Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to pump my septic tank?
Regular pumping of your septic tank will extend the life of your septic system and protect your septic drainfield. The table below provides septic pumping recommendations as to how often you should have your septic tank pumped. For example, a 1,000 gallon septic tank used by two people should be pumped every 6 years. If there are eight people using a 1,000 gallon septic tank, it should be pumped yearly. It is also a good idea to have the septic tank pumped before a large gathering of people or more frequently if you use large amounts of cleaners or heavy use of a garbage disposal.
Why do septic systems fail?
The most obvious septic system failures are easy to spot. Check for pooling water or muddy soil around your septic system. Notice whether your toilet, tub or shower drain backs up when you flush or do laundry. You may hear bubbling or gurgling sounds when you flush your toilets. You might also notice strips of bright green grass over the drain field. Septic systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact with groundwater. This type of failure is not easy to detect, but it can result in the pollution of wells, nearby streams, or other bodies of water.
Contact Casa Granda Septic & Pumping Service if any of these circumstances are true for your home.
A trained septic tank professional is always available to come check out your situation if you suspect such a septic failure. Septic tank failure causes vary drastically but most often include the introduction of “toxic” materials to the septic system or from overloading the septic system.
Practices or items to avoid overusing include:
- Household toxics: oil based paints, solvents, toxic cleaners, pesticides, excessive household cleaners.
- Draining a hot tub or swimming pool in your septic system. (Instead, drain water onto turf well away from the septic tank and drain field according to local regulations).
- Excessive use of water purification systems including water softeners.
- Frequent use of a garbage disposal which can significantly increase the accumulation of sludge and scum in your septic tank.
