Pump out recommendation

[trinityspeedwash]

This is another (newer) thread on pit pump outs.

I read through some of the older threads and got motivated to try to dig this out myself. I dropped a sump to drain most of the water and then shoveled three wheel-barrows worth of sludge/mudd out of the pit. At this point, I realized that with 6 bays to do, and 3 wheel barrows barely making a dent in the amount of mud, I should probably get some help.

So looking for your guys' advice on pit clean outs in North Texas/Dallas area.

Based on my measurements, my pits are around 8ft x 2ft x 6ft = 720 gallons and I have 6 of these.

I received a couple of quotes from local places, one way $1,500 a bay the other was $1.55 per gallon =$1,116 per bay.

Shoveling out the dirt bought me a few weeks of time to get this sorted, but I am hoping to bring this topic back to the top and see if anyone has newer recommendation or knows of a local company that would fit the bill.

 

[AnalyticWash]

I pay about 65-80 cents per gallon to have it done (There will always be some variables like time and distance). Find a company that currently services car washes.

$1.55/gallon seems high.

 

[Yeti55]

I have a septic company come and pump mine every 3 months at my 4 bay s/s for $300 plus tax, I read some of these quotes and they are crazy high . Must be different regulations for where they dump

 

[trinityspeedwash]

Thanks guys. I will keep calling around and seeing if I can get a better rate. Appreciate the comparisons.

 

[Greg Pack]

Another option some operators do is just make a regular task of shoveling out a couple wheelbarrows each week and not worrying about completely emptying.

 

[edredtop]

Another option some operators do is just make a regular task of shoveling out a couple wheelbarrows each week and not worrying about completely emptying.

Agreed.
If you're not facing an impending inspection, I would attack it the same way you face an apple, one bite at a time. If you're physically able, do two wheel barrows a week hitting a different bay each time like an old typewriter.

A wheel barrow holds 60 gallons.
If your pit is 3/4 full at 720 gallons, it'll take 9 trips with your wheel barrow each bay.
9 trips X 6 bays is 54 trips (trip = a walk to dumpster?)
2 trips a week for 7 or 8 months (because they will continue to fill) would get you close to empty, fit as a fiddle, and close to $7 grand wealthier. Totally understand this isn't an option for everybody, but if you're able, this is one way to mentally plan your attack.

* Edit - How long did it take to fill up?

 

[soapy]

If you have land that you can dump the pit waste on to dry and then haul off it would be well worth it to get your own vacuum pump or tractor set up. I went 23 years with my own vac trailer before retiring it and going to my own tractor and dump trailer. 7 years ago the tractor and trailer setup cost me around 30K. It has already paid for itself many times over. I have to do my similar sized pits at least 4 times per year.

 

[Roz]

I pump out the top water with 2” pump and then use

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-73826-roll-n-vac-hydrovac-2-portable-industrial-vacuum.aspx?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD4x_URVgpFY2FY4kZs1bfpRWtrki&gclid=CjwKCAiAm-67BhBlEiwAEVftNgIIuBND9bm84s4UwVqt21HEM7p7YH8WFyyFeQGWXrByuy6BiXA7FxoC7oQQAvD_BwE

Awesome wet dry vac. Then dump mud to dry on the side. Someone who needs soil takes it away when pile gets high. Best system I have found and we have tried septic companies and professional pit companies who make septic companies look cheap.

 

[Jaltavela]

We recently got our first bill from a septic company as well. We decided to take matters in to our own hands. They aren't easy to find but they are out there.

 

[AquaAce]

Where are you dumping it?

 

[Jaltavela]

We have a few locations, some of the municipalities will take it, some we will likely have to pay a disposal fee. But even with a disposal fee it'll still be a lot cheaper.

 

[edredtop]

I pump out the top water with 2” pump and then use

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-73826-roll-n-vac-hydrovac-2-portable-industrial-vacuum.aspx?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD4x_URVgpFY2FY4kZs1bfpRWtrki&gclid=CjwKCAiAm-67BhBlEiwAEVftNgIIuBND9bm84s4UwVqt21HEM7p7YH8WFyyFeQGWXrByuy6BiXA7FxoC7oQQAvD_BwE

Awesome wet dry vac. Then dump mud to dry on the side. Someone who needs soil takes it away when pile gets high. Best system I have found and we have tried septic companies and professional pit companies who make septic companies look cheap.

Our soil usually has some oil on it, that's not a concern for the dirt scavengers?

 

[Roz]

Our soil usually has some oil on it, that's not a concern for the dirt scavengers?

We have our pits tested professionally. The numbers indicated a non issue. I would not drink the water from a pit but the mud will not harm anything. 99% dirt

You do realize that the septic disposal companies around the country spread their loads across farm lands for disposal.

given the things people flush down their toilets that household septic waste is worse than the pit mud. Most septic companies do regular testing of their loads before the waste is spread but I bet in smaller communities they skip that step to save money.