Residing in a rural community with suburban amenities, such as Auburndale, FL, allows you to foster a deeper connection with nature and enjoy a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. While your septic system provides an eco-conscious and cost-effective way to manage wastewater, it requires regular pumping to prevent expensive leaks and system failures. Lakeland Septic has proudly served as Polk County's leading septic pumping service for over twenty years.
Why Pumping Is Critical to Maintaining Your Septic System
Every time water goes down the drain, whether from running the washing machine or flushing a toilet, it goes straight into your septic tank. The heavy solid waste sinks to the bottom, forming a layer of "sludge," and lighter fats, oils, and grease float to the top as "scum." In the middle, the clear liquid (effluent) is what actually exits the tank into your drain field.
While bacteria break down some of the organic solids, the sludge layer at the bottom continues to grow. If you neglect to pump out this sludge, it will eventually rise high enough to leak out of the tank and contaminate your drain field. This can result in a complete system failure, toxic waste in your yard, and thousands of dollars in replacement and clean-up costs.
How Often Do Septic Tanks Need Pumping in Auburndale?
As a general rule of thumb, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends having a septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years. However, the timing of your Auburndale home depends on several key variables:
- Household: Large households mean more wastewater entering the system, filling the tank faster and requiring more frequent pumping.
- Wastewater Volume: Using a lot of water, such as running multiple large loads of laundry back-to-back, can accelerate sludge accumulation, requiring more frequent pumping.
- Volume of Solids: Homes that lack water-efficient fixtures will require more frequent service.
- Garbage Disposal Usage: Using a kitchen garbage disposal can surprisingly negatively affect your septic tank's performance, potentially increasing the rate of solids accumulation by up to 50%. Even disposals labeled "septic safe" often require pumping every 1 to 2 years when used regularly.
Things to Avoid Flushing Into Your Septic System
Your septic tank is a living biological environment, and should not be used as a trash can. Flushing certain items kills the beneficial bacteria that break down waste, causing blockages and more frequent pumping. To keep your system healthy, never flush or pour the following down the drain:
- "Flushable" Wipes are not for use in septic systems. They do not break down in water and are the number one cause of clogged plumbing.
- Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) solidify inside your pipes, forming a thick, impenetrable layer of scum at the top of your tank.
- Household Supplies like paint thinners, chemicals, and household cleaners (bleach) can kill the bacteria your septic system needs to operate effectively.
- Non-Biodegradable Items, including Feminine hygiene products, diapers, paper towels, cigarette butts, and coffee grounds, will rapidly fill your tank and back up your plumbing lines.
