One of the most common questions our customers in Hutchinson, KS, ask us is how frequently they should pump their septic tank. Newer homeowners may not be familiar with septic systems and want to learn how to keep their systems free from costly problems. A septic tank is an environmentally friendly, natural, and safe way to manage household drain waste. However, it operates differently than a sewer system, and as such, it requires special maintenance and care.
How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped?
As a general rule of thumb, septic tank pumping should be done once every two to five years. However, some factors will determine when you should have your septic tank cleaned.
The Type of Septic Tank
Regular septic tanks need to be pumped every two to five years. However, individuals living in rural areas and using an ATU (aerobic treatment unit) for their septic system will need to clean it once a year. This way, families in tiny homes can use the system for surface irrigation. The systems use oxygen to break down solids and wastewater, converting minerals into gas.
The Size of Your Septic Tank
Septic tanks can range in size from 1,000 to 2,000 gallons. The larger the system, the more time that passes between cleanings. If you have questions about the size of your septic tank, contact the professionals at Hutchinson Septic Service and ask us for an inspection. We can examine your tank and tell you precisely how many gallons it holds.
The Size of Your Household
The number of people in your home will help you determine what size septic tank you need and how frequently it needs to be cleaned. Let’s imagine a person has a 3,000-square-foot home equipped with four bedrooms. They will require a larger septic tank than a one-bedroom, one-bathroom house with a single individual. It is generally accepted that a 1,000-gallon tank should be cleaned every two to two and a half years. A 1,500-gallon tank should be cleaned every four years, and a 2,000-gallon tank can be cleaned once every five years.
Water Usage
Suppose the occupants of a home are not as careful with their water usage, such as leaving the water tap running, running the dishwasher when it’s half full, or running the washing machine with only a few items in it. In that case, they will likely need their septic tank cleaned more frequently than someone who uses water frugally. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one person in the home uses 82 gallons of water daily. Households with family members who use more will need to clean their septic tanks more frequently.
Proper Disposal Techniques
Everything that goes down your drain, whether from a sink or flushed down the toilet, will end up in your septic system. This can impact the health of your septic system.
According to the EPA, the only things that should get flushed down the toilet are human waste and toilet paper. This means no cigarettes, dental floss, flushable wipes, coffee grounds, or feminine hygiene products. All of these things can negatively impact the health of your septic system, requiring it to be cleaned more frequently.
It’s also recommended to avoid using chemical drain openers for clogged drains. If a plunger doesn’t work, it’s better to call a professional plumber and have them unclog the situation.
Regular Maintenance
To keep your septic system running efficiently, it’s recommended that you have the professionals at Hutchinson Septic Service perform septic maintenance every year. Our team of experienced professionals can annually check your septic system for leaks, examine the scum and sludge layers in your septic tank, and keep you abreast of any signs indicating that your septic tank is damaged or needs to be replaced.
Septic tank treatment includes using live organic bacteria to break down unnatural solids and substances, including soaps and detergents. Common household substances could kill naturally occurring bacteria that help your system function. However, during our annual maintenance, we can add bacteria additives to help keep your septic tank working correctly and without odors.
Professional Septic Services in Hutchinson
At Hutchinson Septic Service, we have built a reputation as the best in offering portable restrooms and septic services in our area. We work with high standards, ensuring your facility is always clean. We understand the importance of always being available when you need us the most, so we offer 24/7 emergency service. With over two million gallons of wastewater and 100 excavation-related septic repairs and installations each year, we are the name that you can trust when it comes to septic services.
Our services include portable restrooms for weddings, events, construction, and long-term rentals. We offer septic pumping, repair, installation, and maintenance. We also provide roll-off dumpster rentals for our customers. Call Hutchinson Septic Service today and see why you can count on us for all your septic needs!
