Summer is a time when many families are more active. Extra outside entertainment, additional showers and more frequent laundry from vacation clothes can take a toll on your septic system. Timing the pumping of your septic tank just right can make a big difference in ensuring everything runs smoothly so that you won’t suffer from not-so-pleasant backups during these busy months.
Prepping for Peak Usage: Pumping Ahead of Summer Crowds
If you know you’re going to have more people using your plumbing system throughout the summer, perhaps family coming to stay for long visits or frequent weekend guests, it’s a good idea to get your septic tank pumped before they arrive. That’s because a full or nearly full tank has less room to accommodate the additional wastewater produced by additional people. If you schedule a pump in late spring or early summer, you will have the maximum amount of space to accept the increased load.
Post-Winter Check: Clearing Out Potential Buildup
The winter season can also result in needing a summer septic tank pumping. Cold temperatures can also, in some cases, have an impact on the breakdown of solids in your tank. In addition, if your household has been particularly active indoors during the colder months, you might have a sizeable amount of sludge and scum buildup. Pumping your tank in the spring will help you take care of any buildup long before the increased water demands of summer.
Watching System Operation: Realizing You Need a Pumping Service Call
But beyond a regular pumping schedule, keeping an eye on the way your septic system behaves can provide some hints on whether it’s time for you to call for pumping service. Sure, if the sinks or toilets seem to be draining slowly, there are gurgling noises in your pipes or if you smell sewage near your lawn, these could mean that your tank is starting to exceed capacity and needs your attention. Although you could see these signs at any time of year, they become more worrisome as you enter a season of increased water use. Taking notice of these early warning signs and booking a call for service before the peak demand of summer should aid in avoiding any serious or unsavory issues.
It’s always a good idea to consult with septic service professionals. They can often measure the sludge and scum levels in the tank and let you know when pumping is necessary. Plus, they can tailor this schedule to your family size and usage. If you let them know when your plumbing use will increase, they can also factor that into the scheduling. By entrusting professionals to care for your septic system, you can rest assured that everything is at optimal function to tackle the summer rush. For septic system pumping services in Fayetteville, NC, contact Marshall Cummings Septic Tank Service.
