It's summer. You've been away on vacation for the last ten days and you're finally home. You pull into the driveway, and you're ready to go to the bathroom (you've been holding it in since the customs line). You swing the door open and get to the upstairs bathroom. Except, your house stinks. Sewage and wastewater containing harmful chemicals and bacteria are all over the second floor bathroom. The sink, the tub, and the toilet bowl—it's all a mess. Then you remember you have not pumped your septic tank since you bought your home. It's been seven years since you did. That's a long time.
Don't let this be you. Avoid it. Pump your septic tank.
At Scorpion Septic Services, we have a savvy team of plumbing professionals ready to prevent your septic system backing up. With years of experience under their belt, you can be sure our plumbing technicians will not just meet, but surpass your expectations. For your septic tanks pumping, be sure to call Scorpion Septic.
What is a Septic Tank?
A septic tank is a large container that has been built into the ground, which stores bodily waste once it's been flushed down the toilet. Septic tanks are a waste solution for buildings or homes that are not connected to larger municipal sewer systems.
How Often Should I Pump My Septic Tank?
Customers often call and ask about the frequency at which they should be pumping their septic tanks. Generally we stick to EPA guidelines which suggest you pump your septic tank every 3 to 5 years. Factors that can affect the rate at which you pump your septic tank include the following:
The Number of People in Your Household
The more people that live in your household, the higher the number of visits to the bathroom. The more waste that's produced. This means you might need more frequent septic pumping.
Tank Size
If your household has a smaller septic tank size, then you will undoubtedly need to pump it more frequently than a household with a larger septic tank. While switching to a bigger tank is not as easy as simply getting a bigger one, it's important to remember you can.
High Water Usage
The more water that's used in your household on a day to day basis, the more frequent pumping you will need. This is because high water consumption leads to an increase in the volume of solids and wastewater. If you want to avoid this, just be mindful of your water use.
Garbage Disposal Usage
While not exactly harmful to your septic tank, over reliance on a garbage disposal system can lead to slide buildup, drain field clogs, and even reduce your tank capacity. Additionally, there are foods out there that can very easily clog your system, such as: pasta, rice, bread and coffee grounds.
The Dangers of Not Pumping Your Septic Tank
You may be reading and thinking about what would happen if you didn't pump your septic tank. You may even be thinking that our earlier story is pure conjecture. An exaggerated story. Well it's not. Read on to learn more about the dangers of not cleaning your septic tank.
Solid Buildup
When waste makes its way into your tank, it naturally separates itself into layers of waste. Solids sink at the bottom of the tank, creating multiple layers of sludge. Some of the bacteria found in your tank will begin to decompose some of the organic matter inside the tank, but not all of it. Eventually, enough solids will accumulate inside of your tank, meaning you will need to pump it. If you don't, you will end up with a clogged tank, and a smelly house.
Sewage Backup
If you let your septic tank reach its max capacity, solids and waste will have nowhere to go but out. Untreated sewage will eventually flow right back into your home through drains and toilet bowls, leading to hazardous conditions for you and your family.
Environmental Hazards
If you don't pump your septic tank and the system fails, untreated waste and sewage has the possibility of seeping into groundwater. Sewage waste contains an abundance of harmful chemicals and bacteria, and if it seeps into groundwater, it can very easily contaminate local bodies of water, creating an environmental hazard not just for you, but your community.
Call Today!
While pumping a septic tank is not a glamorous task by any means, neither is having to clean up sewage and wastewater because you forgot to pump it. So, do the smart thing and give Scorpion Septic Services a call. For all your plumbing problems, call the pros!