When it comes to caring for a septic system, the main task to worry about is having the tank pumped. Unless there’s been an incident, it’s usually the only type of septic services that homeowners have to schedule. How often it should occur varies from system to system; to better understand why, here's what you need to know.

Scheduling Septic Pumping

Basics

Septic tanks take in and process the water and waste that go down every drain of the property. Whether it’s through the kitchen sink, toilet, or washing machine, it ends up in the tank. Thanks to the design of the system and the bacteria in the waste, the contents will break down over time. However, to ensure this process is working as it should be, it needs to be pumped. This involves taking liquid from the top of the tank and pumping it into the sludge at the bottom to break up any stubborn solids. This reinvigorates the system.

Frequency

Based on average use, septic tanks should be pumped every two to five years. The busier the household, the more frequent the pumping. For example, a home with a 1000-gallon capacity tank and three residents should be pumped every three to four years; however, if there are five residents, then it should be pumped about every two years.

Additional Factors

The number of residents isn’t the only factor. If your household tends to use more water than average, whether it’s through extra cooking, numerous baths, or several loads of laundry, you’ll need more pumping. When in doubt, have a specialist inspect your system and property to determine the correct pumping schedule.

Caution

While septic pumping prevents most problems, it’s important to keep an eye out just in case something comes up. Call your septic services specialist if there are numerous clogs or backups in the drains, overwhelming sewer odors in the area, or an extremely verdant drain field.

For anyone in Central Michigan whose septic system needs to be pumped, contact Sloan’s Septic Tank Service. Based in Oakley, they’ve served the area for more than 80 years; whatever the needs of your property may be, they’ll know what’s best. Aside from septic services, they also offer rentals on portable toilets and sanitation stations. To learn more about these, visit their website, and call (989) 845-6280 to schedule septic service.