Inspect and Pump Frequently
The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once a year. A service contract is important since alternative systems have mechanized parts.
These are the major factors that influence how often to pump your septic system:
- Household size
- Total wastewater generated
- Volume of solids in wastewater
- Septic tank size
Failure to maintain or pump the system leads to surface water pollution including algae blooms, human health hazards, disease to local wildlife and harm to our ecosystem. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) more than four billion gallons of wastewater from septic systems are dispersed underground every day.
“I’ve lived in this house many years and never pumped my septic tank, is that a problem?”
If you have not pumped your septic tank in several years, but do not seem to be having any problems, it may mean one of several things:
- There is minimal water use in the home, and/or the size of the septic tank and the biological activity maintains the solids at sustainable levels. This is rare but may occur when there are only one or two people in the home.
- The tank has a leak and is discharging wastewater into the ground instead of into the drainfield.
- The tank is full of solids, which are slowly migrating and may eventually clog the drainfield. This may increase the cost of pumping the tank and may require replacing the entire drainfield if it becomes clogged.
If the Grass is Greener check your septic!