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EXTEND THE LENGTH OF TIME BETWEEN SEPTIC TANK PUMPINGS
admin • December 5, 2017
Septic tanks need to be pumped on a regular basis, or else they will clog and overflow. The length of time between pumpings depends on the size of the tank, the number of people using the tank, and the habits of the people in the home.
For most households, it's enough to pump the septic tank every two to three years. Some homes can go much longer between pumpings. There are many ways to extend the length of time between each visit from the septic tank pumping professional.
INSTALL A PROPERLY SIZED TANK
Installing a properly sized tank is one of the best ways to avoid pumping your tank more frequently than every two to three years. In general, the size of the tank depends on the size of the household.
A 1,000-gallon tank is considered large enough for homes with up to three bedrooms. Four-bedroom homes require 1,200-gallon tanks, and five-bedroom homes need tanks that hold 1,500 gallons. If you’re not sure how large your septic tank needs to be based on the size of your home, talk to your septic tank installation professional.
NEVER FLUSH MEDICINE
Antibiotics kill the beneficial bacteria inside your septic tank. These bacteria are responsible for breaking down solids that settle in the bottom of the tank. When the bacteria die, their absence can contribute to a faster buildup of solids in the tank.
If you're not sure what to do with your leftover medicine, talk to your physician. He or she can tell you what to do with any leftover medicine you might have in your home.
Antibiotics kill the beneficial bacteria inside your septic tank. These bacteria are responsible for breaking down solids that settle in the bottom of the tank. When the bacteria die, their absence can contribute to a faster buildup of solids in the tank.
If you're not sure what to do with your leftover medicine, talk to your physician. He or she can tell you what to do with any leftover medicine you might have in your home.
NEVER FLUSH ANTIBACTERIAL CLEANING PRODUCTS
Antibacterial cleaning products can have the same effect as antibiotic medication. The best way to avoid problems is to avoid flushing antibacterial cleaning products down your drain. For many homes, protecting the septic system means not using antibacterial cleaning products at all.
Natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda can help keep your home clean, so you don’t have to use bleach and other harsh cleaning chemicals.
In addition, there are a variety of septic-safe cleaning products available on the market. Homeowners who wish to use strong cleaning products that are septic safe can talk to their septic tank professional about which brands and product types are best.
USE A DRAIN STRAINER IN YOUR KITCHEN SINK
Drain strainers prevent food particles from falling down the drain and into the septic tank. Failure to use a drain strainer in the kitchen can cause the septic tank to fill faster. This could result in the septic tank filling with solids more quickly, thus necessitating more frequent pumping.
AVOID USING A GARBAGE DISPOSAL
Garbage disposals chop down food into very small pieces and then send them down the drain. Using a disposal can result in more solids entering the septic tank. Homeowners who want to use this kind of appliance while still limiting the time between septic tank pumpings can use a septic-safe model. These garbage disposal units chop food into much smaller particles than standard models.
AVOID FLUSHING UNFLUSHABLE PRODUCTS
Some products, like disposable wipes and diapers, are advertised as flushable yet can clog your system. Many of these products are too large to be safely flushed into a septic tank. Keep garbage cans near your toilets to discourage family members and guests from flushing these items down your toilet.
CONTACT YOUR SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROFESSIONAL
Your septic tank professional can tell you more about the length of time that you can wait between septic tank pumpings. To find out more about how often you need to pump your septic tank, contact Ernie's Plumbing and Sewer Service. We can help you determine how much time you can wait between septic tank pumpings.
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