When set up properly, septic tanks usually need professional pumping about every three to five years. If you find yourself having to schedule this service more often, there’s a good chance that something is wrong with the system. It might be undersized for the household, or there may be a clog in the drain field. You need to have the system inspected and the problem resolved promptly to avoid serious problems, like sewage backing up into the house or a soggy yard full of wastewater.
More People Living in the House Than the Number of Bedrooms
The size of septic tank for a house usually depends on the number of people living there, based on the number of bedrooms. If you have eight people living in a three-bedroom home, there could be considerably more wastewater and solid waste than the tank can handle. And this is why you may need more frequent pumping. An easy way to resolve this problem is to install a bigger tank that better matches the household’s actual size.
You Use the Garbage Disposal Several Times a Day
The more food and scraps that you put in the garbage disposal, the faster the solid layer in the septic tank builds up. This may mean you need to have the tank pumped more frequently. But it doesn’t mean you have to quit using the disposal; you just need to put less food waste in it. Instead of sending a full plate of leftover food down the drain, scrape the plate into the trash before rinsing it off in the sink.
You’re Flushing the Wrong Items
What you flush really does impact the overall health and performance of your septic system, especially the tank. Tampons, cotton swabs, and wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. Instead, they sit in the tank, causing blockages and contributing to faster solid buildup. To reduce the frequency of tank pumping, make sure everyone in the home knows exactly which items are OK to flush and which are not.
Never flush these items:
- Baby wipes or “flushable” wipes
- Tampons and sanitary pads
- Cotton swabs
- Paper towels
- Facial tissues
- Dental floss
- Condoms
- Diapers
- Cat litter
- Cigarette butts
- Grease, fats, or cooking oils
- Medications
- Hair
- Bandages and other first aid products
There’s a Bacterial Imbalance in the Tank
Continually pouring bleach and harsh cleaners down drains interferes with the septic tank’s bacterial activity. And over time, it makes it difficult for the bacteria to break down solid waste properly. This means more frequent pumping to avoid premature tank filling, slow drainage, and sewage backups.
If you’re tired of having to pump the septic tank more than normal, call a professional to have it inspected. The technician can use advanced diagnostics, like sewer cameras and tank-level inspections, to pinpoint the underlying problem and recommend the best remedy. When you need septic pumping services in Eugene, OR, contact Loose Deuce Septic & Tank Services.
