Not every homeowner out there has access to the city’s main sewerage system. This means that most homes have to find alternative ways to deal with waste and installing a septic tank or a cesspool is of course one of the most popular choices. 

It is estimated that one in every five Americans has a septic tank. Although they are quite versatile, you need to worry about pumping every so often to create room for more waste. But how often should this be done? 

How Does a Septic Tank Work?

Before we get into details about how often you should get cesspool pumping, it is important to first of all highlight how these tanks work. This will help you anticipate maintenance needs and come up with a schedule of pumping that works for you. 

As noted above, the primary goal of a septic tank is to treat wastewater. Septic tanks are designed for people who have no access to municipal sewer lines but since they tend to be a bit cheaper compared to the mainstream sewage system, some folks use them even if they do have access. 

The septic tank has an advanced water filtration system where the solid waste is separated from the water. The solid waste is then stored in the tank as the water filters out. 

Over time, this solid waste will build up inside the tank, and eventually, it will need to be pumped out.

Cesspools work a bit differently from septic tanks, but the concept is still the same and you also need to have it pumped every few years. 

How Often Should You Pump Out Your Tank

When you ask many cesspool maintenance experts, they will have different views as to how often the septic tank should be pumped. However, as a golden rule, it is often advisable to pump out the pool at least once every 3 to 5 years. 

Some signs may suggest it is time to have the septic tank pumped out sooner, though. For example, if you start noticing that orders are starting to filter out to the drains, it could suggest that the tank is probably full. It is also a great idea to get cesspool inspections at least once a year. 

This may involve something like cesspool cleaning but most importantly, inspections help to ensure that everything is working well. The last thing you need is a faulty septic tank. It will pose massive public health risks.

How to Pump Out Your Tank 

As you know, the process of pumping out the septic tank is not simple. You will need special tools for the job and a team that has some experience in dealing with this waste. For this reason, cesspool pumping is not considered a DIY task. 

Hiring a cesspool service is the only way to go. After all, these are typically folks who have done cesspool pumping so many times. 

They know how to get in there and get the job done fast and within the highest standards of quality.

How to Get a Good Cesspool Pumping Service?

Not every cesspool pumping service will give you the value that you are looking for. This is why it is always vital to take extra precautions that help you narrow down on some of the best players in the market. 

  • One thing to look out for is the track record. As a rule, it is recommended to hire cesspool companies that have done several pumping jobs over less than 12 months. 
  • In addition to this, you can get a few recommendations from neighbors or anyone else you know who recently had their septic tank pumped. 

Recommendations are very helpful because they reduce the need for extreme vetting. After all, if indeed a cesspool company was able to offer great value for your neighbor, it is likely that they will do the same for you. 

Need to get your septic tank pumped? Get free quotes from local septic tank companies today!


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