How often should you clean your septic tank?

A septic system that is designed and installed properly needs annual septic tank cleaning to remove the scum and sludge from the tank. Septic tank cleaning bacteria action slows down inside the septic tank and keeps it working properly. 

How long does it take for a septic tank to fill up?

Septic tanks typically have a 1,000-gallon capacity. Recommendations by the septic tank industry and regulatory agencies it to have septic tank cleaning performed when the tank is thirty percent filled, approximately 300 gallons.

Based on those numbers, it can take one adult five years to generate that much waste. Septic tank cleaning how often is normally three to five years. If you notice your septic tank if filling faster than the suggested amount and time, you may need to have annual septic tank cleaning.

What are the symptoms of a full septic tank?

Here are some obvious indicators that your septic tank system is not operating correctly, or the tank is full, and where you can look at them. 

1. Gurgling Sounds in Pipes: If you’re hearing a gurgling sound when the toilet is flushed, or water is running, the tank is reaching capacity and it is time to call a professional septic tank cleaning service.
2. Toilet Flushing Problems: If your toilets are flushing slowly or not at all, and the plunger doesn’t help, it could be a clogged pipe, or the tank has reached capacity. Call a professional septic tank cleaning service.
3. Drains are Slow: If one or all of the sinks, showers, or tubs are slow, it could be the pipes, which requires a professional plumber. If the plumber doesn’t find any issues, then you’ll need a septic tank cleaning professional to check the tank and lines.
4. Backed Up Water: When you run the washing machine and the water is backing up in the sink or tub, or anywhere in the house, this is a definite sign your septic system is failing, and only an experienced septic tank cleaning can help.
5. Bad, Constant, Strong Odors: One sure way to know your septic tank is not working right is the smell of rotten eggs on a hot summer day. This is an odor similar to toxic sulfur, and if it is stronger closer to the tank, then your sewage is leaking. This definitely requires the service of an experienced septic tank cleaning service.
6. Grass is Greener Around the Tank: One of the first things that will tell you that your septic leach field isn’t working properly is green, green grass around where the tank is buried.  While the grass may get extra fertilizer and look good, your septic system isn’t working right and needs to be serviced by a professional septic tank cleaning contractor.
7. Standing Water: If you must walk around puddles and standing water near the septic drain field, you may have a serious problem with your septic system and the sooner you get a professional septic tank cleaning, the better. 

What happens if you don’t pump your septic tank? 

Sludge results from your paper and waste entering the septic tank from your house. The liquids absorb into the ground. The sludge doesn’t build up overnight; it takes some time, but when it does, and you don’t have the tank pumped, you risk the septic system reaching capacity and backing up into the house and the yard. 

Will a flooded septic tank fix itself?

 Flooding from rain doesn’t damage a septic tank because they are buried below ground. If the pump chambers fill with debris and silt, you need to call a professional septic tank cleaning service. If left unaddressed, and the soil absorption field becomes clogged, a new septic system is required. This is one reason why it is necessary to have the septic system cleaned every 2 to 5 years.