If you’re wondering how often to service your septic tank, you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find information about the best time of year for servicing your tank, signs that your system is full, and how to service a septic tank with toilet paper.
Time of year to service a septic tank
There are several factors to consider when scheduling the service of a septic system. For example, the time of year can affect the amount of time that the process takes. For instance, if you have a lawn, you might want to schedule the service in the early fall. 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’s recommended that you have your septic tank serviced every three to five years. Depending on how much you use your home, however, it may be necessary more often. If you live alone, you may want to consider scheduling the pumping of your septic tank once or twice a year.
You should 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. After the pumping is complete, your contractor will be able to pump out 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 not sure 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.
Signs of a full septic tank
The odour produced by a full septic tank is one of the most prominent and obnoxious signs of a clogged or overfilled septic system. The odour is usually more noticeable around the tank, but can also travel up the pipes to the drains and sinks of a home. It is best to have a professional inspect the septic system if it is giving off an unpleasant smell.
Another sign of a full septic tank is a green patch of grass surrounding the tank. This means that the septic system is not effectively breaking down waste and is discharging untreated effluent. Having this 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 also 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 causes, 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. Standing water can occur anywhere in the yard, but it is most likely near the septic tank.
Using toilet paper to service a septic tank
When using toilet paper to service a septic system, it’s important to choose biodegradable toilet paper to avoid adding harmful chemicals. This type of paper breaks down faster in a septic tank, requires less water to dissolve and takes up less space. In addition, biodegradable toilet paper contains no chlorine, which can harm your septic system.
If you use heavy-duty toilet paper, it can clog your septic system, but if you have city sewers, this is not an issue. Fortunately, there is a simple test that you can do yourself to determine if toilet paper is clogging your system. First, get some jars and clear containers. Fill the jars with each brand of toilet paper. Next, shake them vigorously for about 15 seconds.
Another common mistake is to use toilet paper to service a septic system. While it may seem convenient, it can cause significant damage to the system. Face tissues do not break down very 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, you should 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. Moreover, it is more expensive to buy two-ply toilet paper.
