Septic tanks are one of the most vital parts of your home—without proper care, you could face up to $50,000 in damages after a major backup!
If you’ve found yourself asking, “how often should a septic tank be pumped,” then we’ve got the answers for you. There’s also other helpful information you should know about your home’s septic pump, such as knowing when it’s time to pump your septic tank and how to care for your septic tank.
How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped?
The general rule for getting your septic tank pumped is to do it every five years. However, some factors go into this. For example, if more people live in a home, then you’ll want to get it cleaned out more often. Five years is a good estimate for families around 4 people.
Getting your septic tank pumped is easier than it sounds, and there are plenty of companies that can do it for you. This septic cleaning service is a great one to use, and you can rest assured that you’re getting good quality at a great price.
How to Know When it’s Time to Pump a Septic Tank?
If you think it’s time to pump your septic tank, then head outside and observe your yard. If you know where your septic tank is, then check around that area for things like standing water or even foul smells. These are signs that you need to get your system pumped immediately.
Another way to tell that your septic tank needs to be pumped is by the plumbing inside. If your sinks and bathtubs aren’t draining, then it could be because of your septic tank. Before calling someone out, though, make sure to check that nothing needs to be cleaned from the drains—that’s a much simpler fix and can save you money.
What Preventative Care Does a Septic Tank Need?
The most important thing you can do to prevent septic tank backups is paying attention to what you’re flushing down your toilet. Things like paper towels, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and q-tips are not meant to go down the toilet. These items can cause you a lot of money down the road, even if it’s only because you have to pump your septic tank more often.
The rule of thumb is only to flush toilet paper. There are other flushable wipes that are fine to use, but not all wet wipes are flushable.
What Are Other Important Home Lessons?
So, now that you know the answer to “how often should a septic tank be pumped,” you can properly take care of your home’s septic system. With experts’ help and attention to the things you flush, you can save yourself money down the road.
Whether you’ve just bought a house or you’re still finding out about the ins and outs of your current home, it’s never too late to learn new things about real estate!
