Septic Tank Pumping 101

If you are new to owning a septic system, you may not know what to expect as far as pumping your tank. The problem is, every septic tank needs pumping at different intervals, depending on the amount of use and the size of the tank. Here are a few things you should know about septic tank pumping so you can plan for maintenance and avoid damage to your septic system and home.

What Size Tank Do You Have?

You should find out the size of the tank you own. When you bought your home, there should have been an inspection and details about your septic system and the size of the tank. Tanks are usually built based on the number of bathrooms/bedrooms in your home.

When Was Your Tank Last Pumped?

Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 2-3 years, but some can wait longer. If your tank is too small for the number of people living in the home, you may find yourself pumping every year. Find out when the last time the tank was pumped. If it has been more than a year, you may want to schedule an inspection and possible pumping to ensure you don’t overflow your system.

What Goes Down, Must Come Out

If you have always been on a city sewer system, you are used to unlimited amount of waste that can be allowed down your drains. With a septic tank, too much use will mean more frequent pumping. Limit the amount of food, waste and even water that goes down your drains to keep maintenance and pumping frequency low.

Once you get an idea of how big your tank is and how quickly your family will fill it, you can get on a regular pumping schedule with your local septic company. They can help you determine the right frequency to avoid waiting too long between pumping intervals.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

What is the Average Cost to Pump a Septic Tank?

One of the most common questions asked when it comes to septic tank pumping is how much it will cost. Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer. Not only do different septic companies charge varying amounts for this service, it is also dependent on the size of tank and the fees for disposal of waste in your area. Here are some guidelines on what determines the cost and how to know if you are getting a good rate.

  • Average national costs. According to Homeadvisor.com, the average costs for septic tank pumping can range from $300-$400. However, it is important to check the costs in your area; this is only an average, which means there are higher and lower costs nationwide.
  • Size of tank. A large septic tank for a four or five-bedroom home will cost more to pump than the smaller versions for one or two-bedroom homes.
  • Local fees. The cost of disposal is part of the fee that septic services cannot negotiate. They are charged this to dispose of the waste and must include it in their price to the consumer. They must also pay for gas, vehicles and labor, while still making a small profit for themselves.
  • Other repairs. Often, it is when pumping is performed that issues are identified that need repair or maintenance. A common issue is septic filter replacement, which can result in another $300 or more in costs if completed at time of pumping.

Make sure to ask what is included in your septic pumping fee when getting quotes for your service. Some companies advertise a low price, but there are other fees on top of the basic pumping fee.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

Preparing for Your Septic Pumping

Is it time to have your septic tank pumped? Since most septic tanks only need pumping every few years, you may not be familiar with the process. If you are ready to schedule your septic pumping, here are a few tips to ensure you get a quality service performed and are prepared on the day of your service.

Finding a Quality Septic Pumping Service

First, you need a reputable septic pumping service. If you do not already have a company you can trust, do a little research to find a quality septic company. You want an experienced company that is licensed and insured; if any accidents happen on your property, you need to know the company you hire is covered for damages.

Preparing for Septic Tank Pumping

The trucks needed for septic pumping are large, and must be able to park within hose range of your septic tank. Make sure you know where your septic tank cover is located and ensure there is a clear path between the parking area and the tank cover. Move any vehicles that are parked in the area closest to your septic tank cover. In some cases, you can save money on your pumping service by locating your tank covers and removing the dirt on them before the septic service arrives. Ask when you schedule your pumping appointment if you will be charged extra for tank cover locating and uncovering.

In most cases, septic tank pumping takes less than an hour, if there are no problems or repairs needed. Make sure to ask about having your tank and equipment inspected during your service to check for any damage or issues to keep your system maintained.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

Tips to Keep your Septic Tank in Great Shape

A septic tank is where the waste from your home is collected and breaks down into effluent that can be filtered back in the ground water on your property. It is an essential component to any septic system, regardless of the type of system you own. Keeping your septic tank in great shape is vital to ensure your system continues to function for many years to come. Here are some tips to care for your septic tank through preventive maintenance.

