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How Often Should I Pump My Septic Tank? ,

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How Often Should I Pump My Septic Tank?

A septic tank being inspected by a specialist.

Septic tank pumping is a critical task if you want to maintain your septic system. A septic tank pumping essentially cleans your system by removing the accumulated sludge and scum from your tank. Unfortunately, if your septic tank doesn’t get pumped when it needs it, it can lead to septic tank failure, premature drain field failure, sewage backups in your home, health hazards for your family and costly repairs. These are consequences every homeowner wants to avoid, and they can be easily avoided if septic tank pumping is scheduled on time. So what does “on time” pumping mean for your septic tank?

General Guidelines

While the EPA recommends that a septic tank be pumped every 3 to 5 years, this is just an average. There are several factors that will influence how often your specific tank should be cleaned and pumped. If you are unsure whether your tank currently needs it, it is best to schedule a septic inspection. In general, if the base of the floating scum layer in your tank is within 6-inches of the outlet pipe and the top of the sludge layer is within 12-inches, a septic pumping will be suggested.

Usage Matters

How you use your plumbing system is a leading factor in determining your pumping schedule. This includes how much you flush your toilets, use your dishwasher/washing machine, take showers/baths, etc. Another significant consideration is your garbage disposal usage. If you use a garbage disposal on a regular basis, you are increasing the amount of waste in your tank by up to fifty percent!

Tank Size and Family Size

Obviously, the more occupants in your household, the more frequently your septic tank will fill up and need to be pumped. Your household size should coincide with your septic tank size. A tank can be too small to handle your family without very frequent pumpings. A septic inspection can determine if your septic tank capacity is suitable for your family.

Call an Expert for Septic Tank Pumping Advice

At Metro Septic, our job is to keep your septic tank running smoothly and efficiently. If you have questions about how often your septic tank should be pumped, please ask. In fact, knowing the answer can be the difference between a healthy or failing septic system. Call our Atlanta area team today to learn more.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic

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