In the United States, 33% of all new developments have septic systems and other decentralized methods.
If you’ve moved into an area serviced by septic tanks or have been at one for a while, you may have some questions. One question, how often should a septic tank be pumped, shouldn’t go unanswered. If you want your septic system to continue to work for years, it needs maintenance.
Let’s break down how often your septic system will need to get pumped and why.
Septic System
Septic systems exist where access to city sewer systems isn’t available. When you have a working septic system, your bathroom and toilet operate like they would in town. The big difference is the waste isn’t shipped away. It’s dispersed into a drain field.
This is why you’ll often find lush, green grass near a mound or septic line.
Pumping a septic tank is vital maintenance because it can become full. If this happens, the system will stop working, and you could have sewer back up your drain lines. No one wants to come home from work to find sewer waste in their home.
Regular Maintenance
Septic tank service is an ongoing process to keep the septic system operating. Pumping a septic tank is part of that service, as is inspection. Many things can go wrong with a septic tank.
The older they get, the more often they can experience malfunction or failure.
Often this is the form of a pump or seal going out. Regular inspections, done at least once every three years, can catch these issues. The same is true with pumping. A septic tank sifts out waste, but solid matter does accumulate.
This is why you should consider septic pumping as a part of regular maintenance. At least once every three years, the septic system will need to get pumped. That answers the question of how often does a septic tank need to be pumped, but there is more.
Septic Service Contractors
To keep your septic tank operating at peak condition, you need to have someone you trust working on it. Here’s where a contractor comes in. They have the experience and knowledge to ensure your septic tank receives the care it needs.
They can also perform the septic tank pumping service that you need. Discuss with your contractor what steps you should take and how often they’ll be needed. They’ll be able to give you a more definitive answer, but in most cases, it ranges from 3 to 5 years.
How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped
Now we have answered the basic question, how often should a septic tank be pumped. The age and condition of your septic tank might change the basic answer. This is why it is important to discuss it with your contractor and find out what they think.
If this article was helpful, take a moment and check out our website. We offer a variety of septic tank services.
