5 Signs Your Drain Field May Need Professional Cleaning

You have a septic tank, but do you know the guidelines for how often you need to pump it? Lots of factors come into play when determining how frequently you need to pump your tank. To follow the best practices, you should use the information below and contact a septic contractor like Brandon Septic to help with your septic system needs.

Household Size

One factor that affects when your septic tank will need a good pumping is the size of your family. A four-person household will need a much larger tank than a two-person household. And the tank size will affect when you need to pump it. When more people contribute to the waste in the tank, you’ll need to pump it more often.

Generated Wastewater

If you use your water conservatively, you won’t need to pump the tank that often. The more water you use in the house, the faster your tank will fill up. There’s also a chance that the drainage field will flood because of the excess water. If you find that you need to pump the tank more often, try limiting the amount of wastewater your family generates.

Tank Size

One of the more important factors that play a role in how frequently you need to pump your septic tank is its size. Most tanks are between 1,000 to 2,000 gallons. For example, a family of four with a 1,000-gallon tank can expect a pumping every two and a half years. The smaller the tank, the more often you’ll need a service to come out and relieve the tank of its waste.

Volume of Solids

Your tank can only hold a certain amount of solids and will require a pump once it’s one-third full of scum and sludge. To measure this, take a stick and poke it into the tank until you reach the bottom. If it seems to cover the majority of the stick, you need a pump. Monitor the level at which your solids accumulate. There are natural ways to help break down those solids so that you don’t need a pumping as often.

Typically, the rule of thumb is to have your tank pumped every three to five years. Be conscious about what you’re dumping down the drain to avoid unnecessary cleaning and pumping. If you’re unsure whether you need a pumping or not, contact us at Brandon Septic.