If you own a home with a septic system, you know how important it is to maintain it properly. One crucial aspect of maintenance is scheduling regular septic tank pumping. But when is the best time to do it?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best and worst times of year to schedule septic tank pumping in Molalla, Newberg, and surrounding areas, ensuring your system stays in top shape year-round.
Best Times to Pump Your Septic Tank
1. During The Spring
Leading professional septic tank pumping maintenance experts in Molalla reveal that, contrary to speculation, spring unsurprisingly emerges as the most favored season for septic tank pumping. The soil has finally thawed, and many homeowners are eager to get the service done before the lovely summer weather kicks in.
Specialists at American On-Site Septic also suggest springtime because the excessive snowmelt and rainfall can cause your septic system to work harder than usual, and pumping the tank will help with the drainage and water levels.
2. During The Fall
Furthermore, early autumn is a good time to schedule your emergency septic system pumping if the tank is close to overflowing and will not survive the colder months, especially if you expect several guests for the holiday season.
Top septic tank management experts in Wilsonville reveal that your septic tank can fill up much more quickly than you may think during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Hanukkah, and other holidays. That’s why it’s a good idea to have your septic system pumped out before you host any big gatherings or events.
3. Every 3 to 5 years
You should pump your septic tank at least every three to five years. This is a good rule for anyone who has just bought a septic tank and lives with a moderately sized family. While this rule does not apply to all septic tanks, it provides a guideline to help measure how much the tank has been used.
4. Before major events or gatherings
Leading septic tank repair services in Sherwood reveal that a few days before a huge party, you should consider pumping out your septic system. During your party, your guests will be eating and drinking a lot, so they’ll probably need to use the bathroom quite a bit, leading to frequent flushing. The increased water usage in such a small time frame could place an undue load on your septic system and cause your tank to overflow, which can also result in sludge moving into your leach field.
Planning a septic tank pumping before a holiday event can save you from the hassle of having your guests overload your tank and strain your system. This not only prevents an embarrassing backup but also saves you from potentially costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Signs indicating the need for pumping
Some common signs indicating the need for professional septic pumping in Newberg, Sherwood, and surrounding areas include:
- The toilets and drains won’t flush.
- Pooling/standing water in the yard.
- Your landscape is randomly lush, bright, and green.
- Your pipes and drains are making strange, gurgling sounds.
- You smell foul, sulfuric odors.
Worst Times to Pump Your Septic Tank
1. During peak usage times
Top septic tank maintenance experts in Wilsonville reveal that pumping your septic tank during peak usage times, such as when you’re hosting a large gathering or have extra guests, can overload the system. This can lead to backups or even system failure.
2. During heavy rain or flooding
According to the top emergency septic tank maintenance services in Mollala, flooding is a major weather issue that can impact your septic system. This can lead to significant problems, such as system contamination and potential damage to your property.
Heavy rainfall or a significant amount of snow/ice melt can flood your septic unit. As the precipitation soaks into the ground, it saturates the septic system’s leach field, preventing it from draining sewage and wastewater and causing an overflow. This overflow can back up through the pipes into your property and end up in your bathtub, toilet, or sink, or it can also send untreated sewage into surrounding groundwater or local bodies of water, which is a major environmental hazard.
3. When the ground is frozen or saturated
Most leading septic repair experts at American On-Site Septic generally advise against pumping septic systems during the winter season. Unfortunately, heavy snow, frozen ground, and slippery ice can make it extremely difficult for even our experienced and skilled professionals to properly dig up and securely cover the septic tank. With more than 22 years of expertise in the industry, we always strive to offer our valued customers nothing but outstanding service on every occasion!
That’s why you’re better off avoiding scheduling pumping service during this cold, tricky season. When the ground is frozen or soaked, it’s hard to fully empty the tank. The frozen ground can also make it hard for the septic tank to settle back into place after pumping, potentially causing expensive damage.
4. When landscaping or construction work is planned
Lastly, if you’re planning landscaping or construction work around your septic tank, avoid pumping during this time. Heavy machinery or digging near the tank can damage it or its components.
Final Takeaway
If you’re still unsure about the best times to schedule septic tank pumping, don’t worry. Our team at American On-Site Septic is here to assist you. We offer competitive rates and work quickly and efficiently to handle our customers’ unique septic needs. When necessary, we’ll dedicate the time to assisting our customers in ensuring their septic system is properly maintained and has optimal functionality and longevity.
Since 2003, American On-Site Septic has been offering professional and affordable septic services to clients in Newberg, Sherwood, Wilsonville, Molalla, and surrounding areas. We are licensed, bonded, and insured and maintain all the required documentation to confidently hire a contractor.
Contact us at 503-822-7533(Molalla) or 503-538-8808(Newberg) to schedule an appointment with our team today.
