Some residential sewage systems use septic tanks instead of city sewers. Septic tanks usually provide waste disposal for homes and businesses in rural areas and older buildings constructed before city sewer lines. But how often should you empty your septic tank? While the exact answer varies, here are some general guidelines to help you estimate how often your system should be pumped.

Why Does the Septic Tank Need to Be Pumped?

Natural bacteria in your septic tank breaks down waste, turning it into a composted liquid that is released into an area of ground designated as a drainfield. However, the bacteria can only work so fast, and over time, the bottom of the septic tank becomes coated with waste sludge.

Waste buildup creates gases that also take up room and create pressure inside the container. If sludge or solid waste builds up to the septic’s lateral drain pipes, the tank will overflow, and waste will contaminate the soil, eventually rising to the surface.

How Often Should My Tank Be Pumped?

How frequently your septic tank needs pumping depends on a combination of factors. Some that contribute to the rate of septic accumulation include:

• Size of the tank
• Household size
• Household chemical use
• Food preparation habits
• Prescription medication usage

The average household septic tank holds around 1000 gallons, which should accommodate a family of four for three to five years before it needs pumping. However, some household habits can reduce the effectiveness of your system, making it necessary to remove waste more often.

Anything you put down the sink or flush down the toilet will end up in the septic tank, which contains a delicate biome of bacteria and other organisms that help break down waste. Harsh chemicals in common household cleaners, anti-bacterial soaps and cleansers, food oils, and prescription medicines can disturb the natural balance in your septic system, causing it to fill up faster and require more frequent maintenance.

Johnny's A-1 Sanitation in Middletown, OH, has been delivering excellent septic services to residential and commercial clients across Butler, Warren, and Hamilton counties since 1949. Family-owned and -operated, the technicians understand the importance of detailed septic tank pumping and cleanings. Call (513) 988-5880 today to schedule an estimate or visit them online for more information.