In our “Q & A” section, we ask the loaded question: “How often should I have my septic tank pumped?”
The reason that we don’t just say Every Two or Three Years —THE END– is because the best answer is It Depends.
It depends on the number of people in your household.
It depends on the water use of each of those people.
It depends on whether or not you have a garbage disposal.
It depends on drain abuse (flushing non-flushable items).
It depends on the existing condition of your system.
The goal of pumping your tank is to rid the tank of built-up scum and sludge and to allow for a quick inspection that it is working to design. It’s best to pump your tank at least every two to three years for those two reasons alone. If you have a big family and use a lot of water, it might make sense to get it pumped more often. If food waste routinely enters your system, it can tax a system quickly and reduce its effective treatment. If you have electric or active mechanical components in your system (pumps, floats, filters, etc.) you’ll want those inspected more frequently. If your system is older you may want to think about getting it pumped more often so the working level can be checked more often. If you suspect some non-flushable items have made their way into your system, or if something just doesn’t seem right, it may make sense to contact us.
The septic service technician can help you determine if you need to do more than simply pump the tank to improve the system’s operation.
While pumping your septic tank regularly does not guarantee the longevity of your system, it is a great first step in keeping the system in proper working order.
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