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Common Questions about Pumping Your Septic Tank

24 September 2015 by Jetse Wilkes

A functioning septic system is critical for any home that is not connected to a sewer system, but these systems are often misunderstood by new homeowners. Failing to understand your home's septic system can make it far more likely that you'll experience a range of problems. In particular, it is common for homeowners to fail to have these systems pumped on a regular basis. After these following questions are answered, helping your septic system avoid major problems will be a far easier task for you to do. 

Do Small Households Really Need to Have the Septic Tank Pumped?

There is a frequent misconception that pumping septic tanks is only necessary for homes with large families. Often, this belief stems from the notion that the solid material in the tank will decompose before it has a chance to accumulate. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and if you make the mistake of believing this, your septic tank will likely experience serious malfunctions. While a single or two-person households may be able to go longer than larger households between septic pumpings, this is still a type of maintenance that must be done on a regular basis. 

How Can You Know It Is Time to Have Your Septic Tank Pumped?

Unfortunately, determining whether or not your septic tank needs to be pumped can be a difficult task. As a result, it is generally best to stick to a strict pumping schedule to help ensure that you do not encounter problems. While it may seem difficult to remember to have your tank pumped every few years, septic pumping providers will usually offer reminder services which can help you to ensure your tank's pumping is never late. 

In some cases, the tank may fill sooner than the schedule would indicate, and when this happens, your system may start to show some signs that it is full. For example, slow drainage or backed-up pipes are a common symptom of an overly full septic tank. Also, you may notice an area of your yard flooding, and this can indicate a septic tank that is filled with solid matter. Once you notice these symptoms, you should immediately schedule to have the system inspected to have this problem addressed. 

A well-balanced understanding of your home's septic system is essential for avoiding major malfunctions with this critical system. By appreciating the fact that even single-person households need to have these tanks pumped and knowing the signs that your tank is full, you can minimize the damages and disruptions that a clogged septic tank can cause. Contact a service like Rob's Septic Tanks Inc for any further concerns or to set up an appointment for maintenance.

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