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How Often Should You Have Your Septic Tank Pumped?

A healthy septic system is a happy septic system, and the best way to keep your system happy is through regularly scheduled maintenance. This means having your septic tank pumped out, which removes the various solids and oils that have accumulated within the tank throughout several years of use.

Right now, you're probably asking yourself how often you should have this important task done to your septic tank. Here are some factors that could influence how often you'll need your septic tank pumped out.

Septic System — Conyers, GA — Bowen’s Septic & Environmental

It Depends on the Size of Your Home and Your Tank

Septic tanks come in a wide variety of sizes ranging from 500-gallon tanks for relatively small homes to tanks that can hold 2,500 gallons or more. Of course, it stands to reason that smaller tanks will need to be pumped out more often than their larger counterparts.

It's not just the size of your septic tank that dictates how often you'll need it pumped out. Your septic tank pumping schedule will also depend on how many people you regularly have in your home. Having more people in your home usually means heavier usage of your toilets and drains. After all, a family of eight will likely place a greater strain on your septic system than a family of four.

Using a septic tank pumping frequency chart , you can get a good idea of how often you should have your septic tank pumped out. For instance, if your home has a 1000-gallon septic tank that's used by a family of five, the pumping frequency chart recommends having your tank cleaned out every two years. A 2,500-gallon tank used by the same size family will need a pump every 5.9 years, while a 500-gallon tank's pumping frequency may be as short as 7 months.

Other Factors Can Also Influence Pumping Frequency

Septic tank and household size aren't the only factors that can affect how often you'll need your tank pumped out. For instance, garbage disposals can increase the amount of solid waste that's mixed into the wastewater sent to your septic tank. The additional influx of solids and oils can cause your septic tank to require pumping sooner than expected.

Having a sewage ejector pump can also affect your septic tank's pumping frequency. These pumps are intended for pumping wastewater above the grade of the main sewer line for better drainage, but they can also force solids and oils into the drain field if the septic tank is completely full.

Using enzymes and bacterial additives in your septic tank can also have an impact on pumping frequency. Many homeowners use additives in hopes of speeding up the natural breakdown of organic solids and other compounds within the septic tank. However, these additives can severely disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria already inside the tank, leading to more solid waste and more frequent pumping.

Signs Your Septic Tank Could Use Pumping

A little observation can go a long way when it comes to caring for your septic system. If you spot any of the warning signs listed below, then it's time to have a professional take care of your septic tank.

Slow drainage - A full septic tank can cause your toilet, sinks and other fixtures to drain slower than usual.
Sewer backups - A septic tank that's filled to bursting can also cause wastewater to flow back through your home's drains and toilets.
Foul odors - unpleasant odors emanating from your yard or plumbing could signal the need for a septic tank cleaning.
Pooling wastewater - If you see water pooling on or near your drain field, then chances are you'll need your septic tank serviced.

Having your septic tank pumped out on a regular basis can keep your septic system healthy for years to come. To learn more or to schedule service, contact us at Bowen’s Septic today.

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