If you have a septic tank, knowing a thing or two about septic tank pumping is incredibly important.

A conventional septic tank needs to be pumped once every three to five years. Pumping removes the buildup of sludge and scum and helps prevent issues like clogs and disposal field failures. Septic tank pumping is not something you think about very often, but it is an essential part of taking proper care of a conventional septic system* (see note). Unfortunately, most people flush and it is out of sight, out of mind.

Why is pumping important?

To understand why pumping is important, you first need a general understanding of how a septic tank works. The purpose of your septic tank is to separate the wastewater from the solid sewage. The grease and oil that remains at the top is called scum, and the solid waste that sinks to the bottom of the tank is called sludge. In between the scum and the sludge remains water that is almost completely free of solids, but contains phosphorous, nitrogen, and other chemicals that act as fertilizer. Through dams and baffles, this water is removed from the septic tank and filtered throughout the septic field (also called a leach field or drain field). The scum and sludge do not leave the tank. The anaerobic bacteria in your tank helps to slowly eat away at the sludge and scum, but it cannot eliminate all of it, and that’s where pumping comes in. Pumping removes the solids, scum, and wastewater that the bacteria cannot handle from your tank.

What happens if you don’t get your tank pumped?

If you neglect getting your septic tank pumped, it can lead to serious consequences. Letting the sludge inside of your septic tank build up could cause it to back-up into your sewer lines. This can lead to sewage flowing into your home. The solid waste can also seep into the drain field and clog it. This is bad for the environment, and will cause foul odors on your property.

How do you know when your septic tank needs to be pumped?

It is important to understand the signs that your septic tank needs to be pumped, including:

• Pooling water – When your septic tank fills up, it can start to pool into the lawn around your tank and drain field.
• Unpleasant odors – The more waste that builds up inside of your septic system, the more likely you are to experience unpleasant odors.
• Slow moving drains – If your drains or toilets are moving slowly or gurgling, it may be a sign that your septic tank is full and needs to be pumped.
• Sewage backups – Have you experienced sewage backups in your sinks, bathtubs or toilets? If so, your tank is overly full and requires pumping..

It’s important to note that pumping is not the answer to every septic tank problem, and in some cases, it’s merely a short-term fix.

Note: Septic systems with a Septic Genie operate differently. The Septic Genie continually grows a thriving colony of special aerobic bacteria which eats all the scum and sludge in the tank and, over time, clears clogged drain fields. Eliminating the scum and sludge leaves just water in the septic tank, eliminating the need to have the septic tank pumped. Learn more about Septic Genie and find out if it’s the right option for your septic system. Call or visit us online today.

Are you looking to plant trees near your septic system?

Trees are truly incredible. We rely on them for everything from adding beauty to our world to providing us with the oxygen we need to breathe. Trees can add a lot to your home’s landscape, but if you have a septic system, you may want to think twice about planting trees near your septic field. Many different kinds of trees have been known to infiltrate septic systems with their roots, leading a great deal of damage and expensive repairs. Although it can be tricky to plant trees near your septic system, if you do so carefully and wisely, it can be done. Luckily, the experts who brought you Septic Genie are here to help. Here is your guide to planting trees near your septic system:

Which parts of your septic system are vulnerable to damage from tree roots?

There are essentially three main parts to your septic system: the holding tank, the main outlet and then drainage field, otherwise known as a leach bed or leach field. The sewage travels into the septic tank, where it accumulates until it is full. Then, it will empty into the drainage field from the main outlet. The tank itself is incredibly durable and typically impervious to damage from tree roots. However, where tree roots are a real concern is the leach field.

The drainage field is made up of perforated PVC pipes that are laid in trenches that are filled with gravel or crushed stone. Tree roots target those pipes in their search for moisture. This leads to pipes that are either clogged, crushed or otherwise severely damaged. Every part in your septic system needs to be working properly in order for the whole thing to do its job, and when the drainage field pipes are damaged, your entire system will pay the price.

How far from the septic system should you plant trees?

How much distance you should give when planting a tree largely depends on the type of tree that you are planting. Some trees have root systems that are shallow, while others have strong, far-reaching roots that are attracted to the moisture in your septic system’s pipes. We will get into the specific types of trees that should and should not be planted near septic systems in our next blog, but as a general rule, you should leave as much distance between the tree and your septic system as the tree’s height when it reaches maturity. For example, if your have a tree that is 50 feet tall, it should be kept at least 50 feet away from your septic system.

Trees add a lot of life to your landscape, but when it comes to planting trees near your septic system, it’s important to be very careful. As we mentioned above, some trees are safer to plant near your septic system than others, and in our next blog, we’ll be going over which trees to plant and which trees to avoid. Please stay tuned for our next blog to learn more!