Have you ever wondered just how often you’re supposed to empty a septic tank? As it turns out, there are times of the year that are better than others. In spring, when heavy rains can cause flooding from the extra water in the ground, a septic tank is particularly vulnerable to overflowing. If there isn’t enough space in the tank for all this water, it will flow over into your home and cause everything from clogs in your sink to drywall damage. It’s important to have that tank pumped before this happens. Similarly, in summer you want to prepare for high usage as well as make maintenance easier on your technician by having it pumped early so he or she has fewer problems during the busy season.
Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you keep your septic system running smoothly.
Can You Empty a Septic Tank During Winter?
Wintertime isn’t an ideal time for emptying a septic tank. The risks of freezing pipes and other hazards outweigh the benefits of getting it done before the holidays. Waiting until spring or summer is safer for everyone involved, including your plumbing. Still, if you’re determined to get it pumped out before it gets too heavy, here are some things you should consider:
- Make sure you have a heat source in case the temperature drops while you’re pumping out the tank.
- Keep all freezing temperatures and snow at bay by making sure you have a tarp or other covering over your tank to protect it from any damage that may occur from ice accumulation or snowfall.
- Do not touch any areas that may be exposed to freezing temperatures when working on your septic system; if there are open pipes, leave them covered.
What are the Signs that Your Septic Tank is Full?
If your home has a septic tank, you need to be sure to care for it properly—and if it’s not in the best condition, you need to know what signs to look out for so it doesn’t get any worse.
Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:
- If it takes more than a few seconds for water to go down the drain.
- You notice standing water on top of your septic tank.
- If you notice foul odors coming from anywhere on your property.
- Gurgling noises can indicate that your septic tank needs pumping because too much solid waste has built up in the system.
- If there is sewage backing up into your house, this is something that will require immediate attention from a professional plumber.
Telltale Signs it’s Time to Pump
If you haven’t had your septic tank pumped in a while, it’s probably due for a cleaning. So how do you tell when the time is right? The answer is simple: if it has been more than three years since your last one, it’s probably time to schedule your next pumping. Other signs that it’s time to pump include:
- Pooling water: Random water pooling in your yard and plush green grass near your septic tank and drain field are signs of tank leakage.
- Bad smells: Offensive odors coming from the drains inside your house and yard can result from sewage backups. The tank is probably close to being full.
- Slow drains: Drains that are slow also mean the tank is approaching its capacity.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, please give us a call! We’d be happy to help you make sure your system continues working properly.
Is There Any Way to Avoid Emptying a Septic Tank?
While there are some things you can do to help your septic system run efficiently and avoid expensive repairs, you can’t avoid emptying a septic tank. Normally, your system will need to be emptied every 3–5 years. However, this number can vary widely depending on how much water you use, how big your family is, and other factors. The best way to know when your tank needs to be emptied is to watch for signs that it’s full. If there is standing wastewater in the drain field or sewage backups into the home, it’s time for an emptying.
How to Care for Your Septic System
Septic system maintenance is not complicated, and it does not need to be expensive. According to the EPA. upkeep comes down to four key elements:
Septic Service in Tulsa County
If you’re not having your septic system cleaned out regularly, solids can build up and cause major damage. This could result in an expensive replacement rather than just an emptying.
So, if you’re located in Broken Arrow, OK and need to schedule routine septic maintenance and upkeep, let us help! Call Mullin Septic at (918) 922-7867 and get on the schedule today!
