In Septic Knowledge Center

We are local experts on septic systems and are often asked when should I pump my septic tank. Generally, septic systems are not the same as the common city sewer systems familiar to people. Once the unwanted waste has been flushed down a sewer drain, it is transported to a water treatment plant for treatment.

On the other hand, Septic tanks are owned by people and are located on private land. However, waste drained down a septic drain doesn’t go very far from its source. Meanwhile, it’s being stored in an underground tank until a septic pumping firm is contacted to empty it. And so, it is part of the homeowners’ responsibility in Florida to schedule when to pump the tank. But how often should a septic tank be emptied? Read on to learn more about when should I pump my septic tank.

How Often Should I Pump My Septic Tank?

The standard septic tank requires pumping regularly. However, the times vary for the different households in Florida. Depending on some factors, homeowners should pump out their septic tank every three to five years. Factors to consider here are the amount of waste and wastewater generated in your house, the number of people who live in your home, and the size of your septic tank.

What can make the septic tank fill up sooner?

Damage to a sewer line

The presence of a clogged or broken drainpipe, which can transport liquids and waste to the septic tank, might give the impression that your tank is backing up. While this implies your tank typically isn’t full up, it might still be filled with liquid, which can ultimately make its way through deep clogs.

An Excessive Amount of Fluid

Your septic system’s leach field is intended to drain surplus liquid into the underlying ground. However, if your tank is overflowing with more fluid than it can discharge, the leach field will not function properly. Your tank may be full in this situation, even though it is only partially filled with liquid.

A Clogged or Damaged Drainage Field.

Drain fields, also known as leach fields, are supposed to endure for at least a decade, but if they fail or lose their efficiency, your tank will fill up faster with fluids that may be impossible to drain.

How To Keep The Septic Tank System Working Well

Here are a few tips to keep your septic tank in good working condition

Make effective use of water

Septic systems collect and treat all of the water flushed down the drain and the toilet, so conserving water means less stress on your system.

Take care of your landscape

It is recommended that you place your septic system at least 30 meters from any trees—also, avoid constructing a septic tank close to trees with more robust roots (such as willows). This also gives plenty of space when it comes time to pump my septic tank.

Keep the drain field free of obstructions

Avoid parking a car, building a structure, or planting trees or a garden over the drain field of your septic system. Make sure your downspouts are pointed away from your drain field to keep it from becoming wet, which will hinder its ability to absorb and filter wastewater.

Always schedule a regular septic inspection & pump my septic tank

If your house or company is connected to a septic system, you should have it examined at least once every three years, if not more frequently. Having a septic tank inspection helps :

Prevent major septic problems from occurring

Regular septic tank inspections will allow a professional to detect minor or growing problems before they become severe enough to cause catastrophic septic system collapse.

Improve the efficiency of your septic system

As with regular inspections, frequent inspections will also help you enhance the performance and extend the life of your home or business sewage system.

Having a regular septic tank inspection ensures you pump my septic tank when due. So, schedule a septic tank inspection to better understand what your septic system will require to continue functioning correctly for many years to come.

Have a Septic System Question?

We can help you with questions regarding your system, including pump-outs, repairs, scheduled maintenance and replacement. Southwest Florida’s most experienced septic system company!

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