Septic tanks are something we mostly forget about. We all forget how important it is to maintain them. How often do you ask yourself, “How often does a septic tank need to be pumped” or “when was the last time I emptied it?” Very rarely, but what happened during that time is not at all naive.
Heave solids sink to the bottom, forming a sludge layer while light solids float to the top. The liquid wastewater layer in between is ideally free of suspended solids.
How often does a septic tank need to be pumped?
Depending on the use, as well as the number of people living in your household, the septic tank will need more or less frequent emptying. For example, you may need to septic tank pumping more often in larger households, while a single person living alone in the house may take ten years without the tank being pumped out.
Home septic tanks should be pumped every two-five years, on average. The best time to pump your septic tank is spring or summer. A tank near capacity should be pumped during the spring to avoid flooding in the warmer months. Winter is undoubtedly the worst time to pump your septic tank since the ground is typically frozen and hard, making it more difficult to dig. If you don’t want to risk forgetting about this task, we recommend you contact septic tank maintenance in Miami, FL.
Inspect and pump frequently
The average household septic system should also be inspected by a septic service professional at least every two years. You can also clean the septic tank by yourself, in this natural way, with baking soda and vinegar, but it’s better to leave it to the professionals. Alternative systems with mechanical components, electrical float switches, or pumps should be inspected more frequently, usually once a year. These are the main factors that affect the frequency of a septic pump:
- Amount of solids in wastewater
- The size of the septic tank
- Household size
- Total wastewater generated
Dispose of waste properly
What goes down the drain considerably affects how well your septic system works. In short, everything that falls into your sewer ends up in your septic system. Therefore, avoid using the toilet as a trash can.
It’s very simple: Don’t rinse anything except human waste and toilet paper. Never rinse:
- Food
- Baby wipes, diapers
- Dental floss
- Female hygiene products
- Cigarette butts
Let’s follow up on the question: “How often does a septic tank need to be pumped?”. What follows is:” Why should a septic tank be emptied?”
Emptying the septic tank is important because of the main purpose of the tank. If the sludge accumulates higher than allowed, more solid will break into the soil absorption system. The last part of this series of events includes sanitary water that returns to the surface because the septic system has become overloaded.
One of the answers to the question: ”How often does a septic tank need to be pumped?” is definitely something you can figure out yourself, and that is:
- Smell
- Overflow
- Toilet Flushing Issues
- Slow Drains
- Water Backup
How do I know my septic tank is full?
Usually, these are negative odors, sewer odors, or standing water outside your home that can indicate a septic tank malfunction; clogged pipes or sewer blockages can sometimes seem like problems with septic tanks, so it’s best to call someone who understands that.
The thing is that after pumping the septic tank, it takes less than a week for it to get filled with liquid waste. This is entirely normal; however, the major concern is the solids that have floated to the top or those that settled to the bottom of the septic tank. But, since solids cannot be removed alone, they are usually pumped out with the liquids.
Taking care of your septic tank is essential, as well as your own and other people’s surroundings. If your system is in good condition, it could be that all you need is to contact septic tank cleaning in Miami, FL and schedule a call.