How Often You Should Get Your Septic Pumped

When it comes to your home there are many things to do around the house that are part of the maintenance schedule for a successful home. You have things like changing air filters, carpet cleaning, pressure washing, and other things that don’t happen very frequently that it can be easy to forget. Sometimes we take for granted how our plumbing works and forget all about our septic tanks. Having your septic tank pumped is important for regular maintenance and should be handled by a professional. Here you’ll find everything you need to know as a homeowners guide to getting your septic pumped.

What is your septic system? Your septic tank is located underground and treats the wastewater that comes from your homes like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry. All the water from your home runs down to this underground, water-tight container where organic matter is digested and separates floatable matter. If you have just recently bought your home you may not know if you have a septic system or where it is located. Luckily finding these things out isn’t too hard. A few of the easiest ways to see if you have a septic system is that your waterline to the home doesn’t have a meter, you use well water, or that your neighbors have septic systems.

Finding your septic system won’t be hard after you have determined that you have one. Common ways to find your septic system are to look at your home’s “as built” drawing, checking your yard for lids or manhole covers, or just simply contacting your septic provider. Some homeowners say the way they have found their septic systems is by seeing if the grass happens to be a little greener anywhere in your yard. This is more of a “wives tale” but your septic company can get you in the right direction on the exact location.

The actual frequency of having your septic system pumped depends on a few factors. First is how big your household is. Not only is this your actual home in the sense of how many bathrooms and sinks there are flowing to the septic but also your family size. Single residents may not have to pump their septic as often as family homes tend to. A good rule of thumb is to have your septic pumped every 3 to 5 years by a professional like Plumber Las Vegas. Alternative systems with electrical float switches require maintenance more often at least once a year to keep them at their best.

Although it is recommended to have your septic pumped anywhere from 3 to 5 years, there are some common signs that your septic is in need of a pump. The first is if you have lost track. Sometimes life gets busy or maybe you just bought your home and the previous owner didn’t keep a good record. In this case, it’s best to go ahead and get your septic pumped to have a fresh start and keep your records properly to maintain a regular schedule. Another sign is if you notice the water is pooling around your yard or the grass is much thicker and greener which can indicate a sign of a leak. A leak in your septic is something that needs to be addressed quickly. Our team offers reliable and affordable plumbing to address these types of issues and keep your septic in great working order. Finally, there can be some signs that the tank is nearing full which indicates it is time to pump. If you start to notice foul odors coming from your indoor drains or that your drains are slow it is time to call in the professionals.

Although having your septic pumped isn’t something that can be avoided there are steps you can take to avoid having to do it too often. All the water that comes from your home will end up in your septic tank. If you can use your water more efficiently it will prevent your tank from filling up faster. Installing high-efficiency toilets and showerheads can be extremely helpful in this case by helping reduce wasted water. Toilets especially account for 20-30% of water usage in your home and decreasing this usage can greatly help your septic. Every household has laundry that needs to be done and you can still help your septic in the process. If your washer has a laid selection then only select the load you are washing and if not only wash full loads of laundry to save on water. Another great way to help your septic system is to be mindful of your pipes and drains. Things like cat litter, baby wipes, and paper towels shouldn’t be flushed down your toilet just as grease doesn’t need to poured down the sink!