How Often Should You Service Your Septic Tanks?

Do you live in a property that isn’t connected to the municipal sewer line? Your septic system is probably one of the most important yet overlooked components of your home because it works silently underground. The system manages everything that goes down your drain, but like everything, septic tanks also need servicing.

How frequently should it be done? This blog will guide you to keep your property odor-free and happy. 

The Golden Rule

For average-sized households, a professional inspection should happen every three to five years, but if your tank is small or your household is big, you need to pay more attention. 

The septic tank is like a filter, separating the solids from the liquids. Over time, sludge builds up at the bottom and the scum layer comes to the top. Waiting too long allows those solids to escape into your soakaway pipes, resulting in expensive blockages or contaminating the ground. 

Factors Influencing Your Service Schedule for your Septic Tank(s)

Every home puts different demands on this system therefore, consider these things

Household Size – More people mean more water usage and the amount of solid waste produced, filling the tank faster. 

Water Usage Habits – Running multiple loads of laundry daily or taking long showers pushes more water through the tank,  forcing solids to settle less efficiently. 

Tank Capacity – Unlike a larger tank, a small version fills up much faster. 

What Goes Down the Drain – Are you frequently using harsh soaps or dumping coffee grounds into the kitchen sink? If so, you are speeding up the requirement for pumping out. 

When to Call the Pros

Don’t always rely on the calendar to tell you it’s time to call the professionals. Call them if you notice any of the following: 

• When your sinks gurgle or drain the water more slowly than usual, it means the septic tanks are struggling. 
• If you notice a prominent, foul smell around your drain field its a sign of an overflow
• Check the grass over your soakaway area. Does it look greener or wetter than the rest of your lawn? Then your tank may be leaking or backing up. 

If you are searching for good septic tanks, contact Calcamite. They have a range of these tanks and the best part is you can count on them for servicing as well. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check the levels of my septic tanks myself?

You can monitor for odors or wet patches, but don’t open the tank yourself. 

What happens if I forget to service my septic tanks on time?

Delaying maintenance can overload the sludge. 

Watch this space for updates in the Hacks category on Running Wolf’s Rant.