Is it necessary to get my septic tank pumped even if I'm not having any problems with it?
Septic tank pumping is the most efficient way to maintain your on site wastewater system (septic system). I often use the analogy that pumping the septic tank is maintenance just like changing the oil in your car. The septic tank is the primary filter source for the dispersal system (drainfield or drywell tank). The cleaner the liquid is kept inside the septic tank the cleaner the water that is dispersed through the drainfield. Sure, you could buy a brand new car and make the decision to never change the oil until you have an issue but the results would be similar if you take that same approach to septic system maintenance, catastrophic failure.
What will happen if I don't get my septic tank pumped?
If the tank contents are allowed to build up and create a thick layer of sludge, that sludge will pass on and form a biomat layer starting below the drainfield. This biomat layer can build up to the point it creates a bowl like structure below and around the side of the drainfield sealing off the clean soil below and not allowing the septic tank to drain properly. Ultimately this will lead to system failure and most likely system replacement. (Check out more information about drainfields & installations HERE.)
How often should I have my septic tank pumped?
So, with that explanation we know we need to maintain/ pump the septic tanks but that leads to a popular question, How often should I pump my septic tank? Our suggested rule of thumb is 2-5 years. Every family or household has different system demands. Some families can go longer in between pump outs than some individual users and some systems are as frequent as monthly maintenance. We find it best to start with a baseline or if you have a baseline of when the tank was last pumped out, during our pumping visit we can project when to pump the septic tank next. The thickness of layers inside the tank reveal to our technician if the tank was too thick or if it could have safely gone longer we will recommend the next service.
If you schedule a tank pump out visit, our technician checks several key components and for frequent failure points. The outlet baffle is an essential component to keeping the floating skum layer out of the drainfield. If the baffle shows signs of damage or is missing during the pumpout the technician will recommend a visit from our service crew to install or replace the tank outlet baffle.
