Every homeowner with a septic system knows that septic tank pumping is one of the most important maintenance steps. Tanks need to be pumped by a qualified professional according to a regular schedule. Here’s what every septic system owner needs to know about the frequency of septic tank pumping in Prior Lake, MN.
The best and worst times of year to pump
Septic systems are different from shared city sewer systems. Once waste is flushed down a sewage drain, it makes its way to a water treatment facility. Septic tanks, meanwhile, are owned by individuals on private property. Waste flushed down a septic drain doesn’t travel far. It’s held in a tank until a septic pumping service comes to empty it. Scheduling pumping appointments is the responsibility of the homeowner.
This may come as a surprise to many, but there are best and worst times of year to have your septic tank pumped. Winter is the worst time to pump your septic tank, as the ground is usually frozen and hard, which makes it more difficult to dig to access the tank. If it snows where you live, the technician can have a difficult time locating your tank for maintenance. That being said, a near-full tank should be pumped, even if it’s wintertime.
The best times to pump your septic tank are spring and summer. A tank that is near capacity should be pumped during the spring to avoid flooding from heavy spring rain showers. It’s a good idea to pump your tank in the warmer months in preparation for high usage and to make maintenance easier for your technician.
Telltale signs it’s time to pump
There are several different signs you need to be on the lookout for that indicate it’s time to pump your septic tank. Here are the most common:
- Time between services: On average, a residential septic tank needs pumping service every three to five years. If you’ve lost track of how long it’s been since your system was last pumped, call the technician you used last and request a records check.
- Pooling water: Random water pooling in your yard and plush green grass near your septic tank and drain field are signs of tank leakage.
- Bad smells: Offensive odors coming from the drains inside your house and yard can result from sewage backups. The tank is probably close to being full.
- Slow drains: Drains that are slow also mean the tank is approaching its capacity.
Septic tank pumping frequency
The pumping frequency of the average septic tank varies from household to household. However, in general, you should pump your septic tank every three to five years, depending on a number of factors. These factors include the average waste and wastewater produced in your home, the number of people living in your home, the size of your septic tank and the types of cleaners, chemicals and soaps you rinse down the drains.
Call Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services today to book a time for summer septic tank pumping in Prior Lake, MN!