How Long Can You Really Go Without Pumping Your Septic Tank?

How Does a Septic System Work?

A typical septic system consists of two main components: a septic tank and a drainfield. The septic tank is the component responsible for digesting all organic matter and separating floatable matter. The drainfield is the component used to slowly release the wastewater into the soil for it to be processed. Here is how a typical system process works:

1. All the water that drains from your house goes through one drainage pipe and then into your septic tank.
2. The septic tank is buried underground and can hold wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle down while allowing oils and fats to float at the top. There are compartments and T-shaped outlets that prevent all sludge and scum from leaving the tank and entering the drainfield area.
3. The floating wastewater and fats then exit the tank into the drainfield.
4. The drainfield slowly releases the wastewater through the pipes that allow it to be filtered through the soil. The soil then filters this wastewater, ultimately discharging it as clean water to the groundwater.

How Often Should You Pump Your Septic Tank?

A common misconception most homeowners have is that they have to pump their septic tank every year. This isn’t necessary, nor would it be too healthy for the health of your septic system. Every homeowner should get septic pumping in Loma Linda, CA once every three to five years. This is the perfect time to prevent excess solids from accumulating inside the tank and letting them pass on to the drainfield. Septic cleaning is different from septic pumping, in that it removes all solids, liquids, and compacted sludge for thorough maintenance, compared to pumping, which only removes the liquids and floating sludge from the tank.