Why Septic Tank Pumping Matters
Every time you use water, waste flows into your septic tank. Bacteria break some of it down, but solids still pile up as sludge on the bottom and scum on top. As those layers grow, there’s less room for wastewater to settle.
If the tank isn’t pumped, solids eventually flow out into the leach field lines. That can clog the lines and damage the field, which is a much bigger repair than a pumping. Pumping on schedule protects the most expensive parts of your system.
How Often to Pump Your Septic Tank
General EPA guidance is to pump a typical household tank every three to five years. If you don’t know when your tank was last pumped, it’s probably time. After we pump it, we can give you a better idea of when to plan the next one.
Your home may need pumping more or less often depending on:
- The size of your tank
- How many people live in the home
- How much water you use, including laundry
- Whether you use a garbage disposal, which adds solids to the tank
What We Check While Pumping
Pumping is a good chance to look at the system while the tank is open. On each visit we:
- Locate and uncover the lid, if it isn’t already exposed
- Note the sludge and scum levels, which tell us how fast your tank fills
- Check the inlet and outlet baffles for damage
- Look for cracks, leaks or signs of groundwater getting in
- Watch for water flowing back from the leach field, a sign the field may be struggling
- Look around the tank and field for wet spots or odors
Signs Your Tank Needs Pumping Now
Don’t wait for your next scheduled pumping if you notice slow drains throughout the house, gurgling pipes, sewage smells in the yard, soggy ground over the tank or field, or water backing up into a tub or shower. A backup into the house needs fast attention, and we take emergency calls every day, Sundays included.
If anything we find during pumping needs work, we’ll show you, explain it in plain words and give you a free estimate. Bigger repairs like tank replacement or leach line work are covered on our septic services page.
Between pumpings, help your system by spreading out laundry loads, getting running toilets fixed, keeping grease and wipes out of the drains, and keeping cars and heavy equipment off the tank and leach field.
Call 2 Brothers Plumbing
A regular pumping costs far less than a new leach field, and it keeps your home’s plumbing working the way it should. We’ll find your tank, pump it, tell you how it looks and let you know when to plan the next one.
Call (916) 997-6370 or book your septic pumping online. We serve Galt, Wilton, Clarksburg, Elk Grove and homes on septic across Sacramento County. Ask about our current discounts.