License A & C-42 #458947
Your septic tank is a vital part of your home’s plumbing system. It helps to break down and dispose of wastewater from your home. Over time, the solid waste that accumulates in your septic tank can build up and reduce its efficiency. That’s why it’s essential to have your septic tank pumped and cleaned regularly.
While you may be tempted to put off this necessary maintenance, pumping and cleaning your septic tank is an integral part of protecting your investment in your home. A properly functioning septic system can last for decades, but it can fail prematurely if it’s not properly cared for. In addition to the expense of repairing or replacing your septic system, a failed septic system can cause environmental damage.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the basics of septic tank pumping and cleaning, so you can keep your system running smoothly. Stay tuned to learn more!
1. Septic Tank Pumping Is An Important Part Of Home Maintenance.
You may not think about your septic tank very often, but it plays a crucial role in your home’s plumbing system. A septic tank is a watertight chamber that stores sewage until it’s ready to be treated. As sewage decomposes, it produces methane gas and other harmful toxins.
If you have a septic system, it’s essential to have it pumped and cleaned regularly, depending on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household. Cleaning your septic tank helps prevent clogs and other issues with your drainage field. When your septic tank isn’t functioning correctly, sewage can back up into your home or contaminate groundwater.
1. What Is A Septic Tank, And What Does It Do?
A septic tank is a watertight chamber that stores sewage until it’s ready to be treated. As sewage decomposes, it produces methane gas and other harmful toxins.
Septic tanks are usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. They range in size from 500 to 2000 gallons. Most homes with septic tanks have a 1000-gallon tank.
Septic tanks are usually located underground, away from the house. They’re connected to the sewer line that runs from the home to the septic tank. When sewage enters the septic tank, it starts to decompose. The solid waste settles to the bottom of the tank, and the liquids float to the top. The bacteria in the septic tank break down the sewage, which helps to control odors and prevent pollution.
As the sewage decomposes, it produces methane gas and other harmful toxins. These gases rise to the top of the tank and are vented to the atmosphere through a vent pipe. The liquids (effluent) from the septic tank are discharged into the drainage field. The effluent is treated as it flows through the soil, which filters out harmful bacteria and toxins.
1. How Often Should Septic Tank Pumping Be Done, And Why Is It Important?
Septic tank pumping should typically be done every two to five years. It’s significant to have your septic tank pumped and cleaned regularly because it helps prevent clogs and other system issues. Regular septic tank pumping can also help you avoid replacing your septic tank entirely.
Here are a few reasons why septic tank pumping and cleaning is important:
These items should never be flushed down the toilet because they can clog your septic system and cause it to fail:
The key is to have your septic tank pumped and cleaned before it becomes a problem. If you wait too long, you may have a clogged system or worse. You always hear this; prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure!
1. Signs That Your Septic Tank Needs To Be Pumped?
If your toilet starts to back up, that’s a sure sign that your septic tank needs to be pumped. Other signs include:
The following factors will affect how often you should empty your tank:
If you’ve recently purchased a home with a septic tank, inquire about the previous owners’ routine. Or, at the very least, ask when the tank was last emptied, so you can get a ballpark figure.
1. Septic Tank Cleaning Vs. Pumping – What’s Involved And How Often Should It Be Done?
Cleaning a septic tank is a bit different from pumping it. Cleaning involves removing all the sludge and scum from the bottom of the tank to be appropriately disposed of. This should be done every two to five years, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Pumping only removes the liquids from the tank, while cleaning removes everything- the solids, liquids, and scum. Cleaning is a bit more expensive than pumping because it requires special equipment and training to do it properly. But it’s worth it to keep your septic tank working properly for years to come.
A: While you can technically pump your septic tank yourself, it’s not recommended. Septic tanks are large and heavy, and they need to be pumped correctly to avoid damaging the system and health hazards. So it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
A: The cost of septic tank pumping varies depending on the company you use, the size of your tank, and other factors. But in general, you can expect to pay between $200 and $1000 for the service (depending on the size and condition of your tank).
A: No, you should not put anything down your drain that could potentially clog your septic system. This includes grease, condoms, coffee grounds, and paper towels. Be mindful of what you’re putting down your drains to avoid issues.
A: If you don’t pump your septic tank regularly, it can lead to clogs, backups, and other system issues. In extreme cases, you may even need to replace your septic tank entirely. Pumping your septic tank is an important part of home maintenance, so don’t neglect it!
A: Local or state permission rules usually include separation distances between septic tanks and property lines. For specific restrictions in your location, contact your local permitting authorities. Setbacks to other features such as buildings and property lines may also be included in your local zoning restrictions.
A: It’s best to check with your local permitting authorities for specific restrictions in your area. But in general, it should be placed on level ground to allow solids to settle in the tank. The plumbing outlet’s location typically dictates the tank’s location and depth to accommodate the proper slope on the input pipe. Septic tanks should be situated away from areas prone to flooding and ponding of surface water.
A: The easiest way is to look at your property deed or contact your local health department. Your utility statement will show a $0.00 charge for wastewater or sewer services if you have a septic system. The location of your home can also assist you in determining whether or not you have a septic system. If you reside in a rural region, your home is almost certainly supplied by a septic system.
If you have any further questions about septic tanks, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Lanik Septic Service. They will be able to help you with anything you need to know about septic tanks and their maintenance.
Septic tank pumping and cleaning are an essential part of home maintenance. It should be done regularly to ensure your septic system is working correctly and to avoid costly repairs down the road. Here at Lanik Septic Services, we specialize in septic tank pumping and cleaning. We can help you keep your system running smoothly so you can focus on what’s important – living your life. If you have any questions about septic tanks or would like to schedule a service appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Reviews
“This company is BEYOND helpful. Great customer service in the office, hard working employees in the field, reliable and very trust worthy. Having to replace an entire septic system is not something we ever intended on doing, but had to. If it hadn't been for Lanik Enterprises, Inc, I don't know where we would be. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Lanik Enterprises!”
- Chanel Leos
