A large number of on-site residential sewage systems also have septic tank pumping services. The issue of when a septic tank needs to be pumped is debated for years now. Some homeowners will claim that they have pumped their septic tank a few times and it always works perfectly. Other homeowners will claim that they have pumped it only once or twice and there are noticeable problems with their septic system and they are ready to throw in the towel and call a plumber.
When a septic tank fails to function properly or stops working altogether, a homeowner would then probably be faced with an extremely inconvenient situation. Before you call a plumber to help you resolve your problem, you may want to make sure that your septic system is not failing for the reason that it makes your yard look more disgusting than it really is. All types of wastes are composed of different components like oils and fats, bacteria, sludge and other forms of debris. You can never remove all these elements from your drains but there is a simple way to ensure that your yard remains clean and neat: make sure that you maintain your tanks, pipes and drains. Pumping your sewage tank is an excellent way to ensure that your drains are clear of any unwanted dirt, grease and other solid wastes.
Septic tank pumping is usually required every three to six months. When you consider the volume of human waste that your household generates each day, you can see why septic tank pumping should occur at least once a year. All types of waste build up in the drain field over time and gravity is not always going to do a good job cleaning it up. Certain substances will clog your pipes faster than others, while some chemicals and bacteria may cause the formation of heavy metals such as copper and lead that could harm both your garden and your family.
Your house relies on its ability to process wastewater correctly in order to meet legal requirements. The most common reason why septic tank pumping is performed is to avoid the risk of mixing fresh solids with contaminated or otherwise unwanted liquids that could harm the environment. Waste water should never be allowed to rest on the pipes because it can fill them up and cause damage. Every three years you should inspect your septic tank to make sure that it is still in proper working condition. Heavy rains can cause the buildup of sludge and scum in the bottom of the tank.
Heavy rains may even loosen the soil in the pipes which allows solids to settle inside. The septic tank pump then transfers the wastewater to a pressure tank that forces the wastewater into the drainage fields. During this time the solids will settle and begin to form a hard scum layer. Heavy rains can cause this layer to break off, allowing the soft wet solids in the pipes to flow freely through the pipes. If the pump is not functioning properly, heavy rains may end up backing up into the house damaging the pipes.
If you own your own home you should find out what options are available to you regarding septic tank pumping. Contact your homeowner’s association and see if they provide any assistance with routine maintenance. Most homeowners associations will require you to have a septic tank pumping service done on a regular basis to ensure that your system is functioning properly. This is usually something that you pay for at your homeowners association rate; however, some associations charge for the service but require regular maintenance. You should contact your homeowners association about the costs involved with having this service done.