Many homeowners are unable to perform routine maintenance on their sewer systems. Even so, you should keep the signs of a full septic tank in mind so you can schedule a septic pumping service at the right time.
These signs might mean your septic tank is full:
- Strong odor of sewage in the yard
- A backed-up toilet
- A drain you can't unclog
- Standing water in the yard
Some newer septic systems even have built-in alarms that flash and make noise when the tank is nearly full. If this happens, don’t delay - call a reputable plumber in your area.
Why Timely Septic Tank Pumping Is Important?
Because septic tanks handle human waste, it is important that they run safely and hygienically. A well-maintained septic tank shouldn’t smell or pose a hazard to your household. A full or inadequately maintained septic tank will likely smell and potentially release dangerous bacteria, phosphorus, and nitrogen into your groundwater. This can affect your family, pets, and even your garden!
Septic tank pumping services cost several hundred dollars every three to five years. If that sounds high, remember that a full sewer replacement can cost up to $6,200! It is worth maintaining a good pumping schedule to avoid costly issues.
Septic Tank Pumping FAQs
How often do septic tanks need to be pumped?
Several factors dictate the interval at which you need to pump your septic tank. These include household size and tank size. In general, you can have your tank pumped every three to five years.
Tank size impacts your ideal pumping frequency by affecting how much waste the tank can hold. The smallest tanks may need to be pumped yearly, while larger tanks can wait five years in between pumps.
Household size also affects how frequently you need to pump your septic tank. Larger families create more waste, while smaller families create less. This ultimately changes how quickly your tank fills up.
What is the difference between septic cleaning and pumping?
In many cases, people will use the terms cleaning and pumping interchangeably. However, they do have slightly different definitions that matter when speaking to a plumbing professional.
Pumping specifically refers to removing liquid and solid material from the tank. This helps maintain the bacteria in the tank, which helps break down waste and reduces the interval at which you need to pump your septic tank.
Cleaning is when everything in the septic tank is fully cleaned out. This does not need to be done nearly as often as pumping.
Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Reliable Septic Tank Pumping Services
At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, our licensed plumbing experts can courteously and professionally provide septic services to you at upfront prices. We even offer emergency services to help you deal with unexpected plumbing issues any time. Call us today to schedule your septic tank pumping service.
Call your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing for more information!
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