Septic tanks break down wastewater with bacteria. The solid wastes sink to the bottom of the tank, and the water flows out in a separate pipe. You need only worry about a few steps when a septic tank pumping is needed: scheduling the initial visit and keeping an eye on your system in between pumping sessions. Once you make the schedule, however, a team can calculate the optimal time and frequency for your septic tank pumping needs.
How Does Septic Tank Pumping Work? (Why It Needs to Be Done)
In most cases, a septic tank is shallow enough that the team can pump it from the ground level, but you should check with your crew to confirm. The tank is typically pumped after the homeowner has noticed that wastewater is backing up into the house or the tank has been full for at least six months. Occasionally, the tank may be pumped after a few heavy storms that wash a lot of organic waste into the tank.
After the septic tank is pumped and the solid materials are removed from the tank, the tank is immediately filled and treated with another dose of bacteria and enzymes to break down what’s left.
How Often Should You Pump Your Septic Tank?
Pumping frequency depends on your system and on what you put in it. If you have a small family and an older system, your tank may need to be pumped every five years or so. If you have a large family, you may need your tank pumped once a year.
You don’t need to worry about a tank pumping unless your waste system is full or backed up. If your tank hasn’t been pumped in the past six months, it’s a good idea to get it checked out in winter, when wastewater lines are less likely to be damaged.
How Does Septic Tank Pumping Help Diagnose Problems?
You may have a problem before you even notice it—if the tank is close to overflowing or if it’s overflowing. It’s difficult to detect a problem with your septic system without a professional inspection, especially if you don’t know what to look for. If you notice that your tank is backing up or smells, call for a professional.
A tank pumping allows your professional pumpers to examine the contents of your tank. If your tank is full and the contents are consistent with your family’s waste and the number of people using the tank, there is no problem. If the contents of your tank are inconsistent with the number of people using it, you may have a problem.
Your tank may need to be emptied, cleaned, and pumped more frequently, or you may need to upgrade your system.
Conclusion
Your septic tank is an important part of your home’s infrastructure, so you need to make sure it’s working properly. By scheduling regular pumping, you can ensure that your septic tank is always working at its best. If you need to learn about your septic system, contact a septic tank service for help.
Should you need septic tank pumping done, contact A-1 Septic Tank Service. We are a septic and non-hazardous pumping service provider ready to help you!