Your home’s septic tank is solely responsible for removing waste water from the home. This essential part of your residential plumbing system must always be in top form to prevent raw sewage back up and health hazards in the home. Septic tank cleaning on a regular schedule keeps the tank, the drainfield, and other parts of the septic system working well 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In this article, you’ll learn more about the signs that you need septic service and the importance of developing a cleaning schedule.
5 Signs That You Need Sewer Line Cleaning
Many people feel like plumbing problems take them by surprise. The truth is that most plumbing issues, including septic tank problems, produce symptoms before major disaster strikes. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact a residential plumber to come out and take a look at your septic system:
- Toilets clog frequently
- Sink and bathtub drains back up when the toilet is flushed
- Bad odors come from the drains in your home
- Raw sewage is present in drains
- The ground around the tank is permeated with raw sewage
It’s very important that you take notice when sinks and other drains gurgle or back up when the toilet is flushed. This is not normal. It indicates that more than one drain line is affected with a clog and the problem is likely with your septic system.
How Often Do I Need Septic Cleaning?
There are general guidelines to follow, but there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to septic tank cleaning schedules. For most households, septic cleaning once every 3–5 years is ideal, but it’s not an across the board suggestion. Here’s why.
How many bathrooms do you have in your home? Homes with more than two bathrooms might need more frequent cleaning, especially when there are several people in the home using these bathrooms. Larger families use the bathrooms and put strain on the septic system more than small families. Also, consider how often you use the home. Vacation properties that aren’t rented and are only used for a few weeks out of the year don’t need as regular of cleaning.
It’s also important to take into consideration the size of the tank. Is the tank an appropriate size for your home? If not, it might require more regular cleanings. Or, the drainfield may need extending to accommodate the extra waste flow.
Consult with Local Septic Tank Specialist
Failing to keep your septic tank maintained leads to spillage, frequent backups, and can damage the tank to the point where it needs replacement. You don’t want this to happen. Septic tank replacement is far from an inexpensive job. Prevent these problems from happening at your home by consulting with a local septic tank specialist to develop a cleaning schedule.
During the first appointment, your specialist will inspect the tank, make recommendations for any minor repairs, and go over the cleaning process. Keeping your septic tank clean prevents serious plumbing issues that damage your property. Take care to work with a local septic service today!
