You've probably heard that you should pump your residential septic tank at least once every three or five years. If you've never owned a home before, you may wonder why the tank needs pumping. Septic systems are crucial in most residential homes today. They collect wastewater from the house and recycle it back into the environment through a leach field. Since they are installed out of sight, most homeowners don't care much about them. However, below are the key reasons why you need to pump the system as recommended by the experts:

Get Rid of Non-Biodegradable Waste

Many people flush non-biodegradable items such as tampons, pads, wipes, diapers and cotton balls. While they may not block your toilet, these items do worse things to your home — they clog your septic tank. The septic tank has bacteria that only break down biodegradable waste. Since the sewage bacteria cannot digest these non-biodegradable items, the solids settle at the bottom of the tank and begin to accumulate.

Over time, these solids clog your septic system and can cause sewer backups. Products that contain chemicals can kill the bacteria and reduce their efficiency in breaking down matter. Regular pumping helps get rid of non-biodegradable waste that may affect the performance of your septic system. Thus, if you flush these items down your toilet, you need to pump your septic system.

Boost Septic Tank Performance

Pumping your septic tank regularly boosts its performance. When the septic system is clogged or full, untreated wastewater can seep into your property. The sewage bacteria may not be able to effectively break down all the sludge before it flows into the leach field. As a result, you may expose yourself and your loved ones to sewage waste and toxic gases.

A septic service should pump and clean the tank at least once every three years to prevent the above issues. This exercise gets rid of excess sludge in the tank, prevents leakage and ensures only treated sewage is released into the environment. Regular pumping also protects you from health hazards resulting from sewage exposure.

Detect Issues With Your Septic System

During a septic tank pump-out, the septic service does more than just empty the tank. They also look for underlying issues such as physical damage of the tank, improper leaching of sewage and low counts of aerobic bacteria. If the tank is damaged, they can recommend repairs or carry them out. Also, most experts offer advice on the products you can use to increase good bacteria in your tank and improve wastewater treatment.

Septic tank pumping is not just about getting rid of waste. It also boosts performance and helps unearth underlying issues with your system. Thus, schedule a pump-out if you haven't done so yet.