What Can A Septic Service Do For You?

When you own a home with a septic system, it is crucial that you understand how to keep it properly maintained. Part of proper maintenance is having it pumped regularly. When you do not maintain your septic system, you risk doing expensive damage that can result in the need for an expensive repair. The following are some things you need to know about septic pumping:

Basics of Septic Tank Operation

A septic system is an underground tank that holds your wastewater. Some tanks are larger than others, but all have the capacity to potentially retain hundreds of gallons of liquid. The septic tank connects to the house and all wastewater is funneled to it from the sinks, toilets, and other drains.

Over time, the wastewater separates, with the solids landing at the bottom and the liquids rising to the top. There are bacteria present in the tank that help to break down the solids, turning them into a thick material. As this material builds, the tank must be professionally pumped to remove the solid and thicker materials.

Consequences of Not Pumping the Septic Tank

If you do not have your septic tank pumped regularly, you risk clogging the system. The capacity of the tank can only handle so much. The solid material will eventually reach a pipe that moves the liquid water to the drain field and prevents the liquid from moving out of the tank.

How to Know If the Tank Is Full

There are some signs that will easily tell you the septic tank is reaching its capacity. The most obvious sign is a sewage smell throughout your yard. The ground around the septic tank will also become moist and muddy. You may begin to see greater grass growth in the area of your drain field because of the added water from the leak and solid material. Eventually, your toilets and sinks will not drain, and wastewater can back up inside your home. All of these signs indicate you need to contact a septic tank pumping contractor right away, before the problems get worse.

If you have never had your home's septic system pumped and you have lived there for several years, it is a good idea to have the system inspected to ensure it is not getting too full. The frequency of pumping will depend on several factors, including the capacity of your tank and  the number of people who live in your house.