One of the most common questions we get from our customers is ‘when is the best time to get my septic tank pumped?’ The simple answer is ‘there’s never a wrong time’ – but there are some factors to consider when you feel like your tank is in need of it – some of which we’ll discuss today.
Here’s what you should be thinking about when it’s time to get your septic tank pumped. Let’s jump right in!
Get it done before it gets a lot of traffic
We absolutely recommend that you get your septic tank pumped before high use periods – those being winter holidays or before your children are home for summer vacation. Use and overuse are most common during that period. The other issue we run into is that family members aren’t always the easiest to control and even when you tell them to not flush non-toilet paper items down the toilet – they still do and that can cause issues. So make sure you get things done before the in-laws show up!
When was the last time you had your tank pumped?
The rule of thumb is that a septic tank should be pumped every three years. So make sure you go back into your records and check. It also depends on your tank’s size, frequency of use and some other factors. Your average tank can hold around five years worth of waste at a maximum – but don’t flirt with that too much. If you’re unsure, call a pro and at least let them tell you what you should do. Better to be safe than sorry.
What’s your family’s lifestyle like?
It is one thing if you live in a suburban area; but it can be a whole other ball of wax if you live on say – a farm. Why? Because just by virtue of your day-to-day, you’ll be getting dirty and a significant amount of dirt and sludge can come from washing clothes. Sports-oriented families should also take heed. If too much sludge builds up – it can create a whole boatload of issues and even clog the system. If you’re in a higher activity family – just make sure this is on your mind.
If you’re unsure of whether you should get your system pumped or not – give us a call today and we’ll offer you a free consultation. Good luck!