Understanding Sewage Pumps
A sewage pump moves wastewater from a house through a drainage system. The drainage system could connect to a sewer line, septic tank, or another system. Installing a pump ensures timely wastewater transport. Pumps use mechanical force, not gravity, to move wastewater. This helps when a house is low-lying or on a hill. Without a pump, wastewater can build up and cause plumbing issues.
Signs and Timing for Septic Pumping
How to Tell When Pumping is Needed
Replacing a failed pump prevents flooding. Grinder pumps suit pressurized sewers, long distances, or high vertical lifts. Sewage pumps run on floats or timers, not constantly, to avoid straining the system and wasting energy. Storm water requires a separate pump. Using one network pipe for all drainage needs detention basins before disposal points. Separate storm drain networks are preferable.
Pumping Frequency
Experts recommend pumping a septic tank every 2 to 3 years depending on factors such as the size of your household. The primary factor determining the pumping frequency is the sludge and scum levels inside the tank. However, generally speaking, you should pump out the septic tank every 3 to 5 years. If uncertain about the tank size, a professional can inspect it to determine the proper size, which is influenced by the size of the home.
Maintenance and Professional Inspection
The average household septic system should be inspected every three years by a professional. Septic tanks are typically serviced every three to five years.
Factors Influencing Septic Pumping
Here are the four major factors that influence the frequency of septic pumping: household size, sediment build-up, and the overall amount of wastewater generated.
Warning Signs of a Full Septic Tank
Common signs that you need septic tank pumping services include drains that are slow or frequently clogged and bad smells coming from your yard. If you notice standing water over your septic tank or experience slow drainage, it could indicate that the septic tank is full.