Disagree.
Read about the Sludge Judge, at their site or in my post.
Only part a person is likely to need for homeowner use is
the bottom part with the valve
http://www.enasco.com/ProductDetail.do?sku=C09250WA
or perhaps that part and a single extension.
http://www.enasco.com/ProductDetail.do?sku=C09251WA

It's like being able to take a core sample of the septic tank
contents. Shows you exactly what's there under the layer of
scum, because you would NEVER have known by simply
having it pumped.

Steve, sometimes it's best to ask, such as the OP, instead
of just taking timeworn 'truths' at face value.

On Feb 17, 8:21 pm, "jackson" wrote:
"Steve Barker" wrote in message

...

Open it up and do a visual inspection? Obviously you've never had a
septic system. There is no visual inspection until you PUMP it. Opening
it up and looking, all you will see is the "scum" on top. And only the
pumping guy can really tell (by feel) how deep the sludge is/was. 3 to 5
years max, or trouble ahead. Period.

--
Steve Barker

Agreed!



"Deke" wrote in message
.. .

Visual inspection is the absolute key. Too many people fail to
open it up and inspect it periodically and then complain when it quits
working. Going 18 years without pumping is not that unusual.