When it comes to septic systems, septic pumping is one of the most fundamental things that you can do to keep it working properly. While Coronavirus (COVID-19) has the majority of us practicing social distancing and spending much more time at home using our residential septic systems, it’s important for homeowners to know how often they should consider home septic system pumping. Whether you’re new to a property with a septic tank or you are just trying to figure out how to care of the one you’ve had through quarantines, here are some things you should know about septic tank pumping frequency during these times.
Septic Tank Pumping – How Often?
In most cases, you should have your home septic tank pumped every year or two. This is the general guideline and it’s a good place to start. However, many factors and conditions will contribute to your home’s septic pumping frequency. In fact, even if you usually only need to have your septic tank pumped every two years in most cases, there may be during these higher usage times that you need it done more often.
The number of people living in your house is one of the biggest factors that will determine how often you need to have your septic tank pumped. Everyday activities like:
- Restroom Visits
- Cleaning Dishes
- Showering
- Doing Laundry
All contribute to solids and wastewater input into the septic system. When you schedule a septic tank pumping, the technician who comes out to perform the service can evaluate your tank’s condition and help you determine how often you should have your tank pumped.
You’ll also need to consider the age of your septic system, the size of the tank, your seasonal usage changes, and the use of any septic additives.
Septic Pumping – The Importance
As you may know, having your septic system pumped is a crucial part of your system’s health. When your tank is pumped, the technician is removing all of the sludge and scum that builds up over time in the septic tank. Bacteria present in the tank help to break down solids but depending on the quantity of solids and bacteria levels, the pumping can protect you from costly repairs and septic emergencies. The risks are more prevalent now with alternative housing and restaurants being closed down or at a severe shortage.
Coronavirus Impacts on Septic Pumping
In unsure times, like a quarantine, household members being home more contributes to the production of more wastewater. Increased home activities might be impacting your septic system, especially if it’s been a while since the last pumping. Generally, as the household gets more use, you’ll want to increase your septic pumping frequency as well. In addition to all of the increased usage, protecting your family also takes its toll on your septic system. Cleaning agents can impact the good bacteria that help break down solids. It’s important to remember that disinfectants, anti-bacterials, and bleach should not enter your drains. If you have any questions, you can visit our FAQ page with many common questions or contact us directly to schedule a service. You can also visit our residential services page to learn more about the services we offer near you!
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