4 Factors That Impact How Frequently Your Septic Tank Needs To Be Pumped
Your septic tank doesn't break down everything that you send its way. Certain things, such as fats and oils, as well as food scraps, don't break down in your septic tank. Instead, they just sit there and turn into sludge. How often you need to pump your septic tank depends upon several factors.
#1: Size of Tank
Your size of the septic tank will directly impact how often your septic tank needs to be pumped. If you have a tiny tank, it is going to need to be pumped more frequently. If you have a really big, oversized tank, it will need to be pumped less frequently. The septic tank size is a big factor in the frequency with which it needs to be pumped.
#2: Household Size
Your household size and septic tank size are directly related to one another. Generally, the more people in your household, the shorter intervals there should be between each time you pump your tank. A household of two would need their tank pumped less frequently than a household of eight.
At the same time, size plays a factor. A household of two and a household of 8 with the same septic tank size would be on very different pumping schedules.
#3: Water Usage
How you use water is going to impact your septic tanking schedule as well. If you use appliances that depend upon water, such as a dishwasher or a washing machine, on a regular basis, you are going to be sending more water, and potentially more junk, through your septic tank. High water usage usually means you need to get your tank pumped on a more frequent basis.
#4: Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals and septic tanks are not meant to be paired together. A garbage disposal may break food up small enough to make it through the pipes; however, once it makes it to the garbage disposal, the food just sits inside the tank. It doesn't break down properly inside the tank. Frequent use of a garbage cleaner to get rid of food, as opposed to running it just to get rid of the scraps that you didn't put in the trash or catch with your drain catcher, will impact how often you need to pump your septic tank. If you are using your garbage disposal like a trash can, you will need to pump your septic tank on a more frequent basis.
The best way to know when you should pump your septic tank is by having your tank inspected every year by a professional. They will be able to let you know when you should have it pumped and take care of other necessary repairs simultaneously. Contact a local septic tank pumping service to learn more.
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