How Often Should I Have My Septic Tank Serviced?
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Follow Government Guidelines
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends having septic systems inspected every three years and having septic tanks pumped every three to five years. Systems with mechanical components should be inspected annually. The need for pumping depends on the number of people living in the household, the amount of solids in the waste water from things like the garbage disposal and the size of the septic tank. More people, more solids or a smaller septic tank will most likely be cause for more frequent pumping.
Use the Scum and Sludge Test
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A professional septic tank inspection will reveal the scum and sludge levels in the septic tank. If the bottom of the scum layer is within 3 to 6 inches of the bottom of the outlet baffle, or the top of the sludge layer is within 8 to 12 inches from the outlet baffle, it is time to pump the septic tank.
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Bottom Line
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Either way, a septic tank needs to be pumped. Using the scum and sludge test will help you decide how often the tank must be pumped, but it should always be within a three to five-year range to keep the system working properly.
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