Keeping your septic tank system in good working order is crucial for homeowners in Columbia County, Oregon. If things go wrong, the tank can cause sewage backups that not only affect you and your family, but also our Oregon landscapes.
The only way to avoid one of these disasters is by incorporating a regular septic tank pumping schedule that includes careful inspections and repairs. By maintaining your septic system regularly and investigating the warning signs promptly, you can ensure that your tank continues to benefit your family year after year.
This week’s article will talk about why regular septic tank pumping is so important for Aloha residents. We’ll discuss what can go wrong if your system is neglected, the signs you’ll need to know that can indicate a problem, and the best household tips for prolonging the life of your septic system.
If you live in Columbia County, or any of the neighboring areas, call the septic tank service with over 60 years of experience in our community. Call Aloha Sanitary Service today.
Why Regular Septic Tank Pumping is Important
Regular septic tank pumping is important for several reasons. First, it helps prevent overflows and backups. When a septic tank becomes too full, wastewater has nowhere to go but back into the house or out into the yard. This, of course, causes unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions, which then require costly repairs. It’s a huge inconvenience that no homeowner wants to deal with, but it’s entirely preventable with routine maintenance.
Avoiding a system failure is another reason for regular pumping. A neglected septic tank can cause significant environmental damage and affect local water sources and wildlife. Routine maintenance, including pumping, helps extend the lifespan of your septic system, ensuring it operates efficiently for years. By keeping your system in good working order, you’ll be protecting your investment in your home and avoiding the high costs of replacements.
What Happens When a Septic Tank is Neglected?
When a septic tank is neglected, the components within the tank begin to fail, which leads to a variety of sanitary problems. The septic tank is designed to separate solids from liquids by allowing the effluent (wastewater) to flow into the drain field, while natural bacteria decompose the remaining solid waste. Without regular pumping, the solid waste (sludge) accumulates at the bottom of the tank. As sludge levels rise, they reduce the tank’s capacity to hold wastewater, and solids can be pushed into the drain field.
The tank contains a baffle system that helps direct the flow of wastewater and prevent solids from escaping, but when sludge levels get too high, the baffles can become clogged or damaged. This not only reduces the efficiency of the system, but it can also cause blockages in the pipes that lead to the drain field.
Signs Your Septic System Needs Attention
Homeowners should be aware of several key signs that indicate their septic system requires maintenance or pumping. One of the most noticeable signs is slow drainage in household fixtures such as sinks, tubs, and toilets. This slow drainage indicates the septic tank is full, and wastewater has nowhere else to go. When the tank is at capacity, it can cause backflow, and your appliances will start to drain more slowly or not at all.
Constant foul odors around your property are another clear sign of septic tank issues. These smells are caused by gases released from decomposing waste that are not properly contained within the system. If you notice a strong, unpleasant odor near your septic tank or drain field, it’s a good indicator that the tank needs attention.
Unusually lush and green patches of grass over the septic system can also indicate a problem. The grass gets greener when untreated wastewater leaks from the tank or drainfield and provides excess fertilizer for the lawn. While it might seem like a good thing, lush grass near your tank means that effluent is escaping the system. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious issues, like replacing the entire drainfield.
Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your Septic System
Maintaining your septic system means avoiding costly repairs and environmental issues. Typically, septic systems should be pumped every 3-5 years, depending on the size of your household and the size of the tank. For instance, a family of five with a 1,000-gallon tank will most likely need more frequent pumping than a family of two. However, it also depends on how efficiently the two families manage their water consumption.
Water conservation is very important in prolonging the life of your septic system. Excessive water use can overwhelm the septic tank and make it difficult for solids to settle. Using too much water with a poorly maintained septic system will cause untreated wastewater to reach the drain field. Simple steps like fixing leaky faucets, installing low-flow toilets, and using high-efficiency washing machines can reduce your family’s water usage. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fixing leaks alone can save up to 10,000 gallons of water annually, which eases the load on your septic tank significantly.
Proper waste disposal is another important element for a healthy septic system. Only human waste and toilet paper should ever be flushed in your home. Items like sanitary wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels do not break down, and will cause blockages in your system. Additionally, pouring chemicals, grease, or oil down your drain can disrupt the natural bacteria your tank needs to break down waste.
Call Aloha Sanitary Service for Your Septic System Needs
The key to a healthy septic system is regular septic tank pumping, and at Aloha Sanitary Service, we pride ourselves on our excellent reputation within the Oregon community. Today, we use the most modern equipment and tools, but we still follow the same guidelines for customer satisfaction that has set us apart from the competition for the past 60 years.
If you need help with your septic system, or you’re ready to set up a maintenance schedule that benefits you most, call Aloha Sanitary Service at (503) 648-6254.
