Recognize the Signs of Septic Tank Damage

If you have a septic system, maintenance is probably not something that you think about often. That's because, for the most part, your septic system will operate smoothly as long as you maintain good flushing and wastewater disposal habits. While your septic system won't require frequent maintenance, there are a few things that you need to do every few years. Septic pumping is one of those tasks that you cannot ignore. Here are three things that you need to know about septic pumping.

Why Pumping Is Necessary

While your septic system can efficiently deal with much of the wastewater your home produces, not everything breaks down. Over time, scum and sludge will start to accumulate in your tank. Septic pumping is the method used to remove this buildup. Failure to pump your septic system will lead to blockages, clogs, and wastewater backups in your home. Not pumping your septic tank also can damage your system, leading to costly repairs or even replacement. 

How Often To Pump

Another thing that you need to know about septic pumping is when it is necessary. Most septic tanks require pumping every three to five years. How often your tank requires pumping will depend on the kind of septic system you have, the size of your household, and the size of your septic tank. If you are unsure whether or not it's time for septic pumping, you can call septic service professionals for an inspection. If the sludge or sum has built up to a certain level, septic pumping is necessary, but if it's not to that point, you can put off pumping.

How Much It Costs

Knowing how much septic pumping costs is essential. While you most likely won't have your septic tank pumped annually, it's still an expense that you will want to budget for ahead of time. On average, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for septic tank pumping if you have an average-sized septic tank. There are a few things that can increase your costs. Larger than average septic tanks cost more to pump. If your septic tank is overfilled or there is a clog, that can increase costs. A flooded drain field may also mean higher prices.

Septic pumping is a necessity if you rely on a septic system to dispose of wastewater. Failure to pump your tank will lead to backups and damage to your septic system. Septic pumping is necessary every three to five years on average but may vary. The cost of septic pumping can also vary but will usually cost a few hundred dollars.