrival Window

Our septic technician will contact you before heading to your location, providing an estimated time of arrival. We make every effort to adhere to our original arrival window, but on occasion, our technicians encounter job sites that require more time than initially anticipated. Your patience during these situations is greatly appreciated, as we are committed to ensuring our technicians deliver a thorough job for every septic system we service. Communication holds a high priority for us, and we make it a point to reach out to our customers if we experience any delays. Rest assured, we never cancel a job without prior notice.


When our technician arrives at your location, they will knock on your door to inform you that they are ready to service your septic system. This is an ideal opportunity to ask any questions you may have and ensure that any dogs in your yard are safely secured. If you've arranged for the service and agreed not to be home during that time, we will enter your yard with your permission, making sure to close any gates behind us.


While it's not mandatory for you to be present during the service, our technician is more than willing to have you watch and provide insights into your septic system, should you choose to be on-site. We believe in educating our customers about their septic systems and welcome your participation if you're interested.

Locating & Exposing

In cases where your septic system needs to be located and exposed, we begin by searching for your septic as-built record. This record serves as a fundamental blueprint detailing the precise location of your septic system. However, it's worth noting that in some instances, especially with older homes, there may be no record available or the existing records may be inaccurate. In such situations, we rely on our team's extensive experience and knowledge to determine where the septic system should be situated.



Our skilled technicians are well-versed in what to look for and use probing techniques in your yard. They take great care to minimize any disturbance to the environment while effectively locating and exposing your septic system.



After successfully locating and exposing your septic system, our technician will assess the required length of hoses for pumping out the septic tank. Our trucks are equipped with up to 300 feet of hose, although we often don't need to use the entire length. The technician will carefully lay out a hose path in your yard and connect them in preparation for the pumping process.

Pump It Out

When the technician is ready to pump out your septic tank the vacuum will be turned on and you will hear a loud droning sound. During this time it is best to keep windows and doors closed for noise and odor. The odor will begin to dissipate after your service.  The average septic pumping service lasts about 45 minutes for a standard septic system. Things that can make septic pumping take longer is if the system has not regulary been maintained with a large amount of solids/sludge in the tank or if you flush baby wipes and the tank is thick.



Our technicians take great notes and photos of the condition on your septic system. It is a Washington State requirement that all septic providers document and submit a septic pumping report to the online reporting system. This keeps a service record of all septic services completed on your home, regardless of what septic company you use for your services.



Once the septic system has been thoroughly pumped out, our team will shut off the truck and proceed to tidy up the jobsite. This involves collecting any tools that were used and, if necessary, carefully replacing any soil that may have been disturbed during the process of exposing the septic system. We take care to ensure that any gates that were closed upon our arrival are properly secured, and we'll leave your yard in the same condition it was in when we first arrived upon our departure.


Completed Service

An invoice for the services performed will be generated, and it will be sent to you via email. We will then collect payment on site for service.


We highly value and appreciate honest feedback on the septic services we provide, and we take pleasure in reading our reviews. Our goal is to consistently deliver the best customer service in the industry. If you could spare a few minutes to leave us a review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook, we would genuinely appreciate it. Your feedback helps us improve and better serve our valued customers.

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Helpful Information To Know

  • What type of system do you have?

    The most common types of septic systems are the Gravity System and the Pressure System, which includes a pump & pump chamber typically with an alarm panel. Knowing the type of septic system you have is important for proper maintenance and servicing. Please specify the type of system at your property so we can better address your septic needs.

  • Do you have any concerns?

    Are you experiencing toilets that gurgle or drains that are slow to empty? Do you detect any unpleasant septic odors, or have you observed ponding in your yard? If you're encountering any of these issues, it's essential to address them promptly to ensure the proper functioning of your septic system. 

  • When was your system last pumped?

    If you purchased your home within the past 10 years, it's highly likely that the septic tank was required to be pumped and inspected during the home sale process. In such cases, this service and inspection would have been recorded in the online record system of the health department. It's worth noting that we have access to these records, even if we weren't the septic service provider at the time. This access enables us to provide comprehensive and informed assistance with your septic system needs.

  • Are your septic lids exposed?

    To determine this, you can start by checking if you have a riser on your septic system. Look for large green lids in your yard – if you find them, please let us know how many there are. If you're unsure about the location of your septic tank or require assistance with its excavation, please inform us. We are here to help with any necessary steps to ensure your septic system is properly located and maintained.

  • Are you experiencing a backup?

    A common misunderstanding is the expectation of higher costs for emergency services. At Sterling Septic, we want to clarify that there are no extra charges for same-day or emergency septic tank pumping. It's vital to let us know in case of a septic emergency so that we can prioritize your appointment and promptly address the issue, ensuring the swift restoration of your septic service.

  • Are you planning on selling your home?

    To facilitate the sale of your home, it's important to note that a certified septic inspection is a  mandatory requirement. This ensures that your septic system is in proper working condition for the new homewoners. You would also want to time the service correctly because the pumping and inspection are only valid by the health department for a time period. 

  • How can I prepare for service?

    To ensure a smooth and efficient septic service, we kindly request your assistance with the following:


    Clear Access: Please make sure our septic technicians have unobstructed access to your septic tank. This entails picking up any toys, dog feces, yard tools, and debris from the yard before the service.


    Septic Tank Location: If you are unsure of the exact location of your septic tank, please inform us. Sometimes, septic tanks are situated under decks, and we want to be adequately prepared for such scenarios.


    Secure Pets: For safety and to avoid any disruptions, kindly put all dogs away during the service and unlock any gates required for access.


    Move Vehicles: If there are any vehicles obstructing the path of hoses or potentially blocking our semi-truck, we request that you move them before we connect our hoses.

     Your cooperation greatly assists us in delivering efficient and effective septic services. 

Call our team today at (253) 254-8630

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