Recognize the Signs of Septic Tank Damage

Septic pumping is a crucial element of your septic system's maintenance plan. Keeping up with your pump-out schedule ensures your system remains in good shape and works as well as it should.

Like most people, you may know how frequently to pump out septic tanks. However, do you know that there is a great and not-so-great time of the year to schedule septic pumping?

Best Time for Septic Pumping

Spring is the most popular time of year for septic pumping, and with good reason. The melted snow as spring rolls around can cause your septic tank to work a little harder. Spring is a good time because, at this time, the ground is fully thawed, and emptying the septic tank will help your overworked system as you get ready for the beautiful summer ahead.

Again, the heavy spring showers can cause flooding. Avoid this undesirable eventuality by scheduling septic pumping at the start of spring, and more so if your septic tank is near capacity.

Worst Time for Septic Pumping

If you can help it, avoid scheduling septic pumping in the winter. The heavy snow and frozen ground can make it very hard for the septic pumping team to dig and access your septic tank. The most highly skilled and experienced team can give it their best shot, but, more likely than not, the results may not be as great.

Even locating the tank beneath all that heavy snow can be quite tricky, and the septic pumping crew may spend so much time trying to find the tank. Again, it is not safe to have the team moving around on the slippery ice.

Emergency Septic Pumping

There are instances when you will do well to disregard any recommendations about the best or worst time of year for septic pumping. If your tank is near-full and you can see all the tell-tale signs that you need a pump-out, go ahead and do it, even if it is winter. These signs include slow drains, bad smells, and pooling water in your yard.

Some companies offer 24/7 septic tank pumping, and you can get help whenever you need it. However, keep in mind that you may have to pay a little extra if you need septic tank pumping outside of the company's standard business hours.

Don't Skip Septic Pumping

Whether you are doing it in spring, winter, or any other time of the year, the most important thing to remember is that you shouldn't neglect septic pumping. Keep up with regular pumping, and you can look forward to getting the most out of your septic system for longer.

For more information about septic tank pumping, contact a local company.