This is a great question. To ensure your septic system runs correctly and avoid costly repairs, the Georgia Department of Public Health recommends a 3-5 year pumping interval.
To have your septic tank pumped, professional septic service companies like Guardian use powerful vacuum trucks to remove its contents and ensure proper function. The vacuum will remove all three components of your tank’s contents: the solids, the effluent (water), and the scum layer.
While that time frame is a general recommendation, there are many factors to consider when deciding when the right time to pump out your septic tank in Georgia:
The first one to consider is the number of people living in your home.
The standard for measuring water usage is officially the number of bedrooms. For example, the GDPH recommends pumping every 3.7 years for a household of 3 people, but for a household of 6 people, it is recommended every 1.7 years.
The bottom line is, more people means more content for your Septic system.
The second thing to consider is water usage.
If your water usage is very conservative, you could go a little longer than the recommended time frame.
If your water usage is more generous – many times kids and teens leave the water running, or you take a lot of showers and baths, or run the dishwasher or washing machine a lot – that time frame may be too long between pumping. It could lead to issues in your drainage field and compromise your septic system.
There are other items to consider as well, such as garbage disposal use (which can lead to a significant amount of solids added to your tank – the GDPH suggests reducing the time between pumping by 50% if you regularly use a garbage disposal), the type of toilet paper (It’s always surprising to clients how long different kinds of toilet paper effects their tank) orr if you use wipes. Wipes are tough on your septic system and can easily lead to clogs.
When considering the question “How often should I pump my septic tank in Georgia?” think about the above factors.
If you would like help deciding when the right time is for your next septic tank pumping, please feel free to call Guardian Septic Services at 706-247-6500 today, and we can work out a plan to identify the right time.