Septic tanks hold waste to allow the beneficial bacteria to break and discharge waste. However, even though the bacteria are effective, not all the waste breaks down. The small amounts that remain build up hence the need for septic tank pumping.
Generally, an average household needs septic tank pumping once every three to five years. Still, many other factors come into play to determine how fast your septic tank fills. Discover six factors that cause variations in septic tank pumping frequency among different households.
1. Number of Active Users
The number of people that the septic tank services determines the amount of waste deposited in the tank. For example, when many people use the tank, the amount of waste increases at a given period. So, your tank fills up faster and increases septic tank pumping frequency. However, you can use healthy additives to improve the breakdown process and reduce the pumping frequency.
2. The Size of the Tank
Septic tank designs effectively support a given number of people for a set time. So, when your tank is too small for your household's needs, you'll have to seek septic tank services more often. But, if your septic tank design supports many people and your family is small, the septic tank pumping time spreads out.
3. Toilet Usage
Other than human waste, the only other product that should go down your toilet is toilet paper. Even though you could flush other products that are labeled flushable down your toilet, you shouldn't. Your toilets won't block, but the septic tank takes a long to break foreign items down. As a result, your tank fills up faster—hence the need for frequency septic tank pumping.
4. Household Water Usage
The more water your household uses, the more often you'll have to pump your septic tank. Even if your tank size is ideal for your family, a large amount of water down the drain increases pumping frequency. Excess water often comes from long showers and many loads of laundry per day. The good news is that you can manage the amount of water if you space out laundry sessions.
5. Treatment and Maintenance
The better the care you give your tank, the more time you take between pump-outs. A regular treatment and maintenance program increases the time between pump-outs. Treatment routines are affordable and customized based on your system, usage, and household size.
6. Products Use To Clean
Harsh chemicals from household sanitation products kill the bacteria in your septic tank. As a result, your system's ability to break down waste declines. Then, the waste builds up faster and calls for frequent septic tank pumping. So, you are better off if you use natural and safe products that don't threaten your septic tank's bacteria.
Conclusion
Timely septic tank pumping can protect your tank and plumbing system from damage. Often, your septic system experiences signs that you're due for septic tank pumping. So, ensure you reach out to the experts if you need septic tank pumping services.