  • Keep trees and large plants away. Roots from trees, shrubs and large plants can damage your septic tank and sewer lines. Do not plant any of these larger plants near your septic tank or other septic components to protect them from root infiltrations.
  • Reduce water use. The more water and waste that goes through your septic tank, the quicker your tank and system will need to be replaced. Lower your water use by installing efficiency fixtures in your home, including low-flow toilets, showerheads and efficient appliances.
  • Be careful what you put down your drains. Septic systems are fickle; keep chemicals, plastics, cotton hygiene items, diapers and other non-biodegradable items out of your drains and toilets.
  • Schedule regular inspections and pumping. One of the best ways to protect your septic tank is with professional inspections, maintenance and septic tank pumping by your local septic service company.

Septic tank replacements can be expensive. Make your septic tank last and save money with these preventive tips to reduce wear and tear on your tank and entire septic system. It can help prevent septic breakdowns and sewage backups, while helping your tank last for many years.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

What Happens When Your Septic Tank is Pumped?

Are you new to owning a home with a septic system? If you have never had to maintain a septic system, it is important to learn about the best way to maintain your system to prevent problems. One of the basic maintenance tasks is having your septic tank pumped when it becomes full. Since you are new to this experience, here is what you can expect and what happens when your septic tank is pumped.

When to Have Your Tank Pumped

The first concern for most people new to septic systems is how often they should have their tank pumped. This can vary, depending on the size of the tank, the number of people living in the home and waste use. Typically, tanks need to be pumped every 2-5 years, but you should have annual inspections.

How Much Does It Cost?

Expense is always a concern. The good news is the expense of maintaining a septic system is usually much less on average than paying for city sewer service. Septic tank pumping cost varies by region and the size of your tank, but typically runs about $300-$500.

What to Expect the Day of Pumping

The company you hire will let you know what type of access they will need to pump your tank. Generally, you will need room in your driveway for their truck, so they can easily connect to your septic tank. Usually, the pumping service will include 1 or 2 backwashes to clean the tank after the sewage is pumped out. The whole process usually only takes less than an hour.

Pumping your septic tank helps prevent backups and problems. Talk to your local septic company to learn how to reduce waste for less frequent pumping and to protect your septic system.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter’s Septic Service
Nesbit, MS 38651
(662) 429-1686

What Factors Affect Septic Tank Pumping Frequency?

If you ask a septic professional how often you should pump your tank, you will get either a short or long answer. The short answer is “it depends” while the longer one will most likely include a long list of variables. Here are some factors that will affect how often you need septic tank pumping:

  • Tank size. Your septic tank was designed for the size of your home, usually based on the number of bedrooms in the house. The bigger the tank, the less often it will need to be pumped.
  • Household members. The tank size versus the number of people in your household will influence how often you need to have a pumping service. A big house with only 2-3 people may be able to go three years or more without pumping. A 2-bedroom home with four adults living in it may need septic tank pumping every year.
  • Special events. Big parties or guests through the holidays can impact how often you need your tank emptied.
  • Age of the system. An older septic system may not be as efficient, requiring more frequent septic tank pumping.
  • Garbage disposal. If you use a garbage disposal in your home, it can increase the solid waste in your tank. Consider composting or other options if you want to reduce solid waste.
  • Vacations and other homes. If you take frequent trips or vacations, you may not need to have your tank pumped as often.

There is not a simple answer to how often you will need your septic tank pumped; it can change as your life changes. The best way to stay on top of your pumping schedule is to have your tank and system inspected by a septic professional annually.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter’s Septic Service
Nesbit, MS 38651
(662) 429-1686

Family Rules for Your Septic System

If you own a home with a septic system and having a growing family, you will need to have some family rules to avoid septic system problems. The fact is, if you don’t teach your kids from an early age what not to do when it comes to putting waste down the drain, it will most likely cost you a small fortune down the road. As soon as your kids are old enough to use the toilet or wash their hands themselves, they need to start learning these important rules for proper septic maintenance.

  • Flushing. Kids are known to flush items down the toilet that have no business going down the drain. This can cause problems in any home but it is even worse with a septic system. Make it very clear that nothing should be flushed down the toilet except bodily waste and toilet paper – that’s it. No cotton swabs, no ‘flushable’ wipes and certainly not an action figure!
  • No food down the drain. Teach your kids to scrape their plates and pans well before attempting to rinse their dishes. Fat, grease and many hard food items can cause harm to your septic as well as cause clogs in your pipes.
  • No chemicals or drugs down the drain. Your septic system has a bacterial balance that must be maintained in the tank for it to function properly. Harsh cleaning supplies, paint and even medications can destroy that balance, so teach your family to never dispose of chemicals or drugs down the drain.

