What You Need to Know About Septic Tank Cleaning
As with most things in life, the better you take care of them, the longer they last. Your septic tank is no exception. With more than one in five households in America using a septic system, it’s important to understand how to properly maintain them.
Septic tanks can be a great way to save money and rid your property of wastewater. But in order to perform properly, tanks need to be regularly inspected. If your system is more robust or has mechanical elements, it may need to be checked more frequently. Check your system’s documentation to see the guidelines on frequency of septic tank cleaning.
We wanted to take a minute to tell you what you need to know about septic tank cleaning—and how to keep from putting your family’s and the environment’s health at risk.
How Often Should A Tank Be Cleaned?
Most homeowners start with wondering how often they need to clean their tank. The answer is that it depends. On average, a household system should be inspected and assessed for cleaning every two to three years. However, septic cleaning will depend on these factors:
- How many people live in your home
- The amount of wastewater generated
- The size of your septic tank
Things like having a system that is too small for your property or excessive water use in the household will mean more frequent cleanings.
When a septic service provider comes out to your home, they’ll inspect the system for any leaks or clogs. Next, they’ll measure the scum and sludge layers present in your tank to determine if a cleaning is necessary. General guidelines are that if the bottom scum layer is within six inches of the septic’s preventative outlet or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches then the tank needs to be drained.
Make sure to ask your service professional for detailed records of the visit so you can keep track of the waste levels and get a better idea of how frequent your tank will need to be emptied.
How Can I Extend the Time Between Septic Tank Cleanings?
Want to prolong the time between septic tank cleanings? Take a look at your service report. This can shed light on how much water your household typically uses. Increasing water efficiency can improve the how well your system functions by limiting the amount of wastewater entering it at one time. Less stress on your tank means reduced risk of failure and more time between cleanings.
Simple ways to cut down on water usage include:
- Installing high-efficiency toilets and showerheads
- Repairing leaks and drips
- Spreading out washing machine use
Also be sure to properly dispose of waste products. Keep in mind that everything that makes its way down your drains will affect your septic system maintenance schedule.
Can I Handle Septic Cleaning on My Own?
Trying to handle your septic system on your own probably isn’t the best idea. Any material pumped out has to be stored in transport containers and disposed of following strict federal regulations. The smallest mistake can lead to serious health hazards.
Scheduling regular septic tank cleanings can save you money by avoiding costly replacements, maintaining your property’s value, and by ensuring you and your loved ones stay healthy.
Save yourself time and worry when you hire the septic tank cleaning professionals at Forever Clean. Contact us for a consultation today!