Are You Due For Your Next Septic Tank Inspection?
In as much as a septic tank can be an expensive venture, it is a worthwhile and green investment. However, it must be stated that a septic tank also needs to be effectively maintained in order to get the best out of it. A properly maintained septic tank will rarely cause any form of problem like clogging or sewage back-up.
It is generally advised that a septic tank is maintained (that is; inspected, pumped or emptied) once in two to three years in order to get the best of the septic system. Now, how often should you inspect and pump your septic system? Certain factors influence the frequency of septic inspection and pumping.
Household size
The more the number of people that make use of the septic system, the faster it will become filled. Homeowners during the holiday periods are used to having a large number of guests which in turn puts a lot of pressure on the septic system. During this periods, it is advised that homeowners should take time to have their septic system inspected. And for houses with a large number of permanent residents, their septic system will need to be pumped more than once in two or three years.
Total wastewater generated
Inspecting or pumping the septic system is also dependent on the quantity of wastewater that makes it to the septic system. The system doesn’t just collect wastewater from the toilet, but from dishwashing and laundry, which significantly increases the chances of the system getting easily filled.
The size of the septic tank
The quantity of sewage the septic tank can hold is directly proportional to the size of the septic tank, the bigger the septic tank, the higher the quantity of sewage it can hold. Homeowners with small sewage tanks will have to regularly inspect their septic systems in order to prevent any form of problem.
The time since the septic tank was last pumped
Time is also a major factor in determining when next you should inspect or pump your septic tank. You should not wait till when you have sewage back up or you begin to perceive bad odors before you attend to your septic system.
The level or thickness of scum and sludge layers in the septic tank
The scum is the solids in the septic tank that are lighter than water and float on the water in the tank. They are usually formed from grease, fats and oils from food products that end up in the septic system. While the sludge is the heavier solids that are formed at the base of the septic tank, the higher the level of thickness of these solids, the faster the septic tank gets filled.
It is very important that you take proper care of your septic tank so as to prevent it from causing a major problem. Reduce the number of wastewater that you let out, do not dispose solids into your septic system and have your tank inspected on regular basis.
