What Is Septic Pumping
Septic tanks are a homeowner's best friend regarding waste management. These underground tanks are designed to naturally break down the solid waste, turning it into liquid and releasing it safely into the soil.
The downside of this process is that the tank fills up with sludge, grease, and other scum over time. This can cause clogs and even structural damage to your tank, making septic pumping a critical part of septic system maintenance and septic cleaning.
Septic tank pumping in Cornelius is one of the most important aspects of maintaining your septic system. If you fail to pump your tank regularly, it will overflow and cause damage to the area around it.
A septic system has two main parts:
A septic system begins with a septic tank. Through the sewer pipe in your house, the sewage from your home goes into it. As a result, wastewater is held in the tank for a long enough period of time that solids will settle at the bottom, forming sludge, while oils and grease will float to the top, forming scum. The middle layer of the system contains partially treated water that exits the tank and is transported to the drain field for further treatment.
The drain field comprises perforated pipes buried in gravel-filled trenches or beds. The partially treated water flows out of the septic tank through these pipes into the drain field, where bacteria in the soil further treat it before it flows into the groundwater. The septic system needs septic tank cleaning in Cornelius periodically.
When Do We Need Septic Pumping
Septic tanks come in different sizes, but they typically need to be pumped every three to five years to keep the wastewater moving out into the leach field. If you aren't sure how long it's been since you had it pumped, or if you're seeing any signs that your septic system may be having problems, it's time to call a septic company in Cornelius.
Signs Your Tank Needs Pumping
Some of the signs that it's time to pump your tank include slow drains, toilets that regularly back up, and gurgling sounds coming from the drains or toilet. If your tank has begun to smell bad or visible pools of water are forming in your yard, these are also signs that you need a septic pumping service. You may also see plants or grass growing in patches over your leach field as a sign that it isn't functioning correctly. You need to stay on top of wastewater treatment system cleaning.
Why Is Septic Pumping Essential
Failing to pump the septic tank can lead to several issues, resulting in costly repairs.
Here are a few reasons why you should have your septic system pumped regularly:
- The sludge and scum layers thicken: The solid waste decomposes slowly and settles at the bottom of the tank. If this waste is not removed from time to time, it will increase in size and enter the drain field. This leads to blockages in the pipes, which reduces their efficiency.
- The drain field gets clogged: When too much solid waste enters the drain field, it clogs the pipes. As a result, wastewater cannot drain out of the septic tank. This puts extra pressure on your system, causing it to stop working correctly.
- Your septic system breaks down: If too much sludge enters the drain field, it can break down your entire system. You will need to replace the entire system or parts after it gets damaged due to a lack of maintenance.
The toilet is not the only thing that can back up in your home. Your tank can fill up quicker than you think. New homeowners often don't know about septic pumping and the importance of getting it done regularly. A "full" tank doesn't mean the same thing for everyone. What might be pushing you towards a full tank today may not cause any issues for another year or two.
Call Septic Blue today to schedule an initial consultation.
