Septic pumping refers to the process professionals use to remove sludge from the bottom of a septic tank. While the design of a septic tank intentionally allows solids to break down into sludge at the bottom of the tank, it will reach a point where they need to be removed through pumping. If the tank isn’t pumped when it needs to be, solids can build up and clog the drain field pipes. In addition, the effluent, or liquid waste, might overflow. Here are some common signs that you need septic pumping:
- It’s been a while since the last pump. Your septic system should be pumped every three to five years to prevent clogs or severe structural damage. If it’s been longer than that since your last pump, it’s time to call a professional.
- Your water drains slowly. Of course, slow drains can be caused by many things. A shower drain might only be draining slowly because there’s lots of hair in the drain, for instance. However, you shouldn’t rule out a septic tank problem. If there’s a clog due to infrequent septic pumping, that will make the drains in your house slower, and you should take care of it as soon as possible.
- There’s a terrible odor. When you smell a foul odor in your house and it won’t go away, you can probably safely assume that it’s a sewage problem. It needs to be addressed at the source to make it go away, so you should call for septic pumping.
- There’s a sewage backup. This sign is extremely obvious, but if you’re experiencing sewage backup, it’s probably because there’s a buildup of solid waste in your septic system that needs to be pumped out. A sewage backup is gross, for sure, but it’s also a major problem because it can cause disease and cause costly property damage.
If you need septic pumping services, give us a call at Sewer & Drain Medic today!