Answered Questions For Novice Septic Tank Owners

Have you recently moved into a new house that has a septic tank? Is this the first house with a septic tank that you've lived in? If so, you probably have some questions about how the tank works and what sort of maintenance is needed. If so, here are the answers to a few of the questions that you might have:

Is a septic tank difficult to care for? A septic tank is relatively easy to care for, but it can require more thought than a connection to a city sewer system. For example, while not advised, a city sewer system can handle the occasional paper towel or inorganic item without too much fuss. If this item causes a clog, all you'd need to do when hooked up to a city sewer system is to call your local plumber and have your sewer line cleaned out. With a septic tank, these types of items may cause a problem within the tank, requiring you to call a septic pumping company to clean out the tank. Even without flushing anything untoward down the drain, the tank will still need to be pumped out every now and then.

How often does a septic tank need to be cleaned? This can vary widely depending on the size of your tank and your household. A large tank attached to a small household may only need septic pumping every other year. On the other hand, a small tank attached to a large household may need pumping more than once a year. If you aren't sure what size tank you have, it's a good idea to have a septic pumping company clean out your tank before you move into your new house. They will be able to tell you how many gallons your tank holds and the pumping will give you a starting date so that you can more accurately gauge your household's usage.

Is it easy to tell when a tank needs to be pumped? Since a septic tank sits underground, it's not always easy to tell when you're in need of a septic pumping. There are, however, a few things that you can look out for. The area around your septic tank should be dry and free of odor. If you notice a strong smell around the vicinity of your tank and the ground seems to be wetter than other areas of your yard, it's time for a cleaning. Another sign, one that you may notice even before the smell, is your drains starting to run slowly. One drain is usually an individualized clog, while multiple slow drains point to a more serious issue.

For more information, contact companies like River City Septic & Excavating.