A septic tank is an underground structure that collects and treats your household's wastewater before letting it flow into the drain field. The treatment entails separating solid and liquid waste, and the solid waste sinks to the bottom, forming sludge. Septic tank pumping removes the sludge, which, when left to accumulate, often results in clogging, flooding, and contamination of your water system, creating a health hazard. Regular septic tank pumping helps you avoid such issues, keeping your family and property safe. It also enhances the system's efficiency. 

Septic tank pumping intervals

The frequency of pumping your septic tank depends on its size, the number of occupants in your home, and the amount of solid waste channeled into the tank. A large tank can hold a lot of wastewater, requiring pumping less often. However, a small tank fills up fast, requiring shorter pumping intervals for effective functioning. The population of your home determines the amount of waste produced. With a large household, you are likely to pump the septic tank more often, for they produce more waste. Releasing more solid waste into the tank increases sludge accumulation, causing it to require frequent pumping. You can sieve the debris before draining your wastewater into the septic tank to lengthen the pumping intervals. Reducing the wastewater volume also reduces how frequently you need to pump the tank. 

Preparing for a septic tank pumping 

You have to carry out several preparation activities to facilitate the pumping process. Here's an overview of them.

Provide the tank's maintenance records 

Informing the expert about previous services or repairs performed on your septic tank is essential. It helps answer any questions they may have regarding the tank's history. Detailed maintenance records provide insight into the current issue and help the technicians make a clear diagnosis.

State septic tank malfunction

Notify the technician beforehand of the signs your septic tank is exhibiting. For instance, if there's raw sewage backing up into your house or a pool of water with a foul smell in your yard, they need to know. The expert can easily evaluate the situation and provide the appropriate solution. 

Identify your septic tank's exact location 

Before the technician arrives at your home, ensure you know the exact location of your septic tank, especially if it's their first time working on it. Although, if you can't locate it, the technician can provide the appropriate equipment, such as electronic locators, to facilitate the finding process. Ensure the tank's lid is accessible by removing all the obstacles around it. 

Conclusion 

Septic tank pumping is essential; it enhances the system's efficiency and prevents potential health hazards. The pumping intervals vary depending on various factors, like the size of the tank.

For more information about septic tank pumping, contact a local company.