Stand alone septic tanks help households who can’t connect to city sewers deal with and treat household wastewater.
Septic tank pumping is a critical component of maintaining the septic system. Without it, your household could be a risk for hazardous fumes, wastewater backing up into your home, and water contamination.
Here are some of the primary signs that help homeowners know that septic tank pumping is overdue:
- You see water pooling on top of the drainfield outdoors. It may seem counterintuitive to think that the tank needs pumped if there’s water puddles on the grass, but this is a key sign that the delicate balance of waste treatment inside the tank has gone awry. If the tank becomes full and solid waste is blocking the drainfield outlet pipes, wastewater starts collecting in the drainfield and the waste levels begin to rise.
- Many activities inside the home can lead to a bad smell, such as eggs that are rotten or cooking a dish with strong-smelling spices. But when the tank needs pumped, you may also notice a strong, foul odor inside the home emanating from the drains or sinks – and even the toilet. It’s also possible to notice the odor outside, if you’re hanging around the tank area or the drainfield.
- A patch of excessively green grass. The area of grass above your tank and the drainfield should hold a seamless look, meaning it should be the same color as the grass everywhere else on your lawn. If it becomes a very bright green, that’s a sign that the tank is releasing too much liquid from the tank. Eventually, that waste liquid reaches the roots of the grass and affects its color. If this is the case, it’s time to get the tank pumped.
How often should you have the tank pumped or inspected? Experts recommend scheduling an inspection every year. A technician can check the scum and sludge levels inside the tank and talk to you about your household’s usage patterns. The tank should be pumped every three to five years to keep it properly maintained.
There are other ways you can protect and maintain your system in between service visits. Make sure your family limits what it flushes down toilets or puts down the garbage disposal. Never dispose of chemicals, kitty litter, cigarette butts, paper towels or oil down the drains, as these items will block drainage and affect the breakdown of waste inside the tank. To schedule septic tank pumping, contact your local septic tank specialists. Or for answers to your questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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