The need for a septic tank pumping is something that can be predicted based on how often you have needed it in the past and how long it has been since your last pump out; however, the best way to know if your tank needs to be pumped is to have a septic tank inspection first. As a general rule of thumb, a septic tank pumping should be done every 3-5 years, depending on a few factors.
Factors that can determine how often your septic tank needs pumped include:
- The size of your septic tank. The bigger your tank is, the less often it will need to be pumped.
- The number of people living in your home. Each additional person brings additional waste and water usage.
- The amount of solid waste. The use of a garbage disposal significantly increases the amount of solid waste in your tank.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the need for a septic tank pumping can be based on the levels of scum and sludge inside your tank. You need septic tank pumping if scum is 6 inches from the outlet tee OR sludge is 12 inches from the outlet tee.
If you suspect that you might be due for a septic tank pumping or want to get your tank inspected to know when pumping is needed, contact us at Clark Septic.