How Your Septic Tank Works

Your tank is composed of two chambers. One chamber contains the inlet pipe to your home, and here, solids and papers collect. Usually separating the two chambers is a wall with holes drilled in it allowing water to flow through. Chamber 2 acts as a filter, ensuring only water continues on toward your leaching field, facilitated by a pump or syphon.

How Often Should the Septic Tank be Cleaned?

Your cleaning schedule will depend on a number of factors including how many people are using the system and the size of your tank.

For families of 4 to 6 people, the average cleaning occurs every 2 years. For 2 people, the average is 4 to 6 years. Again, this is dependent on the capacity of your tank. 1000 gallon tanks typically require cleaning between 2 to 4 years, 1500 gallon tanks between 3 to 5 years, and for smaller 500 gallon tanks, cleaning requirements can vary widely depending on use.

For large 2000 gallon holding tanks that do not have a septic bed, they should be pumped out as soon as they are full.

Winter Time Care

If you are looking to have your tank pumped during winter, it must be done before temperatures reach -10. To assist in the process, the tank’s lids can be dug up beforehand so that they do not freeze. If they have frozen, you will have to wait until the spring to have the pumping completed.

Remember, do not walk or drive on your septic bed and tank.

Summer Time Care

Be sure not to plant trees too close to the septic tank and bed, as the roots can grow into them and cause problems. This happens quite a lot, so be careful when planting.

Once a year, open up your lid and throw some old meat into your septic tank. This will actually keep your septic bed active and working well.

Again, be sure not to drive on your septic bed and tank.

Further Tips

If you are having a new system installed, be sure to ask about the filters being used. Proper filters will keep waste solids from seeping into your leaching field.

If you notice that you are having problems with your filter, even after you have it cleaned, please feel free to give us a call for assistance. We can tell if your tank is working properly or not.