How often should your septic tank be pumped? You are probably wondering this as well if you have just recently bought a home that needs septic tank pumping, instead of draining waste water into the regular sewer system. The tanks come in different sizes and they fill differently, depending on the size of the tank and how often it is used, that is, the number of people living in your home. You can usually make an estimate based on these factors and have it pumped on a planned schedule.
Maintenance
If there are four people in a house with a 500-gallon tank, the estimate is that septic tank pumping should be done once a year. If there were only two people in the house, then the tank may only need emptying every two years. Not all tanks are 500-gallon sized, so check the size of the tank before you make that estimate. Of course, you don’t want anything to go wrong with the tank which is why the regular maintenance, and ‘good health’ checks on the tank are so important. Keep your mind on the regular need for pumping the tank so that it doesn’t let you down when you least expect it.
Proper Use
You can make a better estimate by considering not only how many people are in the house, but also how the tank is used. Efficient tanks fill up more slowly if only water is put down the drains and only biodegradable materials and paper down the toilet. As long as the items flushed break down quickly there will be fewer problems. Things that don’t break down as quickly are things like disposable wipes, dental floss, cigarette butts, coffee grounds and cooking fats that float in the tank and don’t decompose for a long period of time. People usually find that septic tank pumping is needed more often when these types of items are flushed or put down the drains.
Did you know that using a garbage disposal also contributes to how fast the tank fills? It’s almost like having another person living in the household. Grease, oil and fat cause problems too because they don’t mix in with the water in the tank but instead float on top, or clog the system completely. You will need to call the septic tank pumping crews more often in these situations. Lists are easy to find that tell you what not to put down a household drain if you are on a septic system.
If you have made a reasonable estimate using these tips and advice from the septic tank cleaning company, be sure to make a note to remember when its time for a septic tank pumping. Don’t put it off until the last minute. It is better, in fact, to schedule the cleaning for a specific period of time so that the regular maintenance does not become overdue.
The last thing you want is for something to go wrong. Sewage leaks can be disastrous. Keep in touch with Drane Ranger if you know you will need septic tank pumping services soon. They can help you schedule routine maintenance and give you peace of mind that nothing will go wrong with your septic tank.