You might not think about it often, but your home’s septic tank plays a crucial role in your daily activities. When it’s not in good condition, it can make it difficult to cook, shower, or do laundry. Often the problem is due to a compromised septic tank. Technicians recommend regular pumping service to prevent solid matter from contaminating the drain field or backing up the entire septic system. Here’s what you need to know about how often to schedule this vital task.

How Often You Need to Pump the Septic Tank

1. Stick to a Basic Schedule

As a general rule of thumb, homeowners should arrange pumping service at least once every three or four years. This is the average amount of time it takes for an excess of sludgy matter to collect at the bottom of the tank. If it keeps building up, the solids have nowhere to go but up—and eventually outside the tank, where it can flood the drain field and cause the system to become overwhelmed by liquids that have no room to flow freely through the tank.

2. Consider the Number of Residents

If you live alone, you may be able to stretch that generalized figure to five or six years. That’s a friendly estimate, but a septic maintenance professional should still inspect the system regularly to ensure that it’s working properly. But larger households with several people naturally produce far more waste—which means the tank will fill up much faster as a result. You may need to schedule pumping service every couple of years to protect the system.

3. Pay Attention to Common Problems

You often don’t realize there’s a problem with the septic system until you discover sewage backing up through the drains. Another common sign is a bright green drain field that appears particularly lush and healthy in comparison to the surrounding landscape. That’s a sign of too much moisture. In these cases, it’s imperative to have a pumping service inspect the system immediately to determine what’s causing the leak and weather cleaning the tank alone will resolve the problem.

Does your septic tank receive the attention that it deserves? The experts at Nick Driggers Pumping Service are happy to help whenever your system requires professional assistance. The maintenance team proudly serves Greensboro, NC, and the entire Piedmont Triad community, and they offer reliable septic tank cleaning and pumping services to help restore order to your home’s septic system. You can visit them online to learn more about the team or give them a call at (336) 215-4408 to schedule an appointment today.