How To Tell If Your Septic System Needs To Be Pumped

by | Mar 23, 2013 | Construction & Maintanance

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As a homeowner with a septic system, it is a good idea that you understand how often to have the system pumped and how to recognize any warning signs that you’ve been waiting too long to have this pumping done. It isn’t difficult to find a qualified professional who can provide the septic pumping in Bonney Lake WA. These professionals may also be able to answer your questions about the septic system. You will want to understand how the system works, how often you should have the system pumped, and how to tell if you have waited too long.

Many septic systems have two septic tanks and are attached to a leach field. Solids accumulate in the first tank where they break down until they become liquid enough to flow into the second tank. From there the filtered liquids move into the leach field where they are filtered further before soaking into the ground. Without adequate septic pumping in Bonney Lake WA, either of the tanks could become clogged, the tubes connecting parts of the system could get clogged, and the leach field could become contaminated. Any of these scenarios could lead to unpleasant backups in your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry drains.

Many recommendations for homeowners will advise you to have septic tanks pumped every few years. This number may vary based on how many people are living in your home and how much water, flushed items, and other waste is being sent through the system. In some cases, septic pumping in Bonney Lake WA should be done on a yearly basis. There are some cases where homeowners have waited several years between pumping. However, by the time you know that you’ve waited too long, you might be facing expensive repairs or an entire septic system replacement.

There are some warning signs that homeowners with septic systems need to be aware of. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to very unpleasant results. Some of the most common signs to watch out for include slow drains, bad smells from the drains or in the yard, gurgling noises in the pipes, or soggy ground. If you have waited so long that your water doesn’t drain, then you should go a pumper right away and prepare for some extra expenses. If you don’t know how long it has been since the system was last pumped, then you can use a long stick or pipe with a white fabric stapled at the end. Poke this stick down into the inspection pipe and measure the height of the sludge. If the level of sludge is higher than recommended for your tank or if there is a layer of scum and solids on top of the sludge, then you should have your system pumped right away.

 

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