Septic Tank Pumping: When and Why It's Necessary
September 7, 2023

Septic tank pumping is where pumpers with high-pressure water nozzles get used to remove the floating liquid and sludge from the septic tank. The process is very beneficial as it helps to remove harmful substances like pollutants and bacteria within the tank, preventing them from seeping into the water or soil sources. Septic tank pumping helps maintain the tank's proper functioning; hence, you need to understand when and why you need to pump your septic tank. Regular inspections and proper waste disposal are some of the human factors contributing to a healthy septic system. 


The septic tank gets designed in a manner that helps it to function well to achieve the objective of its installation. Your septic tank includes a T-shaped outlet which prevents sludge and scum from leaving the tank and travelling into the drain field area. Your tank should be pumped if the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet, or if more than 25% of the liquid depth is sludge and scum. (1) The septic tank design is a good guide for when to have your septic tank pumped, and once you take the necessary measures, you can have a properly functioning septic tank that serves you for a very long time without any hitches.

When to pump your septic tank

Several factors determine when to pump your septic tank, depending on the signs that pumping is crucial. When the signs get ignored, they can lead to severe damage to the property and health risks to the building dwellers, hence the need to seek urgent professional assistance whenever they get noticed. The signs include the following:

Slow drainage

It's time to get a septic tank pumping Chattanooga service whenever you observe slow drainage of your toilets, showers and sinks. The slow drainage is a sign of the septic tank reaching its full capacity, hence unable to take in the wastewater and solid waste at the rate it used to before. Contacting a pumping company to service the septic tank corrects the defect and enables the system to resume its normal optimum performance. 

Foul smell

The foul smell within and around the septic tank makes the entire area unbearable for your family, friends and neighbours, making the whole neighbourhood uncomfortable. The odour is caused by a build-up of sludge or waste, which needs to be removed. Septic tank pumping is the solution to the problem, helping to eliminate the accumulated waste and the bad smell traumatizing the area.

septic tank pumping chattanooga

Sewage backups and overflow

Sewage backups in your toilet, shower and sinks indicate that your septic tank system is full and needs pumping. The sewage backups and overflow cause a lot of discomfort and even damage to the building, hence the need to contact a septic tank pumping Chattanooga professional to rectify the situation.

Pooling water and incredibly green grass around the septic tank

When the septic tank becomes full, water starts to overflow in the soil nearby, causing water to collect around the tank and consequently causing the grass within the area to look very healthy. It is easy to overlook this sign to pump your septic tank, especially during the rainy season when it's expected for such water pooling to occur.

Why it's necessary to pump your septic tank

Using a professional septic tank pumping Chattanooga, TN, service provider is essential. A few factors determine the septic tank pumping intervals, including water usage, household size, tank size, waste type, environmental factors and the septic tank system condition. A properly formulated septic tank pumping interval has several benefits that include the following:

Prevention of system failures

Septic tank system failures are caused by several factors, like the accumulation of solids, which lead to clogging and backups. Routine Chattanooga septic tank pumping helps to eliminate the accumulated waste, thereby preventing system failures and enabling the septic tank system to function well at all times.

Extended lifespan

A septic tank, like any other system, has a lifespan that, if not well maintained, makes it not serve you for the desired duration. Accumulated waste causes the system to strain a lot, leading to it becoming easily faulty, hence the need for regular septic tank pumping. Septic tank pumping companies in the Chattanooga area offer a reliable septic tank pumping service, which helps to reduce the stress on the system drainage field and tank, consequently extending the system's lifespan.

Reduce repairs and expenses

Regular septic tank pumping helps you notice the faults within your septic system, making correcting them possible before they become a more severe problem. The early detection makes it easy to do timely repairs and minimize the cost of pumping septic tanks in Chattanooga, TN, and repairs for extensive damage to the system.

Prevent water contamination

Water contamination is hazardous to you and the surrounding environment, hence the need to do everything possible to prevent water contamination. A proper septic tank pumping routine helps to reduce the risk of water contamination, ensuring the safety of your water supply, which makes the septic tank system more efficient. 

Regulations compliance

Local states have a regulation on septic tank system maintenance, which should be adhered to by every home to prevent any fines or penalties charged against you. Regular septic tank pumping helps you to stay in compliance, saving you from the cost of paying the fines and penalties that can get costly.

Conclusion

Septic tank systems only meet the installation objective when they function well without any problems. The best way to achieve optimum system functioning is to have a regularly scheduled pumping service depending on the different factors that determine the schedule of every septic tank. Also, it is essential to watch for other signs that the system is faulty and needs urgent pumping to prevent it from getting damaged, leading to costly repairs. Once the regular septic pumping schedule gets done with the signs well noted for pumping, you can enjoy the benefits of an optimum functioning septic tank system. 


For more information on Flush Fellas Septic & Excavating and our services, feel free to reach us via phone today: (423) 498-9839.


About the author

Charles Chandler

Charles Chandler is the founder of Flush Fellas, a septic and excavating company based in Chattanooga, TN. With a passion for providing top-notch services to his clients, Charles has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. He has extensive knowledge of septic systems, excavation, and drainage solutions, which he uses to offer customized services that meet the specific needs of his clients. Charles is committed to providing exceptional customer service and building long-term relationships with his clients. He is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and innovations to ensure that Flush Fellas continues to offer the best services possible.

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