The Frequency of Septic Pumping

All septic tanks require a deep pumping. Depending on usage, septics may need to be pumped once a year or once every five years. Professionals have ways to check the levels. Tanks that are to full can cause major household problems. These problems include raw sewage backing up into your sinks and toilet.

Checking Your Septic

It is recommended that homes with septic tanks have them checked each year. Many factors can determine how often you will need to have yours pumped, usage and tank size influence this greatly. The EPA recommends getting your tank pumped every one to three years. This is a big jump from the past, when it used to be every five years.

Septic Problems

If your septic is not pumped often enough, you will experience problems. The overflow will start to back up into your sinks, drains and toilet. It can also lead to an overflow in your drain field, located in your yard. An overfull septic tank will cause a mess above and below ground. It stinks, attracts insects, and contaminates nearby water areas.

Bacterial Enzymes

There are products designed to help delay the pumping process, therefore saving you money. These bacterial enzyme products work to increase the bacteria used in the decomposition process. You simply put them in the toilet, and let the product sit overnight. They multiply pretty quickly and eat up sludge in your pipes and septic. This natural process will help to keep your tank emptier. 

Pumping Guides

You can do a simple web search for septic tank pumping guides. Some professionals have put together these guides to give you a ballpark estimate of how often you will need to pump out the sewer. These are just estimates though. It's best to have a professional come out and check the actual levels.