Septic tank pumping is similar to an oil change in your car: if you wait too long to have it done, you may not notice any issues right away, but you’re paving the way for some serious problems down the line. If your home operates on a septic system, it’s your responsibility to ensure the system is pumped every four to five years.

Sewer Solutions of Hilo, Hawaii, provides reliable pumping solutions for both residential and commercial plumbing on the island. They have shared some insight into why you need to keep up with regular maintenance for your system.

Why Regular Septic Tank Pumping Is Important

1. Avoid Sludge Overflow

Sludge overflow: those two words should be enough to scare you into pumping your system now! The system works by breaking down your solid waste into sludge over time, while liquid waste is relieved of harmful bacteria and released into the drain field. The tank is meant to hold a certain amount of sludge, and if it isn’t pumped in time, you’ll experience overflow into the drain field and may need to have an excavation done for a new drain field.

2. Lengthen the Life of Your System

Just as an overdue oil change shortens the life of the parts in your car’s engine, a delayed pumping will damage your septic system. When the sludge overflows into the drain field, it can cause irreparable harm to the pipes extending from the septic tank. These tubes are designed to safely release liquid waste, not sludge, and the thick sludge can destroy the pipes.

3. Avoid Backfill

When the system gets full, and those pipes clog, the new waste you create has nowhere to go. This means the waste just comes right back up through the drains in your home. There are beneficial bacteria in your septic tank which, when given enough time, destroys the harmful bacteria in fecal matter. However, when your system backs up, this harmful bacteria is still present and can be detrimental to your family’s health when it comes back through the pipes in your home.

When you don’t have septic tank pumping performed on schedule, it can lead to expensive, unpleasant, and harmful problems in your home. Learn more about Sewer Solutions’ pumping and other plumbing repair services on their website and call (808) 430-2323 to schedule your next service.