Sewer Pumping 101: An Informational Guide For Inexperienced Homeowners

Even though the sewer and septic system is tucked away beneath your home, it serves one of the most crucial purposes. Therefore, making sure that you know a little about the care and maintenance of your sewer system is only part of being a responsible homeowner. Whether you just moved into a home with its own septic system or you are just now taking notice, you are bound to have some questions. Here are a few of the most common questions about sewer care and maintenance and the answers you should know as a homeowner.

Will having a septic tank mean less flushing and drainage power?

This is actually one of the biggest misconceptions about residential septic and sewage systems in comparison to public sewage access. However, there should be little difference between the flushing and drainage power you have with a residential system and a public system. If you are seeing slow-flowing drain lines and lack of flushing power, it is a good indication that your tank is getting full and should be pumped soon or there is something wrong with the drainage system. 

When the tank has to be cleaned, how much will it cost?

It is true that owning your own residential septic system will mean that you have to pay to have the tank pumped regularly. Even though the majority of the waste in the tank will breakdown through a drainage and natural elimination process, heavy sludge does accumulate inside of the tank. You should expect a professional to charge between $279 and $516 to clean out and pump your tank. Larger tanks can be on the higher side and if your tank is hard to reach, you may also be expected to pay a little more. 

Is it true that you have to have the septic tank pumped every year?

It is not usually true that your septic tank will have to be pumped every year, unless of course you have a small tank and a large household size. However, if you have a garbage disposal, you may have to have the tank cleaned every year because there will be a faster accumulation of solid sludge in your tank. Otherwise, most residential septic tanks need to be pumped something like every three years to remain in good working order. It is important to remember that even if you haven't seen any problems with your tank it should be pumped regularly. Visit http://www.bergtanksinc.com/ for more information.