Homeowners (and business owners) with a septic system know that regular care and maintenance are required to keep the system working properly. One of the most important things you can do is periodic septic tank pumping.
For residential properties, your septic tank needs to be pumped every 3-5 years on average, though the frequency may vary depending on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household. Use this as a general guideline, but keep an eye out for signs that your tank might need to be pumped more often.
To avoid the need for emergency septic pumping, here are some signs to watch out for that could suggest your septic tank needs pumping:
- Slow drains or toilets – If your drains are draining slower than usual or your toilets are flushing more slowly, it could be a sign that your septic tank is full and needs to be emptied.
- Bad smells – If you start to notice bad smells coming from your drains or around your property, it could be a sign that your septic tank is full and it is time for a septic tank pumping.
- Wet spots in the yard – If you start to notice wet spots in your yard, it could be a sign that your septic tank is full and needs to be pumped. The wet spots could be caused by sewage that is overflowing from the tank.
- Septic tank alarm – Many septic systems have an alarm that monitors the level of liquid in the tank and goes off if there is too much. The float sensor will cause the alarm to go off to indicate that there might be a problem requiring pumping.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to call a septic professional to pump your septic tank or take whatever other action is appropriate as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the sewage could overflow from the tank and cause serious damage to your property.
However, you should also be aware that several of the signs in the above list could also indicate different problems, such as issues with the septic drainfield or blocked pipes.
For example, wet spots in the yard could be caused by clogs in the drainfield or oversaturation that is preventing it from processing the wastewater quickly enough. Likewise, foul odors could be a sign that its time for residential septic tank pumping – or it could be caused by clogs in the pipes between the home and the septic tank.
A professional septic company will be able to assess your specific situation and take appropriate action to alleviate the problem and get your septic system back in proper working order.
What Happens in Septic Tank Pumping?
Septic tank pumping is a process of emptying the sludge and scum from your septic tank. This is done by a professional who will hook up a pump to your tank and then pump out all of the waste. Once the tank is empty, they will clean it out and then put fresh water back in.
After your septic tank has been pumped, it is important to have it inspected by a professional every few years to make sure that it remains in good working condition. Pumping your septic tank is an important part of maintaining it and keeping it working properly for years to come.
Septic Tank Pumping versus Septic Cleaning
Pumping septic tank is different from septic tank cleaning. Septic tank cleaning is a process of power washing the inside of your septic tank to remove any build-up of sludge and scum. This is typically only done if your septic tank hasn’t been pumped in a while and there is a significant amount of build-up.
If you are not sure whether your septic tank needs to be pumped or cleaned, it’s always best to call a professional and have them take a look. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
Commercial Septic Tank Pumping versus Residential Septic Tank Pumping
While the process of septic tank pumping is generally the same for both commercial and residential properties, there are a few key differences that business owners need to know.
First, commercial septic tanks are typically much larger than residential ones and process significantly more wastewater. This means that they will need to be pumped more often.
Additionally, because they tend to have more waste going into them, they will need to be cleaned more often as well.
Some businesses, like restaurants, may experience issues with fats, oils, and grease getting into the septic system. To minimize the likelihood of problems from this, these septic systems may include some effluent pre-treatment but might also require even more frequent pumping and cleaning.
If you have a commercial septic system, it is vitally important to call a professional regularly to have regular septic service, inspections, and maintenance. Neglecting to do so could result in serious damage to your property, environmental issues, business closures, health hazards for your employees and customers, or even lawsuits.
Septic Tank Pumping Near Me
The best septic company in and near Lakeland is Septic & Drainfield Depot. We provide a full range of septic services in & near Lakeland and the surrounding Central Florida area, including:
- Septic Tank Pumping
- Septic Tank Cleaning
- Septic System Inspections
- Drainfield Installation and Repair
- Lift Station Installation and Maintenance
Our team of septic professionals has the experience and skills to take care of your problem right the first time. We are available 24/7 to assist with any septic emergencies, and we offer free estimates and septic financing.
Contact us today.
