Septic Tank Smells or Slow Drains? It Might Be Time to Pump

Don’t worry though; keeping a septic system in good shape isn’t as mysterious or messy as it might sound. With a bit of knowledge and the right septic service provider, like Septic Pumping of Raleigh, it’s simple to stay ahead of the stink and avoid costly repairs.

What Exactly Is a Septic System?

A septic system is a self-contained structure that handles your home’s waste and wastewater. Everything that goes down your toilets, sinks, showers, and laundry drains ends up in your septic tank. There, solids settle at the bottom, oils and grease float to the top, and the wastewater flows out to a drain field for natural treatment through the soil.

Because the septic tank is limited to several hundred gallons, it's important to keep up with how full it is. This is where septic pumping enters the equation.

Why Septic Tank Pumping Is So Important

The solid waste in your septic tank is not going to magically disappear. Granted, helpful bacteria in the tank will break down that waste into space-saving sludge. In any case, even the sludge will build up. And when they reach a certain level, they can clog your system, overflow into your yard, or even back up into your home.

Septic tank pumping, as the name suggests, involves pumping out the septic tank. With the help of a vacuum truck, the septic professional will safely remove the excess sludge, solid waste, and greases from the tank.

Most experts recommend septic tank pumping every 3–5 years, depending on your household size and water usage. However, many property owners schedule this septic service on an as-needed basis. Call Septic Pumping of Raleigh if you notice:

• Slow drains throughout the house
• Gurgling pipes
• Foul odors near toilets or in the yard
• Wet or soggy patches in your lawn

Any of these could be a signal that your tank is full and overdue for service.

What About Septic Tank Cleaning?

You might hear people use "pumping" and "cleaning" interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same thing. Septic pumping removes most of the waste and sludge from your tank. Septic tank cleaning, on the other hand, goes a step further. It involves removing all the waste - including the thick solids stuck to the bottom and sides.

Think of it like cleaning out the fridge. Pumping is like tossing expired food, while cleaning is scrubbing down the shelves so no gunk is left behind.

Septic cleaning is recommended a few times throughout the life expectancy of the septic system. Typically, homeowners will schedule a cleaning once every other pumping appointment.

It Pays to Stay Ahead

Regular septic service is not only cheaper than emergency repairs, but it can also help you avoid major disruptions like wastewater backups or a failed drain field. A neglected tank can lead to thousands of dollars in damage or even total system failure.

Moreover, wastewater that’s not handled properly can contaminate nearby groundwater, and this could affect wells, local ecosystems, and your own water supply. Don't expose yourself to legal liability. Call Septic Pumping of Raleigh for quick and affordable septic service instead.

Call Us When You Need

Septic cleaning and pumping are vital septic services that keep your property clean and sanitary. There's no good reason to delay these services when Septic Pumping of Raleigh offers quick and affordable service. Call or message us today to learn more about our services, prices and fees, and availability. We are always happy to help.