The U.S. Government Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Public Health Service says, “A septic tank system will serve a home satisfactorily only if it is properly designed, installed, and adequately maintained”. The design and installation components come solely under the duties of your septic company; however, you share the maintenance responsibilities of your system.
Sludge that accumulates in the bottom of a septic tank must be pumped out periodically, 3 to 5 years is recommended. If you do not schedule a septic tank pumping, the sludge will eventually build up and overflow the system; this causes an offensive odor in your home and a contamination of your soil area. In addition, the cost to repair your septic backup could be expensive.
Here are some frequently asked questions about septic tank pumping in your home:
- What happens during a septic pumping service?
- The tank lid will be excavated to access the contents. The liquid and solids of the tank are removed using a hose and disposed of. While the lid is removed, a toilet is flushed to check for proper flow from the fixtures inside the home. If the drain from the house to the tank is clogged, further inspection may be required. In some cases, the drain line may be broken, back pitched, or clogged with grease. Inspection of the inlet and outlet baffles are also performed and a report is issued to the homeowner if requested.
- It has not been 3 years since my last septic tank pumping, but my system is running slow. Do I need to have it pumped again?
- Remember that the 3 to 5 year recommendation is only for an average household. The maintenance frequency depends on the size and condition of your septic system as well as the number of occupants. Asking your septic company for a specific recommended pumping schedule is always best. Never ignore foul odor in your home or a slow running plumbing system.
- Do I need to put additives in my system?
- In most cases additives are not necessary to maintain your septic system. Your service provider can help determine if additives will improve bacteria levels in your tank. However, using additives will not prevent sludge accumulation, which is a primary reason to get your septic system periodically pumped.
- Is there anything we can do at home to reduce the need for septic tank pumping?
- There are a few daily precautions that can cause your tank to not fill up so quickly. Conserving water when possible, avoiding the use of a kitchen garbage disposal, and only flushing toilet paper down your toilets will reduce the need for a pump-out in your home.
Metro Septic help both residential and commercial customers determine their specific septic tank pumping needs. We perform top quality work with respectful consideration of your environment when it comes to septic services.