If your home or business uses a septic system, you know a thing or two about septic care. If owning a septic system is new for you, you may want to know more. Whatever your level of septic knowledge, our Palm Shores septic pumping company can help you build upon your expertise today.
While your septic system may not be something you spend a lot of time thinking about, it is helpful to know as much as possible about proper septic care. Even though you won’t be the one personally working on your septic system, brushing up on septic maintenance helps you save money and avoid common septic problems. Read through some of these tips from our Palm Shores septic pumping team!
What Is Septic Pumping?
Septic pumping is a service that removes all solid and liquid waste from your septic tank.
Septic tanks accumulate liquid and solid waste with normal use. Without regular septic pumping, the waste that has built up may lead to problems such as clogs, plumbing backups, damage to parts of your septic system, or even complete system failure.
During a pump-out appointment, a team of septic technicians will:
- Locate your septic tank
- Remove all of the contents of your septic tank using a pump truck
- Clean out the interior of your septic tank
- Check for any signs of wear or damage
- Replace the lid to your septic tank, and be on their way!
How Often Should My Septic Tank Be Pumped?
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that septic tanks receive a pump-out once every 3-5 years. The frequency at which your septic tank must be pumped may change depending on a few different factors. Some of these include:
- The size of your tank
- Amount of water your household uses
- The size of your home or office building
Naturally, if your tank is smaller, it will likely need to be pumped more often. Whatever the size or design of your septic tank, routine Palm Shores septic pumping is one of the most effective ways to keep it running well for years to come.
A few other factors that may impact the frequency of pumping appointments include:
- Water usage – The more water you use in your home, including what is used for laundry, showering, and dish washing, the more frequently you may have to schedule septic pump-outs.
- Use of harsh chemicals in your septic tank – some chemicals claim to aid in the breakdown of bacteria in the septic tank, but other chemicals that are not intended for septic tanks may lead to greater amounts of build-up over time.
- Soil type and drainage – Soil that is exceptionally rocky or has high levels of clay tends to affect your drain field’s ability to filter wastewater during the treatment process. If this sounds like the soil in your backyard, you may need more frequent pumping.
What Are Some Signs That My Septic Tank Needs To Be Pumped ASAP?
Sometimes, even the most well-prepared septic system owners can be taken by surprise by septic problems. There are some very clear signs to look for that indicate that you may be in need of Palm Springs septic pumping:
- Foul odors floating around your yard
- Unusually lush, green grass growing over your drain field or around your septic tank lid
- Gurgling sounds coming from your pipes
- Water that is backing up into your sinks, showers, or toilets
- Standing water in your yard
Certified septic technicians receive specialized training that allows them to pinpoint the sources of septic problems. If you see any of these signs appear in your yard or home, don’t turn it into a DIY project. Contact a professional to assess the problem as soon as possible.
What Are Some Guidelines For Flushing Items Down The Toilet?
The general rule for septic tanks is that only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. Even though other types of paper-based products, such as baby wipes or paper towels, may seem like they can be handled by a septic tank, items such as these are not biodegradable, and are too thick to be easily broken down by your septic tank.
Even though flushing non-septic-friendly items once or twice may not result in immediate septic backup, it’s never a good idea to flush them down the drain. Doing so only increases the risk that your septic tank will develop clogs, which can be damaging and expensive to repair. Here are just a few items that should not be flushed down the toilet:
- Adult cleansing wipes
- Feminine hygiene items
- Diapers
- Cat litter
- Dental floss
We’re Pumped To See You This Spring!
Are you ready for your Palm Shores septic pumping appointment? Contact Acme today!