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If
your septic tank was pumped within the last three years, you are
probably following a regular septic maintenance schedule. Regular
maintenance is one of the steps you as a homeowner can take to ensure
the longevity and functionality of your septic system, and pumping
is arguably the most important maintenance task
If it's been five years or more since your tank was
pumped or if you're not sure if your tank has ever been pumped--your
septic system needs maintenance attention! Scheduling a maintenance
inspection with a licensed inspector from your town or county will
give you a detailed picture of your system's
health and enable you to address emerging problems.
Your maintenance inspection should be accompanied
by a pump-out of your tank to remove accumulated sludge and scum
that over time will prevent your tank from adequately treating your
household's wastewater and can result in drainfield failure.
Most septic experts recommend
an annual inspection to monitor your system's health. This inspection
will also determine whether your tank needs pumping. The inspector
will measure the height of the sludge and scum layers in your septic
tank. If these layers combined take up more than half of your tank,
it's time to call in a professional septic pumper!
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