If you often ask yourself “How often should I pump out my septic tank?” you’ve come to the right place. Read on.
Regular maintenance of Miami septic system is the single most important consideration in making sure your septic system, whether it is a conventional septic system, an innovative/alternative (I/A) system, or a cesspool, works well over time. Regular pumping helps prevent solids from escaping into the drainfield and clogging soil pores.
While pumping frequency is a function of use, Florida state health department recommends that septic tanks be pumped at least once every three years for homes not having a garbage disposal. If the home’s system has a garbage disposal, it should be pumped once every year.
If you have a nonresidential septic system, you should determine how often to pump based on prior accumulation and pumping records. Often you can look at pumping intervals to gauge your pumping schedule (i.e., previously did you wait too long before having your tank pumped and it was filled to capacity, or could you have waited a little longer to pump?).
An astonishing number of home owners believe that if they haven’t had any problems with their systems, they don’t need to pump out their tanks. Unfortunately, this is a serious and sometimes costly misconception. (Learn more about how much it costs to clean a septic tank here.) As your system is utilized, solid materials settle to the bottom of the septic tank, forming a sludge layer. Grease and lightweight materials float to the surface of the septic tank as scum.
Usually, properly designed tanks have enough space for up to three to five years’ safe accumulation of residue. When the residue level increases beyond this point, sewage has less time to settle properly before leaving the tank. As the residue level increases, more solid wastes escape into the soil absorption system (SAS). If the SAS becomes so clogged that it cannot absorb liquid at the rate at which it enters the tank, the plumbing will “back up” or unsanitary wastewater will bubble to the surface.
Hire Miami Plumbers
When hiring a Miami plumber, be sure to document how many gallons were pumped out of the tank, the date, the charges, and any other pertinent results. And be sure to schedule your next septic service or sump pumping with A to Z Statewide Plumbing by calling 1-800-930-1123. We know septic systems inside out!
Additional Septic Service Resources
- Septic Tank Cleaning Cost
- How often are septic tanks emptied, and where do the contents go?
- What Should You Know About Septic Tanks
- Septic Services Ft Lauderdale
- Septic Services Pembroke Pines
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