If you’ve never lived in a home with a septic tank before, it’s easy to feel uneasy about the new maintenance responsibilities that come with it. However, we at Southeastern Septic LLC are here to tell you that septic maintenance is both simple and easy, at least when you have a reliable septic company to take care of it for you. The most important part of maintaining your system is to get your tank pumped out periodically, and in this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about septic tank pumping.

• What is Septic Tank Pumping?  The key thing that we at Southeastern Septic LLC want you to understand about septic tanks is that not everything that flows into it flows back out–liquid effluent flows out into the drain field, where it is filtered and ultimately returned to the water table, but solid waste sinks to the bottom of the tank. Although your tank contains bacteria to break down and compact the solid wastes, it still has a finite volume, and will need to be periodically emptied via septic tank pumping.

• How Often Do I Need Septic Tank Pumping? The other important thing to know about septic tank pumping is how often you need to have it done. Depending on the design of your tank, you may be able to go as long as three years between pumping services, but other tanks will need to be pumped every year. If you’re not sure what type of tank you have, you can call our team at Southeastern Septic LLC to inspect your system and recommend the best schedule for your septic pumping needs.

Having your septic tank pumped periodically is important for the overall health of your septic system. Septic tank pumping ensures that solid waste deposits on the bottom and top of your septic take get removed and helps to extend the life of your septic tank. But, how do you know when it is time to have your septic tank pumped? Below we will discuss several signs that it is time to have your septic tank pumped.

• Sluggish – If you notice that your toilets, tubs, and sinks are slower to drain it is most likely time for septic tank pumping.

• Odor – When your septic tank fills up there is no place for gases to go, so they seep into your home through your toilets and drains. There can also be a smell around your drain field and septic tank area.

• Time – Most septic tanks need to be pumped every one to three years. We recommend speaking to a septic professional to get on a routine schedule.

• Standing water – A sure sign that you need your septic tank pumped is standing water near the septic tank and drain field. If you see this occurring, then you need to call a septic company immediately.

• Sewage backup – The most unpleasant sign that you need your septic tank pumped is sewage backing up into your home.

All homeowners need to have their septic tanks pumped. If you aren’t on a routine schedule, then you might notice one of these signs above. Don’t wait until it is too late. Give Southeastern Septic LLC a call today to schedule your septic tank pumping.