Septic pumping on schedule is important for the health of your septic system. It also helps prevent sewage from backing up in your home. Septic pumping is a routine procedure the contractor can do even if you're not at home as long as they can access the tank.

Here are things you should know about pumping out your septic tank. 

1. The Cost Varies By Size

Septic tanks come in different sizes. The size is often decided by local codes based on the number of bedrooms in your house. The more bedrooms, the larger the tank because there will probably be more people living in your home if you have several bedrooms. Larger tanks cost more to pump out than smaller ones. If you know the size of your tank, you can ask for an estimate of the cost when you schedule your appointment with the septic contractor.

2. The Frequency Varies By People In Your Household

How often your tank needs to be pumped out can be determined by your contractor, but you can estimate it according to how many people live in your house. The more people that use the water and toilets in your house, the quicker the tank will fill up.

The water eventually drains out of the tank, but the solids accumulate. It could take a few years for the solids to build up, but that depends on how well you care for your tank. You may want your septic contractor to establish a septic pumping schedule for you so you can pump the tank before it gets too full and sewage spills out.

3. Pumping Includes A Quick Inspection

Septic pumping and the quick inspection that goes along with it shouldn't be confused with the mandatory inspection your state requires. When you have your tank pumped out, the contractor checks a few things like the baffles and backflow from the drainfield. However, they don't do a comprehensive check like is required for an inspection.

Learn how often state inspections are required because you may want to coordinate an inspection with pumping to save on costs and visits. The frequency of state inspections varies by state. You can ask your septic pumping contractor about the inspections and what you should know.

4. Finding The Lid Is Sometimes An Issue

Grass may cover your septic tank lid if it's been a long time since the tank was pumped. It's a good idea to keep the lid visible or mark it in some way so you don't have to pay extra for the contractor to find the tank and lid when it's time to clean out the tank.

To learn more about septic pumping, reach out to a service provider near you.