What’s the Recommended Schedule for Septic Pumping?

Taking care of a septic system is not the most difficult job in the world if you’re a homeowner. It requires being diligent about what you’re putting down your drains, to be sure, but regular upkeep by professionals is the best way to ensure it always stays operational. Knowing how often a septic tank should be pumped in Cleveland, TX is a question that depends on a few factors, but generally speaking, you’re going to want to schedule this service every three to five years.

Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure your septic system is running smoothly in between pumping appointments.

Mind your wastewater

If you’re looking to minimize any problems with your system, then it’s best to keep a careful eye on what you put into it. All wastewater from your home is going to wind up going into the tank, so if you’re overwhelming your system, it will quickly fill up and even overflow.

You can nip this issue in the bud by using water efficiently in your home. There are a number of investments you can make to accomplish this, including high-efficiency toilets and showerheads, faucet aerators and efficient washing machines. Many homeowners don’t even see a difference in their day-to-day experience when they install these appliances and devices, so they’re a good bet for most people worrying about how often their septic tank should be pumped in Cleveland, TX.

Don’t flush anything except toilet paper and human waste

One way to control how often a septic tank should be pumped is to watch what you’re putting down your pipes. This means that only septic-safe toilet paper should be used in the bathroom. Items like feminine products and baby wipes do not break down the same way toilet paper does—they will just sit in your tank until pumping time. Even worse, they can accumulate and grab onto each other, which will mean that your system can experience catastrophic clogs that cause sewage to run back up drains or flow into your yard. Avoid these messy scenarios by diligently avoiding flushing anything besides toilet paper and human waste.

Think at the sink

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recommendations in place for septic system owners, and one of its big tips is to “think at the sink.” This means being mindful of the food waste you’re putting into your septic system. It’s not a garbage can, so you should never pour anything down the drain that can compromise the integrity of the system. This means no chemical drain cleaners, cooking grease or oil-based paints (even latex paints should be avoided), as well as avoiding overuse of the garbage disposal. A garbage disposal can be a tempting tool, but using it too much will mean the system will quickly fill up and you’ll need to pump your holding tank in Cleveland, TX.

Taking care of your septic system is well worth your while. We’ve found it can help to put up little sticky notes at sinks and in bathrooms to remind everyone in the household what should and shouldn’t go down the drains. A septic tank should be pumped in Cleveland, TX on a regular basis, but you can extend this timeline with proper maintenance by professionals like Cleveland Septic. Call us today to schedule service!

Categorised in: Septic Pumping