Pumping your septic tank should be part of your home
maintenance routine. This maintenance is one way to ensure your septic tank
serves you well for an extended period. Usually, septic tank experts recommend
pumping a septic tank after three to five years. However, the stated pumping
intervals may vary based on the factors below.
The Amount of Wastewater From Your Household
Gray water and blackwater are the primary forms of
wastewater the septic tank drains away. Gray water emanates from areas like
your showers and washing machines. Black water stems from kitchen sinks and
bathrooms.
When you have excess wastewater, your septic system may not
be efficient. The septic system and tank need enough room to drain the regular
wastewater from your household. The only way to create room is by pumping your
septic tank.
Consider scheduling the pumping sessions at closer
intervals if you have a lot of individuals in your household. More people means
more waste that accumulates in your septic tank over time. Shorten the pumping
session intervals any time the number of your household members increases.
If your home has few individuals but you still receive many
guests, you may also have excess wastewater. For example, during holidays, you
may host a lot of people within a month. A lot of individuals in your home
increase water usage, increasing the amount of gray and black wastewater.
After a holiday season in which you hosted many guests,
contact a professional for an inspection of your septic tank. The professional
will recommend the best actions to take. One of the recommendations may be
pumping the septic tank.
Lastly, if you clean, wash, and cook a lot in your home,
you produce a lot of wastewater in a short time. This wastewater can make the
septic tank fill up quickly. Thus, you might have to schedule frequent pumping
sessions.
The Size of Your Septic Tank
Septic tank sizes vary based on various factors. For
example, professionals determine the size of a septic tank based on the
estimated number of residents or bedrooms in a residential property.
For instance, a small septic tank in a household with a lot
of individuals will fill up quickly. Therefore, the pumping sessions should
happen after a shorter period. A professional can advise you on whether the
size of your septic tank is recommendable for the size of your household.
Determining the size of your septic tank may be difficult.
But, information about your septic tank could be on the paperwork when you
bought your home. If you do not find the information, contact a professional to
determine the size of your septic tank. The professional will help you know the
size and times you need to empty your tank.
The Volume of Solid Waste
A septic tank takes in both solid and liquid waste. The
liquid waste is flexible and flows through the tank outlets into the ground.
Solid waste remains and accumulates in the tank. The solid waste gets broken
down by anaerobic bacteria and rests at the bottom of the tank.
The accumulation of waste at the bottom forms sludge. The
sludge increases over time, leaving no space for bacteria to work on the waste.
A backflow or flooding may occur if you do not pump your tank. If your
household generates a considerable amount of solid waste, your pumping sessions
should be more frequent.
A septic tank requires proper maintenance for the system to
function correctly. Pumping the tank is a way to give the tank enough room to
drain wastewater and solids from your household. The right professionals can
guide you through the maintenance process. Contact us
today for any
inquiries or septic maintenance.
