FAQ
What Are the Signs You Need Septic Pumping?
A licensed service technician can help you determine when you need to pump your septic tank. Nevertheless, several signs indicate you need septic pumping, such as slow drains, bad odors in your home or yard, and sewer backup. Also, if you notice lush grass above your septic tank or drainage field, pump your tank or have a professional check it.
Signs Your Septic Is Failing?
Water and sewage from toilets, drains and sinks are backing up into the home. Bathtubs, showers, and sinks drain very slowly. Gurgling sound in plumbing system/ Standing water or damp spots near the septic tank or drainfield. Bad odors around the septic tank or drainfield. Bright green, spongy lush grass over the septic tank or drainfield, even during dry weather. Algal blooms in nearby pond or lakes. High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in water wells.
After How Long Should You Pump Your Septic Tank?
The frequency of septic tank pumping depends on various factors, including sludge level, appropriateness of use, and amount of wastewater. Experts recommend pumping your septic tanks every three to five years. However, perform regular inspections and maintenance on your septic system.
When Should You Not Pump Your Septic Tank?
Do not pump your septic tank if you experience one of the following.
First, your home has flooded. Opening your septic tank for pumping may welcome floodwater. Also, your tank may float, resulting in pipe damage.
Second, you have a low sludge level. Typically, you should pump your tank when the sludge level is a third of the tank capacity.
Third, you have an old or fragile tank. Since the tank may collapse during pumping, you should liaise with a professional service technician on the best line of action.
Lastly, avoid septic pumping if you have scheduled a septic inspection in less than two weeks.
What If You Fail to Pump Your Septic Tank?
You may experience various problems ranging from blockages to disease and expensive repairs. Wastewater backing in your home poses a huge health risk. The bacteria in the raw sewage can cause diseases or leak into the soil and contaminate underground water. Blocked septic systems can cause substantial damage and a huge repair bill.
How Do You Maintain Your Septic Tank System After Pumping?
You can take several actions after septic pumping to keep your septic system in optimal condition, avoid costly damages, and guarantee your family's safety and health.
Firstly, schedule routine inspection and maintenance.
Secondly, invest in water-efficient washing machines, showers, and toilets to reduce the amount of wastewater your home generates.
Thirdly, avoid flushing hygiene products, wipes, diapers, paper towels, cigarette butts, and grease.
Fourthly, do not park or drive on your septic tank or drainfield.
Fifthly, do not direct rain runoff water into your drainfield.
Lastly, keep off any products and chemicals that claim to clean your septic tank; they often do more harm than good
Should I be careful of what I pour down the drain?
Yes. Many materials that might be poured down the drain do not easily decompose. This can be harmful to the healthy bacteria that grow in your septic tank and drainfield to help break down organic matter. Do not pour grease (such as fats, butter, wax, cheese, heavy cream), liquid wastes (such as pesticides, drain cleaners, household chemicals, paints, paint thinners), oils or coffee grounds down the drain.
Does using a garbage disposal unit impact my septic system?
Yes. Using an in-sink garbage disposal unit can impact how often you need to pump your septic tank. Food waste usually is slowly digested by the healthy bacteria in your septic tank and can accumulate as scum and sludge.
What can I flush down the toilet?
Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Flushing baby wipes down the toilet can lead to a multitude of plumbing issues and can quickly effect the comfort and safety of your home. “Flushable wipes” is easily misconstrued and can lead you to believe it is okay to do so, however it is incredibly important no to.
Should I avoid driving or building on my drainfield?
Yes. Most drain fields (such as rock and pipe, chamber system, etc.) are constructed in open lawn areas and are not designed to handle vehicles or heavy equipment driving on them. The weight of vehicles and heavy equipment compacts the soil, which can damage pipes. Impermeable materials, such as concrete and asphalt, should not be laid on top of a drain field because they reduce evaporation and the supply of oxygen to the soil.
What kind of additives are acceptable for use in my septic system?
EPA does not make recommendations on individual septic system products. Commercially available microbiological and enzyme additives are promoted to reduce sludge and scum accumulation in septic tanks. However, these additives are not necessary for a septic system to function properly when treating domestic wastewater. Use caution when using additives in your septic system as they may decrease the performance of septic drainfields, which treat the wastewater from the septic tank. In general, do not use additives made of organic solvents or strong alkali chemicals because they pose a potential threat to soil structure and groundwater.
How long does a septic system last?
The lifespan of a septic system depends on the material it is made of, the design, installation, service and exposure conditions, and maintenance of the system. Typically, a septic tank made of concrete may last 50 years or more, although older tanks may not be as well constructed as newer tanks. Tanks made from other materials, such as plastic may last a similar timeframe. See the manufacturer for projected lifespan estimates as well as strength, design, installation, and warranty information.
How To Know If Drain field Is Failing?
Wet, soggy areas develop above or near the drain field and you may see spongy bright green grass over the area. There may also be odors near the tank or drain field/
How Do I Know How Big My Septic Tank Is?
The only way to know for certain is to hire a septic maintenance provider to locate, open, and pump the tank.
How Do I Locate My Septic Tank?
Your septic tank will most certainly be installed along the main sewer line that runs out of your home. Look for the 4-inch sewer that exits the crawl space or basement, and locates the same spot outside the home. Septic tank are usually located between 10-25 feet away from the home.
Septic System Do’s And Dont’s
Do: Regularly inspect and maintain, pump as needed, keep septic tank lids closed and secure, be water-wise, direct water from land and roof drains away from drain field, landscape with love, keep septic tank lids easily accessible.
Don’t: Use a garbage disposal to “throw away” food, Flush anything except toilet paper into your system, Put household chemicals down the drain, Use septic tank additives, Drain water from hot tubs into your septic system
How Can I Prepare My Septic Tank For Pumping?
Keep a record of septic tank maintenance, Locate system components, Clear away all debris.
