The septic tank, and the septic system as a whole, is an unsung hero for 20 percent of homeowners in the United States, many of whom live in rural areas or off-grid. If you do not pay monthly sewer bills, then you likely have a septic system installed on your property. Septic tanks offer independence, but septic system maintenance and repairs are solely the property owner’s responsibility. In this brief article brought to you by Rooter Septic Service, we offer an introduction to septic pumping – one of the most important maintenance tasks.
If you ever need septic pumping in Fayetteville, you can call Rooter Septic Services to hire a uniformed septic professional. Our live representatives are on standby to take your call toady.
First, About the Septic System
A septic tank is part of an on-site, underground wastewater treatment system and serves as a primary container for all the waste generated in a household. Here’s how it works:
Every time you flush the toilet, run the dishwasher, or drain the bathtub, the wastewater travels through the plumbing and enters the septic tank.
Once inside the septic tank, the waste naturally separates into three layers. The top layer consists of lightweight substances like oils and grease, forming the “scum” layer. In the middle, you have the liquid effluent, which is a partially treated mixture of water and waste. The bottom layer is the solid waste, broken down further into sludge thanks to helpful bacteria in the tank.
As new wastewater enters the septic tank, the partially treated liquid effluent exits the tank and travels to the drainfield. There, it percolates through the soil for treatment. New solids, meanwhile, accumulate in the tank and must eventually be removed.
Enter: Septic Tank Pumping
As time passes, the scum and sludge layers inside the tank gradually build up, and if not properly managed, they can lead to various issues. For one, less space inside the septic tank means less effective treatment. Excess scum and sludge can also overflow into the inlet and outlet pipes, causing clogs in the plumbing and backups inside the house. This waste can even flow into the drainfield, clogging it and rendering it ineffective.
Septic tank pumping is a simple-but-essential maintenance item. It involves using a vehicle with a specialized vacuum to remove excess waste and wastewater in the septic tank.
When to Pump the Septic Tank?
The frequency of septic tank pumping depends on several factors, including the tank’s size, the number of occupants in the household, and the volume of water used. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to have the septic tank pumped every three to five years for a typical family of four with an average-sized tank. However, larger households with more occupants may require more frequent pumping.
If you are experiencing slow drainage, foul odors in the yard, or insect and rodent infestations, then it might be past time to pump the tank. Call Rooter Septic Service to schedule an appointment or request urgent septic pumping in Canton today.