Have you ever wondered, “Do septic tanks need to be pumped?” Acme shares more about septic pumping and a few of our other favorite septic habits.
If you’re new to septic ownership, you may be learning about the best ways to care for your new septic tank. Even if you’re just looking to brush up on your septic care knowledge, it never hurts to learn new ways to better care for your home’s septic tank. If you’ve learned that your septic tank needs to be pumped periodically, you may be wondering what the importance of this service is. Acme shares more about septic pumping and four other smart septic tips to keep your septic tank operating at its best all year long.
#1: Don’t Wash FOGs Down The Drain
Fats, oils, and grease, often referred to with the acronym “FOGs,” are notorious for creating septic problems that are challenging to resolve. These substances may flow down the drain smoothly, but once they reach your pipes and septic tank, they can harden, clogging the interior of anywhere they end up. FOGs are water-resistant and are unlikely to wash off of any part of your septic system without professional care.
Watch what you pour down the drains in your home, and always dispose of FOGs in a safe, sanitary way.
#2: Only Flush Septic-Approved Substances Down The Toilet
In other words, only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilets in your home. Here are a few items that should never be flushed:
- Feminine hygiene items
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Q-tips
- Facial tissue
- Harsh chemicals
These items cannot be broken down by your septic tank, can deplete the number of beneficial bacteria in your septic tank, and can lead to serious clogs and breakdown in your septic system.
We understand that mistakes happen, and while your septic tank may not immediately clog after having a few non septic-safe items flushed, the more frequently it happens, the higher the risk of septic failure becomes. If you’ve wondered, “Do septic tanks need to be pumped if I flush non-septic safe objects down the toilet?” consider this: a few foreign objects may not cause immediate system failure, but flushing these items repeatedly can cause major septic problems that will eventually require a pump-out.
#3: Schedule Routine Pump-Outs
The EPA and other septic experts recommend septic pump-outs once every 3-5 years. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Do septic tanks need pump-outs on a routine basis?,” the answer is an absolute “Yes!” Pumping your septic tank removes solid and liquid waste buildup, ensures that your septic tank is free of wear or broken parts, and allows a certified septic technician to test the operation of your septic system.
Missing septic pump-outs increases the chances of septic overflow and puts your septic system at risk of failure. This is a service that you do not want to forget! If you need some extra help keeping your septic pump-out appointment, Acme offers free automated appointment reminders that you may receive via text or email.
#4: Don’t Skip Septic Inspections
Septic inspections are just as important as septic pump-outs for keeping your septic tank operating well. Inspections include a number of steps, including:
- Visual inspection of the tank
- Sludge and scum level assessment
- Tank condition assessment
- Flow test
- Drain field inspection
- Detailed reporting
Septic inspections ensure that your septic system remains in good operation and keeps pollution levels at a minimum. If some part of your septic system is malfunctioning, inspectors will often be able to identify the cause of the problem and recommend necessary repairs before further damage takes place.
#5: Partner With A Licensed And Insured Septic Company
When you’re looking for a septic company, make sure they’re licensed and insured – it’s non-negotiable. Whether you need a pump-out, inspection, installation, or repairs, the company that is responsible for your septic system’s maintenance should carry appropriate insurance coverage and be credentialed to handle the job.
Ace Your Septic Care Test With Acme
It only takes a little bit of the right information to set yourself up for septic ownership success, and you can leave the real dirty work to your friends at Acme.
Contact us for any of your septic care needs today.