Your septic tank is an integral part of your septic system. It helps treat wastewater generated by your household. Septic tank pumping is one of the most important septic tank maintenance tasks. Regular pumping keeps your septic tank working at its optimal efficiency and helps prevent costly repairs.
Septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years. Overpumping your septic tank can cause damage. The ideal septic tank pumping frequency depends on a number of factors, such as the size of the tank and the number of people in the household.
In this article, we will examine the consequences of pumping your septic tank too frequently and when not to pump your septic tank. Let’s dive in.
The Cons of Pumping Your Septic Tank Too Frequently
Improper septic system maintenance in Sonoma County can do more harm than good. One of the most common septic tank maintenance mistakes that property owners make is having their tanks pumped too often.
While regular septic tank pumping is necessary to maintain a septic tank, pumping it too frequently can lead to several problems. By pumping your septic tank too often, you may inadvertently disturb the delicate balance of bacteria and enzymes that break down the solid waste in your tank. With little to no bacteria to break down the waste in your septic tank, solids may lie in your tank longer and clog up your system.
Frequent pumping can also have a negative effect on human and animal health and can even harm the environment. If you pump your septic tank too often, sludge may be pumped out before it gets the chance to break down properly. Sludge that hasn’t completely broken down contains pathogens and other harmful substances that can contaminate the soil and groundwater.
When Not to Pump a Septic Tank?
Do not pump your septic tank immediately after a storm or flood, as this can lead to a couple of problems.
- If you have a plastic or fiberglass septic tank and the areas around it are flooded, the tank may float up out of the ground, damaging pipes.
- Silt and mud may flow into your septic tank, filling it with debris that must be removed for optimal functioning.
If your septic tank or cesspool is too old or fragile, do not pump it before having a professional inspect the system. An old septic system can collapse when pumped or immediately after pumping.
An experienced septic tank contractor can perform a comprehensive inspection to identify structural issues, and develop a safety plan (that highlights steps to prevent the tank from collapsing) based on their assessment.
You should also avoid having your tank pumped if the sludge level is too low and the floating scum layer is not thick enough unless your septic tank needs to be maintained or needs repairs.
L.J. Construction is a reputable septic tank contractor in Sonoma County. No matter how complicated the septic tank problem you are facing, our team can devise a cost-effective, sustainable solution. To schedule an inspection, call (707) 823-0247 today.