How Often Should You Pump Your Septic Tank?

Septic tank maintenance is key for ensuring the safety and efficiency of your home’s plumbing. This includes routine pumping to remove solid waste and prevent serious backups. While the frequency of septic tank pumping depends on several factors, most homeowners should plan to have this service done at least every 5 years.

In this article, the plumbing experts at Hometown Plumbing, Electrical, & HVAC discuss how to determine how often to pump your septic tank, along with the many benefits that this routine service can provide.

When Should I Pump My Septic Tank?

Septic tanks need to be pumped on average every 3 to 5 years, but frequency depends on several factors, including usage and tank size. 

What Affects How Often You Need to Pump Your Septic Tank?

Guidance for how often to pump your septic tank can change depending on:

• Household size: Larger homes with more family members produce more wastewater, which makes your tank fill faster and requires more frequent pumping.
• Tank capacity: A smaller tank will fill up more quickly and will require pumping more often, while a larger tank may need pumping less often.
• Water usage: Homeowners who use a lot of water from long showers or frequent loads of laundry may put extra strain on their tank, which results in a greater need for pumping.
• Use of garbage disposal: If you put food waste down your drain, your tank will need to be pumped more often.
• Past septic issues: Poorly maintained systems could require more frequent services from septic tank professionals. 

Warning Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping

Homeowners should watch for warning signs that their septic tank needs to be pumped in order to avoid serious issues. Call a professional if you experience:

• Slow drains
• Bad odors
• Soggy ground over the drain field
• Sewage backups
• Lush spots in your lawn

Benefits of Regular Septic Tank Pumping 

There are many benefits to scheduling regular septic tank pumping from professionals, including:

• Prevents damage and costly repairs: Removing solid waste that can clog pipes helps avoid serious repairs and system failures.
• Extends the life of your system: Pumping your septic tank prevents excess strain by reducing sludge and the chance of your system overloading, ensuring that it lasts for decades.
• Keeps your yard and home safe: Because leaking sewage can host harmful bacteria, viruses, and nitrates, regular pumping helps avoid contamination to your yard, groundwater, and nearby water sources.
• Improves system efficiency: An empty septic tank allows wastewater to flow freely and for the system to operate smoothly, keeping your plumbing reliable and efficient.

Schedule Septic Tank Pumping in Johnson City, TN

When you need expert septic tank services in Johnson City, turn to the team at Hometown Plumbing, Electrical, & HVAC. As your local family-owned and -operated home service provider, we treat our customers like our neighbors and provide honest, upfront pricing and personalized care. Plus, with over 20 years of experience and more than 400 five-star reviews, it’s no wonder we’re the area’s top choice for septic tank pumping.

Contact our team today to schedule septic tank pumping for your Johnson City home.