How Often to Service a Septic Tank

By Robert Jones Oct17,2022

If you’re wondering about the frequency of septic tank servicing, you’ve come to the right place. In this text, you will find information about the ideal time of year to service your tank, how to recognize the signs that your septic system is full, and how to service your septic tank with toilet paper.

It is important to consider several factors when scheduling the service of your septic system. The time of year is one of them, as it can affect the duration of the process. For instance, it’s best to schedule the service in the early fall if you have a lawn. This can prevent any damage that could occur to your lawn, and it will help your lawn get the nutrients that it needs to grow back.

 

It is recommended that you have your septic tank serviced every three to five years. However, depending on how much you use your home, it may be necessary to do it more often. If you live alone, you may want to consider scheduling the pumping of your septic tank once or twice a year.

 

It is important to call a licensed contractor to clean your septic system. The process of cleaning a septic tank involves pumping liquid back into it to break up the scum and sludge layers that have built up in the tank. Once the pumping is complete, your contractor will be able to remove the mixed contents and dispose of them in an approved manner.

 

The frequency of pumping a septic system varies from household to household, depending on how much waste is generated, the size of the tank, and the amount of solids in the wastewater. If you are unsure about how often you should have your system pumped, consult with your local government agency or a licensed septic service provider. You should also follow EPA guidelines regarding the pumping of septic systems.

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Signs of a full septic tank:

 

One of the most noticeable and unpleasant signs of a clogged or overfilled septic system is the odour produced by the tank. This odour tends to be more prominent around the septic tank but can also travel through the pipes and reach the sinks and drains of the entire house. If you notice an unpleasant smell, it is best to have a professional inspect your septic system.

 

Another sign of a full septic tank is the presence of a green patch of grass surrounding the tank. This indicates that the septic system is not effectively breaking down waste and is discharging untreated effluent. Having a patch of grass around the tank may also indicate a full septic system, and it may be time to call a plumber.

 

A gurgling noise coming from your drains is another sign of a full septic tank. This is usually caused by something in your drain pipe that is trapping air. A plumber can listen for gurgling sounds in the drain lines. A gurgling sound is a clear indication that your septic tank needs to be pumped.

 

Standing water in your garden can be caused by several factors, including a hosepipe left running in the garden, heavy rains, or a clogged septic system. If the water level is very high, it may be an indication that your septic tank is nearly full. You may notice standing water anywhere in your yard, but it is most likely to be near the septic tank.

When using toilet paper to service a septic system, it’s important to choose biodegradable toilet paper to avoid adding harmful chemicals. Biodegradable toilet paper breaks down faster in a septic tank, requires less water to dissolve and takes up less space. In addition, it contains no chlorine, which can harm your septic system.

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Using heavy-duty toilet paper can clog your septic system, but if you have city sewers, this is not an issue. To determine if toilet paper is clogging your system, you can do a simple test yourself. Fill jars with each brand of toilet paper and shake them vigorously for about 15 seconds.

 

Another mistake is to use facial tissues to service a septic system. Face tissues do not break down well in the septic system and when flushed, they capture other materials in the drain pipes. This clogs the system and prevents it from properly moving waste and wastewater through it.

 

To prevent your toilet paper from clogging your septic system, use two-ply toilet paper. This type of toilet paper is made of thick fibers and may take longer to decompose. Ultra-plush toilet paper is not recommended for septic systems. Additionally, two-ply toilet paper may be more expensive to buy.

 

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