Q: How Often Should I Pump my Septic Tank?

The short answer is Every 3-5 years . The actual amount of time between septic pumpouts is determined by the system age, component integrity , occupancy, environmental factors, and usage. We combine all of the above to find the perfect timeline that fits your systems needs. After a service from Megan's Septic, you'll receive a form with details about your system that includes this magic number. Not only do you have a clean septic tank, you also have some insight on your specific system to help you properly take care of it In the future.

Q: Why do Septic Tanks need to be Pumped?

Your Septic tank is basically a storage facility . Its job is to store waste and only allow effluent to pass to the Drainfield. Bacteria helps the solids separate into 3 layers (Sinkers, Floaters, and a water line in between) and works to keep solids broken down but over time they still accumulate. When solids accumulate over 30%, they have the ability to pass thru to the Drainfield. Not only does it cause blockages and build up in the distribution components, it also moves to the drain field & causes soil to loose integrity, decreasing saturation rates. This is the process that leads to a failing system because eventually that sludge damages the soil enough to eliminate is ability to take water all together. Your tank also needs to be pumped to allow your Drainfield to rest. Those lines work hard taking water every day, the soil saturates as quickly as it can but still gets tired. When you pump your tank, it takes the avg family of 4 about 5-7 days to refill. During that period, your Drainfield is able to rest and the soil is able to dry. This helps the soils integrity and after that short break its primed and ready to go back to work more efficiently than ever. Keeping that 💩 out of your soil and allowing it to rest and rejuvenate is important to keep your system healthy and main its longevity. Pumping your septic tank is the ONLY thing you can do to remove excess solids and keep that drain field functioning properly.

Q: I use Ridx, do I still need to pump my tank?

YES. No additive (including but not limited to Ridx, Yeast, septic enyzymes, drain cleaner, lye, annual dead chicken, etc) eliminates the need to pump your septic tank. Again. NO ADDITIVE ELIMINATES THE NEED TO PUMP YOUR SEPTIC TANK. No matter what the marketing, cool graphics, commercials, advertisements say, NO ADDITIVE ELIMINATES THE NEED TO PUMP YOUR SEPTIC TANK. Seriously though, they have done case studies on the use of additives in a system vs a system that doesn't. The difference was basically nothing. It's scientifically proven in actual studies that using additives is basically just flushing your $$ down the toilet. If you want to increase bacteria, don't use an additive, buy a dozen greasy pizzas and invite your friends over to spend the night. That's a lot less expensive than buying additives regularly, will boost bacteria levels, and is a lot more fun. Dollar for Dollar, the money wasted on additives costs more than a good pump out every 3-5 years. Don't waste your $, Just Pump that Septic!

Question 1

How Often Should I Pump my Septic Tank?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is Every 3-5 years.

The actual amount of time between septic pumpouts is determined by the system age, component integrity , occupancy, environmental factors, and usage. We combine all of the above to find the perfect timeline that fits your systems needs.

After a service from Megan's Septic, you'll receive a form with details about your system that includes this magic number. Not only do you have a clean septic tank, you also have some insight on your specific system to help you properly take care of it In the future.

Question 2

Why do Septic Tanks need to be Pumped?

Accepted Answer

Your Septic tank is basically a storage facility. Its job is to store waste and only allow effluent to pass to the Drainfield. Bacteria helps the solids separate into 3 layers (Sinkers, Floaters, and a water line in between) and works to keep solids broken down but over time they still accumulate.

When solids accumulate over 30%, they have the ability to pass thru to the Drainfield. Not only does it cause blockages and build up in the distribution components, it also moves to the drain field & causes soil to loose integrity, decreasing saturation rates. This is the process that leads to a failing system because eventually that sludge damages the soil enough to eliminate is ability to take water all together.

Your tank also needs to be pumped to allow your Drainfield to rest. Those lines work hard taking water every day, the soil saturates as quickly as it can but still gets tired.

When you pump your tank, it takes the avg family of 4 about 5-7 days to refill. During that period, your Drainfield is able to rest and the soil is able to dry. This helps the soils integrity and after that short break its primed and ready to go back to work more efficiently than ever.

Keeping that 💩 out of your soil and allowing it to rest and rejuvenate is important to keep your system healthy and main its longevity.

Pumping your septic tank is the ONLY thing you can do to remove excess solids and keep that drain field functioning properly.

Question 3

I use Ridx, do I still need to pump my tank?

Accepted Answer

YES.

No additive (including but not limited to Ridx, Yeast, septic enyzymes, drain cleaner, lye, annual dead chicken, etc) eliminates the need to pump your septic tank.

Again. NO ADDITIVE ELIMINATES THE NEED TO PUMP YOUR SEPTIC TANK.

No matter what the marketing, cool graphics, commercials, advertisements say, NO ADDITIVE ELIMINATES THE NEED TO PUMP YOUR SEPTIC TANK.

Seriously though, they have done case studies on the use of additives in a system vs a system that doesn't. The difference was basically nothing. It's scientifically proven in actual studies that using additives is basically just flushing your $$ down the toilet.

If you want to increase bacteria, don't use an additive, buy a dozen greasy pizzas and invite your friends over to spend the night. That's a lot less expensive than buying additives regularly, will boost bacteria levels, and is a lot more fun.

Dollar for Dollar, the money wasted on additives costs more than a good pump out every 3-5 years.

Don't waste your $, Just Pump that Septic!

The 💩 Every Homeowner Needs to Know to take care of their Septic

Empowering you with the knowledge to maintain the Health & Longevity of your Septic System.

We want to keep your Septic System Running Stronger for Longer

Top #3 Best Practices

Proper Drain Cleaning

Good Flushing Habits

Pumpout Maintenance

Referencing the Most Commonly Asked Questions

Quick Clear Explanations to Questions Homeowners have asked the Most

How Often Should I Pump my Septic Tank?

Why do Septic Tanks need to be Pumped?

I use Ridx, do I still need to pump my tank?

Annual Drain Cleaning & Emergency Clog Clearing Method

Proven to Help Clear Buildup that leads to slow draining & clogs

Step-by-Step Instructions

For Best Results:

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