If you ignore regular septic tank pumping, a key component of septic maintenance, you could be in for a lot of headaches down the line and out of a lot of money.
With maintenance, however, your system should last for a long time and perform its function: Safely usher waste out of your home and treat it. If the system were to malfunction, would you even know there was something wrong? Because septic systems deal with hazardous waste and fumes, it's important that it runs well and without fail.
If you notice any of these warning signs, call an expert and consider scheduling septic tank pumping:
- Water pools on the lawn. The drainfield for your septic tank is the last stop in the wastewater treatment process, where the liquid is further treated by the aerobic soil. If the tank is full or is having a problem, water will start pooling on top of the field. It's possible that solid waste is clogging the pipes in the drainfield, which would force water to rise to the surface.
- Odors. All the systems in your home that use water drain into the septic tank, and that includes your dishwasher, clothes washer, showers and tubs, sinks and toilets. All the liquid and solid waste released from these applications moves into the septic tank. If the tank becomes full, it will give off a foul odor that should normally be contained and treated inside the tank. Your tank probably needs to be pumped if you stand near the drainfield or the tank and notice foul odors.
- Your household's drains are running slow. The normal flow of wastewater moves into the tank, where the solids settles to the bottom, the sludge rises to the top, and the middle section contains the liquid that's released into the drainfield. When this process backs up, your household's drains won't operate like they should, because the waste has nowhere to go. Pumping the tank will resolve the problem.
Most experts recommend that homeowners pump their septic tanks about every three years; however, the general rule of thumb is to go by usage. If you have many people in your household or your usage patterns are high, you may need to pump the tank more often. If you notice these three warning signs, you should call a service professional for help. The technician will evaluate the tank, pump out the waste and ensure that the system is in good working condition.
For answers to your questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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