No homeowner wants to encounter a septic tank problem. We don’t mean to scare anyone – it’s just an unpleasant experience. But many homeowners can avoid this issue by pumping their septic tank once every 3-5 years, which is the recommended amount of time between pumpings in most areas. However, there are some other factors that may affect how often an individual homeowner will need to pump their septic tank. The three factors that may affect septic tank pumping frequency are:
1. Household Size
Household size is the main factor that affects septic tank usage and pumping. Homeowners with larger families tend to use their septic systems more often, which means they’ll need to pump out their tanks sooner than those who live alone. The average household size in the United States is 2.56, so this number can be used as a quick reference to determine how frequently your septic system will need pumping.
2. Type of Septic System
Not all septic tanks are created equal – there are two main types that are differentiated by how much waste they’re able to hold. The first is known as a “standard tank septic system.” This type of septic system can hold up to 1000 gallons of waste liquid before it needs to be emptied, which typically takes place every 3-5 years.
The second type is called a “pumping chamber septic system.” While this type of system may look very similar to a standard tank septic system on the surface, it actually has much more potential for holding waste. A pump chamber system typically holds around 3500 gallons of waste before it needs to be pumped out; however, there are some that can hold over 6000 gallons! Because of this increased capacity, pump chamber septic systems only need to be pumped every 5-10 years.
3. Liquid Waste Output
Another factor to keep in mind when thinking about septic tank frequency is the rate at which you use your system. If your family makes heavy use of your household plumbing, you will need to pump out your septic tank more often than a family that doesn’t use their septic system as much, maybe because they’re not home most of the time. In many cases, this factor will influence septic tank pumping frequency, regardless of the other factors that may be involved.
Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping
Now that you understand how different factors can affect septic tank pumping frequency, you may wonder when it’s time to schedule your septic tank pumping. After all, the last thing you want is to wait too long before getting your system pumped out – that would just be asking for trouble. There are some clear signs that indicate it may be time to call your local plumber for a pumping service. The most common signs are:
- Slow draining sinks, tubs, and toilets
- Sewage odors in the home or yard
- Frequent backups into your drains or toilets
If you do notice any of these signs, it’s recommended that you call a professional to schedule an inspection. They will conduct a thorough evaluation of your entire septic system, which can include performing a visual inspection of your septic tank. They may even decide to pump out your tank at that time.
The earlier you take care of a problem with your septic tank or drain field, the easier it will be to solve. Septic systems are designed to last for decades if properly installed and maintained; however, as we said before – problems do happen from time to time. By taking preventative measures such as pumping out your tanks every three years as recommended by most standards, you can make sure those problems don’t occur in the first place!
