Septic Pumping Basics: What Homeowners Need to Know

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There are many systems that homeowners don’t bother about when it comes to maintenance. They often just call for repairs when they are needed, but they don’t deem the upkeep as necessary. While homeowners may get away with this approach for some systems like plumbing or HVAC systems, this attitude does not work when it comes to septic systems. Regular maintenance in the form of septic pumping is essential for the system to work.

Septic Pumping Basics: What Homeowners Need to Know

Here are several things every homeowner should know about septic pumping:

  • It keeps your system moving. Septic pumping removes the accumulated solids to prevent clogging and keep everything flowing smoothly.
  • It protects the environment. If you didn’t pump your septic tank, the soil around it would be exposed to harmful, untreated water, which can contaminate groundwater and have an adverse impact on the ecosystem.
  • It should be done every 3–5 years. The EPA recommends that the average household have its septic tank pumped every 3–5 years. It’s a good guideline, but the proper frequency truly depends on the household size, tank size, and average water usage. Our team can help you determine how often to pump your septic tank.
  • It doesn’t take very long. The actual pumping process only takes around 20–60 minutes to complete. Altogether, the preparation, pumping, and cleanup may take about 1–3 hours.
  • It’s not the same as septic cleaning. Septic pumping removes the solids from the tank but leaves behind effluent, whereas septic cleaning involves removing everything and actually cleaning the whole system.