Septic systems are the best way to deal with household wastewater if you do not have access to a sewer line. Not having access to municipal sewers and using a septic system is especially common in rural areas. If you have a septic system, there are a few steps to take to maintain it. One of those steps is septic system pumping. Here's what to know about septic tank system pumping. 

What It Does

Knowing why you have to have your septic system pumped is vital. Your septic system contains two main components: the septic tank and the drain field. Your household's wastewater first goes into your septic tank, where it is separated into layers of scum, liquid, and sludge. The solids will break down in the tank, and the treated wastewater will flow into the drain field. Not all of the solids will break down in the tank, and they will start accumulating. Septic system pumping removes sludge and solids to ensure that your septic system continues functioning.

When You Need It

Knowing how often to pump your septic tank is crucial. How often septic system pumping is required depends on your system, household size, and the number of solids in your wastewater. Larger septic tanks often require pumping less often. However, if your home produces a lot of wastewater, you may need more frequent septic tank system pumping. In most cases, septic system pumping is necessary every three to five years. However, if you use your system a lot or your tank gets clogged, you may need to pump more frequently.

How Much It Costs

If you have a septic system, septic system pumping is a necessary maintenance measure. Since you know that septic system pumping is needed every few years, budgeting for it is something to consider. The factors that impact the cost of septic system pumping include the size of your tank and the type of septic system you have. The more gallons your septic tank holds, the more you'll pay for septic pumping. On average, septic system pumping costs between $0.23 and $0.40 per gallon.

There are a few things to know about septic system pumping. First, knowing why septic system pumping is essential to your system is vital. Second, septic tank system pumping is usually required every few years, depending on the capacity of your tank and how much wastewater your household produces. Finally, the cost of septic tank pumping will vary.