On top of following the rules, having annual inspections and maintenance on your septic system can help prevent septic issues. Make sure to add calling your local septic service once a year to your family rules to increase the life of your septic system.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

The Importance of Septic Tank Pumping

For many of us, we turn on the faucet, flush, wash dishes, and spit after we brush our teeth without ever stopping to think where all of that water and waste go. Most people tend to think that everything is good with their septic tanks unless something is going wrong. However, that is the wrong mindset to take when it comes to making sure that their septic tanks work properly and last as long as they should.

A septic tank is a large holding tank for waste that leaves the home. The tank is designed to separate the liquid waste from the solid waste, but it must be maintained in order to function properly. Taking the initiative to pump the septic tank every few years is crucial to the longevity of the tank. Without pumping the tank regularly, materials will accumulate at the bottom and top of the water and create layers of scum and “sludge.” The accumulation of scum can ruin the condition of the septic tank and the drain field.

It is recommended that everyone with a septic tank schedule the tank to be pumped every 3-5 years. It is important to have the tank pumped while the system is still working properly. Waiting too long could leave the septic tank in unsalvageable condition leading to a very costly and messy repair. Those who have a garbage disposal system attached to the house should have more frequent septic tank pumping because of the greater amount of waste that will accumulate in the tank. Talking to professional septic tank companies, you can determine the schedule you should keep for maintaining the life and function of your septic tank.

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro

4 Tips For Keeping Your Septic Maintained

Owning a home with a septic system requires certain maintenance to be performed to keep it running smoothly. If you are new to owning a home with a septic system, you may not be aware of the full scope of problems which can be directly attributed to improper septic maintenance. There are certain things you need to do, and some things that you should avoid, to ensure your septic system continues functioning optimally. Here are four basic septic maintenance tips to get you started.

  1. Avoid harsh chemicals. Septic systems require a delicate chemical balance, which is easily disturbed when certain substances are put down the drain. Avoid putting chemicals such as bleach or heavy household cleaners down the drain. Use biodegradable cleaning products whenever possible.
  2. Food waste. Even if you have a garbage disposal, you should be extremely careful of the food waste you put down the drain. Try to limit grease or fats going down the drains by straining extra grease out of pans into the garbage before washing. Also, scrape excess food off plates into the garbage before washing dishes.
  3. Water usage. Your septic system must process all water used in your home. Preserve the life of your septic by using water efficient fixtures and appliances. Teach your family to practice water conserving techniques, such as not leaving the water running and spreading out laundry schedules.
  4. Septic maintenance. Your septic tank should have regular maintenance performed, such as regular septic tank pumping and maintaining the treatment system. Most homes with septic systems will need some annual maintenance, plus the tank will need to be pumped every few years.

Hiring a septic company to perform regular maintenance is one way to avoid septic malfunctions and backups. They can also give you other hints and tips on how to keep your septic system well-maintained and running smoothly.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

Five Ways To Make Your Septic System Last Longer

No one wants the expense of replacing their septic system. Many septic systems can cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace, making it a very expensive home improvement. However, if a septic system is cared for properly, it can last for 20-30 years, making it well worth the investment to increase the longevity. Here are five ways you can help increase the life of your septic system.

  1. Limit water and waste – Everything that goes into your plumbing pipes will need to be processed by your septic system. Educate yourself and your family on water conservation and waste disposal methods. Limit the amount of water you use, and keep chemicals and non-biodegradable items out of your drains to extend the life of the system.
  2. Get regular inspections – Always have your septic system inspected at least once a year. Fixing problems as they occur is much less expensive than waiting for little issues to become major problems.
  3. Regular Septic Tank Pumping – Your septic tank needs to be pumped every three to five years, depending on the size of your tank, family and usage. It is important to have a septic professional you trust to ensure your septic only gets pumped when it needs it.
  4. Pay Attention –  As a septic system owner, you need to be aware of brewing problems or potential issues. Keep an eye out for leaks, pooling water and poorly sealed access lids or ports. Also be aware of odd smells or gurgling sounds in your pipes, signs that there is a possible clog or back up in your system.
  5. Maintain your equipment – Keep chemicals and toxic substances out of your septic system to maintain its health and functionality. Anything which upsets the delicate bacterial balance can have a detrimental affect on the entire system, possibly leading to serious problems.

Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro