Learning About Septic Services

Septic Tank Pumping: When You May Need More Frequent Service

21 January 2021

Rose Austin

Homeowners with septic systems probably understand that they have to have their septic tank pumped on a regular basis. In fact, you may have already gotten into a routine of having your septic tank pumped every few years. However, you may not be aware of the situations where you should have your septic tank pumped more frequently. Here's a look at a couple of things that you should know about when you might need to have your septic tank pumped more often than you're accustomed to. 

Have You Had A Lot Of People In The House?

If you are used to having your septic tank pumped every couple of years and you normally only have two or three people in the house, the demand on your septic tank will increase significantly if you've had a few guests staying in your home long-term. Remember that the more people you have in your home, the greater the demand that creates on your septic system.

Think about how many people you've had in your home recently, and consider the strain that the extra guests may have put on your septic tank. Talk with a local septic tank pumping contractor about the possibility of scheduling an early pumping service to be sure that your septic tank isn't overwhelmed.

What Has The Weather Been Like?

Another thing that can affect your septic tank is the weather where you live. If you have a winter with heavy snowfall, the snowmelt and runoff from that accumulated snow will run into the ground and potentially into your septic system. This can overload your septic tank, especially if it has been a year or so since your last septic tank pumping.

The same situation can apply in situations where you're experiencing heavy, persistent rainfall. Any excess water introduction into the ground can overwhelm your septic tank as the water soaks into the ground around your tank. 

After any severe weather like this, you should reach out to a septic tank pumping contractor. Your septic tank is designed to accommodate small amounts of wastewater intermittently, as would be introduced by your normal household activities. Weather phenomena like this can introduce far more than your tank can process, resulting in an overflowing septic system and flooded drain field.

How Is Your Drainfield?

Your septic system's drainfield plays a vital role in the septic tank's operation. Wastewater flows out of the tank into the drainfield. When your drainfield is damaged or not functioning correctly, this can result in problems with drainage from your septic tank. In these situations, it's best to schedule an additional pumping appointment so that you can clear the tank and reduce the demand on your home's septic system infrastructure.

Contact a company that offers septic tank pumping services to learn more.

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