If you have a septic tank, prioritize regular pumping. If ignored, the tank won’t treat wastewater and will retain solid waste until it overflows. Use this guide to determine when to schedule septic pumping.

How Often to Pump the Tank

Although you should schedule septic pumping at least once every three to five years, a few factors affect this frequency. You may need to service it sooner if you have a big household and a small tank. On the other hand, the time frame may be larger if you use water-saving appliances.

Your lifestyle may also affect the pumping schedule. If you’re a busy parent who does multiple loads of dishes and laundry, the tank may fill up sooner. You can also shorten the time between pumpings if you run a business from home that involves water consumption, like a private hair salon.

When to Pump the Tank

You may have a clogged septic tank if the sinks and showers drain slowly throughout the house, or the toilets flush sluggishly. As the tank accumulates waste, a harsh odor may develop in the drains and outside near the tank. In severe cases, raw sewage may flow back into the house—this happens when a full tank has nowhere to put the waste.

Check the grass around the tank too. Unexpectedly lush grass indicates a possible leak due to overflow, which is fertilizing the surrounding greenery. The ground may also be soppy and spongy, or you may notice small pools near the tank or drainage pipes.

If you’ve noticed these issues, contact the team at ABC Cesspool and Septic Pumping in Kamuela, HI. These professionals provide Big Island homeowners with comprehensive septic pumping services to ensure their systems run smoothly and cleanly. Visit them online to find out about their options, or call (808) 887-0766 to schedule an appointment.