What Happens If a Septic Tank is Not Pumped?

Septic tank pumping is one of the home maintenance tasks that homeowners tend to forget. This is true because the tank is buried.

However, septic tank pumping can help you avoid smelly and expensive septic tank repairs. When your septic system is pumped, it can last decades and provide reliable sewage treatment.

The Effects of Neglecting Septic Tank Pumping

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Septic tank owners believe that they never need to pump their tanks. However, without proper maintenance of your septic system, failure is around the corner.

After years of continuous usage, your septic tank will have sludge buildup. Sludge and floating waste can reduce the productive capacity of your tank.

When the waste passes through the tank too quickly, two things can happen. First, the waste will start to clog the pipes within your septic system. This will render the entire system ineffective. When this happens, it’s only a matter of time before you start to have awful smelling wastewater backing up into your home.

It can be a terrible experience to have this waste back up into your basement, tubs, and toilets. It will not only cause expensive cleanup, but the experience can be traumatic.

The second scenario can be like this. The waste could start to plug pipes in the drain field. If this happens, the microorganisms in the drain no longer have the proper environment. They need an aerobic environment to perform their cleansing action.

Furthermore, drain field replacement is an expansive option. You could spend between $5,000-$20,000 depending on the size of your drain field.

That’s why prevention is always better than cure. Just because your system is working correctly today, without maintenance, septic failure is still possible.

Septic tank pumping is easy and inexpensive than septic failure. Start your septic maintenance today by calling the professionals at Martins Pumping Service LLC.

How to Keep Your Septic Tank in Good Condition

If you want to save money on expensive septic tank replacements, always see to it that your septic tank is in good condition. We have compiled a list of Do’s and Don’ts to help you keep your septic tank in top condition.

Septic Tank System Dos

·       Do perform regular maintenance on your septic system

Regular maintenance means inspection and pumping out. This is done to prevent your septic tank system from breaking down. This will also protect your investment in your septic tank system. 

·       Do buy high-efficiency appliances

The more water is wasted, the more water will enter your septic system. This can cause damage to your system and potential drain field flooding.

The best way to prevent wasting water is to use high-efficiency appliances. Look for energy-saving ones which use 50% less water than other typical appliances. 

·       Do keep your maintenance reports and records

It is your responsibility to keep all the maintenance records and inspection reports of your septic system intact. Check the inspection reports generated by your septic service provider.

The reports should include detailed descriptions of potential or existing leaks, as well as slum levels. If there is damage to your system, hire an experienced maintenance specialist right away.

Septic Tank System Don’ts

·       Don’t flush anything down the toilet except toilet papers

Avoid flushing items down the toilet that isn’t toilet paper; even these items are described as “flushable.” This will prevent breaking down your system. Avoid flushing items like cooking grease or oil, dental floss, diapers, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, and many other non-flushable objects. 

·       Don’t hire a septic system contractor who is not qualified.

Your septic tank system is a precious investment. Never let anyone who is not qualified perform works on it. Always check the portfolio of your prospective septic system provider, including documents, insurance, and bonds, to know whether they are qualified or not. 

·       Don’t waste the water.

This is the easiest way to keep your septic system in good condition. Other ways to avoid wasting water include investing in Energy Star appliances, repairing running toilets and sinks, and fixing leaking faucets.

·       Don’t pour chemicals down the drain

Avoid pouring any chemicals, grease, and toxic liquids at the kitchen sink or bathroom shower. This might cause damage to your septic tank system. 

·       Don’t put your rainwater systems near your drain field

Your drain field is an essential part of your septic system. Keep things off and away from your drain field area. Excess rainwater from a drainage system can cause water to accumulate near your drain field. As a result, this can slow down the treatment process of your septic tank system.

Call Us Today!

Martins Pumping Service LLC has provided septic services for the past 50 years. We cater to the septic tank needs of homes, businesses, and institutions. We are proud to serve Frederick County, VA, and its neighboring areas.

We provide a full range of septic services, including septic system installation, septic inspections, and grease trap cleaning. Give us a call today at (540) 667-4038 to get in touch with us!

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