Preventing Plumbing Problems

4 Questions About Septic Tank Pumping Answered

24 February 2022 by Calvin Simmmons

A septic tank is a water-tight chamber under the ground. It is where the sewage from your home naturally decomposes and settles into a sludge. It is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with proper septic tank maintenance practices before anything goes wrong.

How Often Should You Pump Your Septic Tank?

This varies depending on how many people live in your household and how much you use your toilets. But more regular pumping is recommended for households of more than 4 people who use their toilets more often than average. Once you've pumped your tank, remember to maintain it regularly by having the soil tested annually and pump out any accumulated sludge before it has a chance to settle on the bottom. Also, don't forget that if solids are allowed to pile up in your wastewater system, it will decrease the efficiency of your leaching field.

What Are the Signs That It is Time to Get Your Septic Tank Pumped?

One sign of a clogged or failing system is water backing up into the toilet bowl, sinkhole, and shower drains when someone flushes the toilet. More serious signs of trouble include slow draining sinks and showers, a strong sewer gas odor outside especially near either end of your house, cracked walls surrounding your drain field, or leach lines caused by excessive weight from the sludge created by a septic tank that is too full.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Your Septic Tank Pumped Out?

This depends on the size of your tank, how deep it is, and what kind of material it is made from. The contents will affect the cost as well. If you have a solid waste problem due to overuse, your tank may need to be emptied completely, whereas grease build-up can be cleaned internally with enzymes added through an air gap in your system, but this isn't ideal for homes that have issues with solids. It could also mean that pumping is required more frequently than usual, which is going to increase costs further. You should also factor in any accessories such as a filter system or a vacuum truck. To get the exact cost, contact a septic pumping service near you.

How Do You Know If Your Septic Tank Has Cracks or Leaks?

If you notice water pooling around your septic tank, it could be an indication of a leak. Some signs of trouble include grass and plants dying off in a circular pattern around your wastewater drain field. Another sign is sewage bubbling up from the ground when your home's waste line gets clogged by tree roots.

Keep these tips in mind when looking for septic tank services near you.

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