How Often Do You Need to Empty A Septic Tank?

If you have a septic tank, it is important that you regularly empty it. By not emptying it every so often, a build-up of solid waste can occur, clogging the system, and wastewater backup, resulting in the failure of the system.

How Often Should Septic Tanks Be Emptied?

To ensure optimal performance of your septic system, it's generally recommended to schedule tank emptying every three to five years. Avoid the misconception of waiting until the tank reaches full capacity. The accumulation of sludge within the tank not only compromises its efficiency but also increases the risk of blockages.

The size of your septic tank – of course, tanks can only hold a certain amount of waste product, so if you have a smaller septic tank, you will likely need to empty it more often than if you had a larger one.

• The number of people using the sewage system – if the sewage system is being used more often, it will need to be emptied more regularly.
• What you are flushing into the septic tank system – some substances can cause blockages in the system.

The Importance of Regular Emptying

It is important that you regularly empty your septic tank because if it is left for too long without being emptied, it can cause blockages that can lead to failure.

Failure of a septic tank can not only be unpleasant in smell, but it can cause damage to the local environment and be tricky and expensive to fix.

By emptying your septic tank on a regular basis, you can reduce the risk of failure, and so protecting your local environment, saving yourself money, and avoiding upsetting the neighbours!

What Are the Signs Your Septic Tank Is Full?

If you have a septic tank system, even if you empty it regularly, it is important that you know how to spot the signs that your septic tank could be full. This can save you money, stress, and ensure that your environment is kept safe.

Here are some of the signs to look out for that could indicate that your septic tank is full:

Pooling Water

When your septic tank is full, the wastewater can overflow into the drainage area. If you see pooling water appearing near your septic tank, the chances are that it is overflowing and needs to be emptied straight away.

Slow Drains

A full septic tank can result in blockages that mean that water drains away at a slower pace. This applies to drains, sinks, and toilets, so if you notice slow draining, you should empty your septic tank as soon as you can.

Odours

As wastewater fills up your septic tank, it can get closer to the surface – and if it backs up due to clogging, it can be even worse. Wastewater that contains dirty dishwater, sewage, and other undesirables aren’t easy on the nose and can emit nasty odours, so if you begin to notice them, it is time to empty your septic tank.

A Really Healthy Lawn

If the grass above the septic tank or drainage area is especially green, this can be a sign that there is a lot of water around – especially if it is in patches. If you notice that your grass is particularly green and luscious-looking, it is important to investigate whether your septic tank is full and get it emptied.

Sewer Backup

The worst – and most expensive – way to discover that your septic tank is full is if your sewers begin to back up. This means that there is no more room in the tank and the wastewater is looking for somewhere to go. The lowest drains in the house will be the first to show these signs, and if you notice this backup of water, you should try to reduce your water usage and get the tank emptied immediately.

What Happens If A Septic Tank Is Not Pumped or Emptied?

If you don’t pump or empty your septic tank when it is recommended, it could result in all of the above occurring, on a major level. It could also result in you causing environmental damage to your land, your neighbours’ land, and also rivers and lakes depending on your location.