Do you own a septic tank? Did you know that there are various reasons to pump septic tanks regularly? By doing so, you will keep your tank functioning properly. If you don’t understand how a septic tank works, you may rely on a professional to come out and handle the task. It is still important for you to understand the way your septic tank functions and the importance of maintaining it.
What Is a Septic Tank?
A septic tank is a large tank and is located underground. It can hold hundreds of gallons of wastewater. They are available in sizes such as 1,000 gallons, 1,200 gallons, 1,500 gallons, etc. The tank is connected to your house via the main plumbing line. Any wastewater from your sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs, etc., will enter the septic tank via the main plumbing line.
The Importance of Pumping a Septic Tank
Septic tank care is vital. Over time, sludge will build up in the bottom of the tank. While bacteria can control the amount of sludge that accumulates at the bottom of the tank, it is unable to break the sludge down quickly enough to keep the entire tank clean. Pumping your septic tank will remove the sludge and empty the entire tank.
If you fail to keep your septic tank pumped, solids will build up in the tank. Eventually, those solids will enter the pipe connected to the drain field, resulting in a clog. Once a drain field pipe becomes clogged, you may notice many signs such as:
- Sewage smell in the yard
- Swampy areas over the drain field
- A backup of wastewater into your home
- The lowest drains in your home will become noticeably slower
The bad news is that it doesn’t take long for these issues to occur and turn into a big problem. Many homeowners figure that the only way to solve this problem is to contact a professional.
The good news is that you can avoid these problems by pumping out your own septic tank every three to five years. However, this depends on the size of your septic tank and the amount of wastewater your household produces.
For example, a 1,000-gallon tank is suitable for a home with anywhere between one and three bedrooms. The same house with a 750-gallon tank may make too much wastewater for the size of your tank. You will have to pump your septic tank more frequently if this is your case.