If your home has a septic tank, you will need to clean it periodically. How often you need to do it depends on several factors. If you don't clean your tank at the right intervals, your septic system will not work well, and you could have plumbing problems.
Luckily, there are professional septic tank cleaning services to help. Keep reading to learn more about the signs your tank needs cleaning and what happens if you ignore them.
Why Clean a Septic Tank?
Your septic tank collects wastewater from your kitchen and bathroom. Once the waste is in the tank, the solids float to the bottom and oils to the top. The rest of the water drains out into the drainfield. The remaining solids and oils create a sludge and scum layer over time. Eventually, these waste layers fill the tank and impede the tank's function. You will need to clean the tank to keep the process intact.
When Should You Clean a Septic Tank?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency suggests owners get their tanks inspected every three years. You should also plan on cleaning your tanks every three to five years. You will need to do a cleaning to remove the sludge and scum when they reach a certain level from the top.
You may need more frequent cleaning and inspections depending on your household. Busier households or smaller tanks may need more cleaning.
How Does a Septic Cleaning Service Work?
The septic cleaning company usually pumps out the sludge and scum with a hose. Sometimes, the specialist uses a scraper or stirrer to clean leftover sludge on the sides and bottom of the tank. However, they will leave some of the bacteria in place. Keeping some bacteria in place ensures the tank has enough bacteria to work properly. The specialists also clean the drain field lines and change the filters.
What Happens if You Don't Clean a Septic Tank?
If you don't clean the tank properly, you may experience plumbing and drainfield issues. If you try to shower or use the toilet, the water may drain slowly or not at all. You may see a pool of water over your drain field, and your yard may smell like sewage. You could also have backflow problems inside your home.
Regular septic tank cleaning keeps it in good condition for longer. Plus, a cleaning will prevent plumbing problems and drain field issues. If you have a septic tank problem or feel it's time to pump your tank, contact a septic system cleaning service for help. For more information on septic tank cleaning, contact a professional near you.
Share7 June 2023
As you read the articles on this website, you will notice two things. First, they are all about septic services in some ways. Second, some go deep — and others are full of more surface-level facts. This is kind of like your septic system itself! The tank is buried deep, but the drain field is more superficial. You don't have to be an expert on septic systems, but as someone who owns one, you should at least know how to tell when something is wrong with yours so you can call for service. You'll get that level of understanding from this blog — and probably more!
