The old saying “out of sight, out of mind” often rings true. It’s easy to forget about things that aren’t in front of you. However, just because you can’t see your septic tank doesn’t mean it should be ignored. It is estimated that around 30% of Connecticut residents, and 1/3rd of Americans, have a septic system. If you are part of that population, you’ll need to ensure your septic tank is regularly emptied.

How Often Should I Empty My Septic Tank?

According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, you should schedule a septic pumping every three to five years. If you do a little bit of research, you may find other state’s guidelines recommend your septic tank be cleared out every one to three years. So, which version is correct? This depends on a few factors.

The above time frames are general and don’t account for several variables. For example, do you have a garbage disposal installed in your home? If so, you will need your septic tank cleared more frequently. Another factor is the number of people in your home. Generally, a single man or woman will be producing far less waste than a family of five. The smaller the family, the less frequent cleanings will need to be. On the other hand, the smaller the tank, the more frequent cleanings will need to be. If you are unsure of your tank’s size, ask your town, county, or homeowners association for your property records.

The only way to truly know when your septic tank will need to be cleaned is to have a septic system inspection. If these inspections are performed yearly, you can project when you’ll need a full cleaning based on the previous inspection results. If you aren’t performing yearly inspections, it is something you should strongly consider.

Performing everything from septic maintenance to septic repairs, P & H Construction and Septic Service of Uncasville, CT, has been in business for more than 35 years. Over this time, they have earned a reputation for quality work, exceptional professionalism, and friendly customer service. If you need septic service, contact them at (860) 848-8507. You can also visit their website for more information on the company and their services.