Understanding Septic Tank Pumping

Septic tank cleaning and pumping is one of those things that needs to be done from time to time. If you are new to a home that has a septic tank, then you may not be sure what the proper procedure for dealing with the septic tank is. Here are some tips to help you understand your septic tank. 

Why Does the Tank Need to Be Pumped?

The tank must be pumped on a regular basis to remove solids from your tank. The tank does a fairly good job of removing liquid waste on its own; the waste is pumped through the tank, treated, and then released safely into the ground. But if your tank gets too full of solids, it leaves little room for liquid to flow through the tank. Your tank may get backed up and begin to leak, leaving you with a costly plumbing bill. 

How Often Does the Tank Need to Be Pumped?

Generally, the tank won't need to be cleaned more than every 2 or 3 years. But this depends on a few factors. For one, the size of the tank matters; tanks can get up to 2,000 gallons for larger homes and families. Check to ensure that your septic tank is large enough for the number of people you have. Another thing that matters is proper care of the septic tank; if you're flushing down a lot of unnecessary solids in your home (such as feminine sanitary products or even q-tips), then the tank may need to be pumped more often. 

How Do I Know When the Tank Should Be Pumped?

You could simply follow the maintenance schedule of your septic tank to know when to get a septic tank pumping. You could also use a probe to test the sludge levels in your tank; consult a septic tank professional to learn how to do this safely at your home. 

Another thing to be aware of is the signs that your septic tank is getting full. For instance, if you notice that your home drains back up more than usual, you might want to call in your septic tank pumping team right away to prevent a septic tank failure. 

How Do I Get the Tank Pumped?

Septic tank cleaning and pumping should be done by a professional septic service. They will use a vacuum to remove solids and dispose of them at a waste treatment plant. While they are at your home, they might check on other maintenance needs of the tank.