Why Do I Need Septic Tank Pumping?
In Asheville, there are two ways that wastewater is removed and processed. The first method is through a city-maintained sewer system. The other method is a septic system and drains field located on the property.
Removing wastewater is incredibly important, however, it must be done safely and efficiently. When wastewater is not moving through your system effectively, then something must be wrong. In this article, we will examine the basics of a septic tank system and why it needs to be pumped from time to time.
What Is a Septic Tank?
When your house is not located in an area serviced by a sewer system, you must have a way to remove wastewater from your home. The only other option is through a septic tank and drainfield. It is imperative that you ask your real estate agent what kind of system your home has before purchasing, as well as where the tank is.
Septic tanks are underground tanks where plumbing waste can degrade. The purpose of conventional septic tanks, which are commonly composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, is to store wastewater for some time to allow solids to sink to the bottom.
The residual sludge in the tank is broken down by bacteria once the wastewater has settled to the bottom, and the leftover liquid wastewater is then pumped into the drain field.
Eventually, the septic tank can get full, which can cause environmental and health concerns if left unchecked. It is important to know the signs of when your tank is full and what to do when it is.
When Is a Septic Tank Due for Pumping?
There are several symptoms to look out for when you are concerned about your septic system overfilling. Some things to look out for are:
- Standing Water: Overflowing Septic tanks can leave standing water in the vicinity of the drain field. Typically, solid waste-filled pipes are to blame for this. The drain field will not function effectively once waste clogs the pipes, and contaminated water will accumulate.
- Strange Smells: If the soil around your septic tank smells like trash, your septic tank is probably full or clogged to blame. When a septic tank is functioning properly, waste is buried and trapped inside the tank, where bacteria are destroying it.
- Slow Drains: If your plumbing system's many drains take a long time to empty, your septic system is probably overly full. Water gently flows through garbage as it accumulates.
When in doubt, it is a good idea to have your septic tank pumped fairly regularly. Most tanks only need to be pumped out every 2-5 years, depending on the size of the tank and the number of people in your household.
Regular maintenance will keep your system working correctly and eliminate emergencies that can come with overfull septic systems. The last thing you want in your home is waking up at 3 am with sewage coming back up through your drains. GROSS.
Additional Tips to Keep Your Septic Tank Running Smoothly
To keep your septic system from having to be pumped more often than it should, there are a variety of things that you can do. Not only is professional maintenance important, but being conscientious can go a long way.
- Avoid flushing things that shouldn’t go down the toilet, such as; sanitary products, diapers, lint, wet wipes, etc.
- Don't overuse your garbage disposal or automatic toilet bowl cleaner.
- Be aware of leaks.
- Avoid strong chemicals and cleaners that can disrupt the growth of bacteria that rids your septic system of waste.
- Conserve water so that your septic tank will perform at its best.
Call Viking Today for Your Septic Tank Pumping
Septic tank pumping is the most effective way to keep your wastewater system running the way it should. Not only are you keeping your property from turning into a toxic pit, but you are also maintaining the health of the bacteria in your septic tank so that they can work away at cleaning your wastewater.
If it is time to have your septic tank pumped, Call Viking Septic Services today! Our professionally trained technicians will not only pump your septic tank but also evaluate the operational integrity of the system, notifying you if there are any additional problems.
Every single one of our customers in the counties of Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, and Transylvania receives top-notch septic service from Viking Septic Services. We are confident that we can meet your needs by being open and providing excellent service. Contact us right away for additional details or to arrange a septic tank pumping!