With the 12 Foot Septic Checker Without Case, all you have to do is screw the pieces together with the built-in unions, remove the cover off of the septic tank, and slowly extend the Septic Checker into the primary tank (inlet/house side). When you reach the bottom, you just pull the Septic Checker up about an inch, and pull on the cord until it is taught, and while keeping it taught, wrap the cord around the built-in cleat. This will pull the stopper to the end of the clear PVC pipe, which has been milled to perfectly fit the stopper, and keep it in place. Next, you simply pull the Septic Checker straight up, and view the cross-section sample of your septic tank. Not only does the milled end of the pipe provide an excellent water tight seal with the stopper, it is also shaped to cut easily through the sludge layer without disturbing it. The Septic Checker is marked in 1 foot increments, so you can easily see how much sludge, water and scum are present. If your tank has over 30% sludge + scum, it's time to have it pumped. The Septic Checker, including the cord, is impervious to the septic contents, so it is very easy to clean when you are done with a garden hose.