Septic tanks may not regularly come to homeowners’ minds. But if your home has this private wastewater and disposal system, you know what an important daily job it performs. Septic tanks are generally out of sight. Your septic system is buried deep underground in a watertight tank that is busy separating solids from liquids. However, septic tanks need regular inspection and maintenance to ensure proper drainage and ventilation along with pipe integrity. If you’re dealing with a full septic tank, act now before your holiday gathering!
When a ‘Full’ Septic Tank Is a Bad Thing
It is normal for a septic tank to remain mostly full. However, a full tank can also mean that something isn’t working properly. For example, a septic tank clogged with sludge can render certain waste, such as disposed toilet paper, unable to break down.
If your septic tank fills to the top and cannot drain properly, waste will stay stuck in the outlet pipe, causing a sewage backup. No homeowner ever wishes for a “bad” full tank to develop during a holiday gathering and emit foul odors in the process. If guests cannot flush toilets after using the facilities, they will have a moment to remember, and in a good way.
Regular Septic Tank Pumping Makes Good Sense
An expert septic tank company always recommends signing up for a maintenance plan to catch small problems before they turn into larger ones that need costly repairs. Routine pumping can extend the lifespan of your septic system.
A pump-out should be performed by a professional company every one to three years. A new septic pump, if your system uses one, should be installed every seven to 10 years. Also, a septic tank can last from 20 to 40 years with proper care but should be replaced when it’s in the high end of this range. If you neglect a maintenance plan, an aging, worn-out septic tank can eventually burst, resulting in a massive and costly expense.
A Pump-Out Is a Quick Fix for a Small Investment
A septic tank pump-out doesn’t take long, usually 20 minutes to an hour. This will depend on the tank’s size and the amount of sludge removed. Only the septic tank itself is pumped, not the drain lines or distribution box.
The pump-out costs a few hundred dollars and is worth the inspection and treatment. You want your family and guests to enjoy a healthy holiday celebration and not have to worry about wastewater and disposal systems.
If you’re looking for peace of mind, make sure your septic tank is cleaned before your guests arrive. A septic tank that flows smoothly can make life a lot easier. If you live in Tampa, FL, contact the team at Tampa Septic Company for professional septic pump services.