First things first: Septic tank pumping is always a job for a professional, and never to be performed by the homeowner. It requires specialized tools, experience, as well as a vehicle that can effectively store the waste and move it off of your property. Not to mention the fact that it can be really disgusting; if for no other reason, you don't want to deal with it for that reason.

Nevertheless, it's one of those jobs that has to be done by someone and has to be done regularly in order to prevent any kind of problems. Failure to perform routine septic tank pumping will inevitably lead to the homeowner hiring out for septic tank repair, which is more expensive, and completely preventable.

What Happens If You Don't Pump the Tank?

Since most septic tanks are buried deep below the ground, it can be easy to forget that it's even there. If you forget to have it pumped though, you'll start to notice a whole host of problems starting to develop in and around your home, such as a strong sewage smell permeating throughout your property, or even your drains backing up into the house itself. The first indication of a septic tank that is overloaded though is usually a lush, green patch of grass directly over the septic tank. It may look pretty, but it's hiding a disaster underneath the surface.

How Often Should You Get It Pumped?

Unfortunately, there is no set answer to how often you should have septic tank pumping service performed; it can range from anywhere to twice a year to twice a decade. Ultimately though, it comes down to a few factors:

• Size of Household: The more people you have, the more waste that it is going to be inside of your septic tank. A family of one may not produce much waste, but multi-generational households will need to have septic tank pumping more frequently.
• Size of Tank: Every house has a different size of tank, so you should take that into consideration when determining your schedule. If you've never had it pumped, consult your owner's manual and call a plumber to get their advice.

Your septic tank doesn't need to be a constant thorn in your side. With regular maintenance and a schedule to work off of, you'll have your septic tank humming along for years and years. Contact septic tank pumping services to learn more.