For many parts of the country, a connection to the civic sewage system to remove wastewater from the property is taken as a given. But as anyone living in Alaska already knows, life in the north differs from the continental United States in many ways. As the septic pumping team at Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing in North Pole, AK, notes, one area that sets Alaskan living apart is the frequent use of septic tanks. Here are a few things you should know about these important home sewage systems.

First, it’s important to keep in mind that septic tanks are much more common in Alaska than they are in other parts of the company. This is in large part due to the isolated nature of many properties, which makes it difficult to remain connected to a municipal sewage system. While downtown homes and businesses are more likely to be connected to a city system, over 20,000 people are estimated to use septic tanks in Anchorage alone.

Owning a septic tank for your property serves as a safe, low maintenance method of removing waste water from your building. Septic systems remove waste and harmful bacteria, but regular maintenance is an absolute must to ensure the continued function of your septic tank.

Alaska homeowners would be wise to schedule a septic pumping at least every two years to eliminate the buildup of sludge and other contaminants. For homes that have a hot tub or garbage disposal, an annual pumping is recommended. By taking care of this standard maintenance procedure, you can ensure all wastewater will be safely disposed of and your household can continue to enjoy a safe water supply.

Whether you need septic pumping or a sewer line inspection, the team at Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing will help keep your home’s septic system in top shape. To learn more about their septic tank maintenance services, visit them online or call (907) 488-9855 today.