If you live in a home that has a septic system keeping the home moving, you already know that getting your tank pumped is a fact of good homeownership. While most people call upon a local septic tank professional to get the job done.
However, proper septic tank pumping is something that many homeowners have several misconceptions about. Here are the top four septic pumping mistakes that are harming the future of your system.
1. Not Pumping Your Septic Tank Enough
It is common knowledge that when a septic system is well-cared for that it will be able to have quite a lengthy lifetime. While this is true, knowing how often to have your septic tank pumped is the key to a healthy system.
However, not having your septic tank pumped enough will eventually lead to drain field failure and repairs that will cost you a lot more than the average pump. For a healthy tank, we recommend that you have it pumped every three to five years. Any longer than that and the waste inside will begin to sludge up, creating a snowball effect of system failure.
2. Over Pumping Your Septic System
While not pumping your system at all is a bad idea, so is the act of over pumping your tank. Even though many contractors say that you should pump every three to five years, this is clearly a waste of your money. These types of contractors will give out this advice without even understanding the basic information around your system.
Before you decide to get your system pumped, and if it is before your usual septic tank inspection, consider these factors about your tank:
- It’s size,
- System capacity,
- Age,
- And the frequency of use.
3. Pre-pumping Your Tank Before an Inspection
Sometimes when homeowners are worried that there is a problem with how the septic system works, they schedule an inspection. Much like the person who thoroughly cleans the house before a maid service, people who pre-pump their tank before an inspection are simply sabotaging their own success.
When you have a septic tank inspection planned out, pre-pumping your tank to empty generally gives your inspector nothing to work with. With an empty tank, your inspector will be unable to properly test if there is an issue with your tank or drain field.
4. Septic Pumping to Fix Your Clogged Drain Field
If you drain field is already having issues, make sure to call out a professional to get the job done right. By pumping your septic tank in an effort to “fix” your field, the tank will re-fill quickly and the whole act just becomes a costly effort that you will most likely have to continue repeating until a proper resolution has occurred.
Get Your Septic System Pumped Correctly with Texas Johns
If you have read through this post and come to the realization that you have been flushing your money down the drain, the waste stops now. Texas Johns has experienced septic tank technicians that will be able to pump your tank and provide other necessary services and information. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and service.
