It is easy to neglect your septic system because you rarely see it, which could lead to severe repercussions. However, you should schedule regular septic pumping and cleaning services to ensure optimal performance. Unfortunately, it's often easier said than done, especially for many first-time homeowners. So, how do you determine the right septic pumping frequency? Below are some factors that determine when you should empty your septic tank.

1. Occupants in Your House

One of the most important factors determining the frequency of septic pumping schedules is the number of occupants in your home. This is because septic facilities can only withstand a particular quantity of wastewater. Generally, the more people living in your home, the faster the tank will fill up. Therefore, during your next pumping service, you could ask specialists to help you create a pumping schedule based on the number of users.

2. The Septic Tank Capacity

If you bought a pre-owned or already constructed house, you might want to check your documents to determine the size of the septic tank. The size of the tank will greatly impact your pumping schedules. Smaller tanks fill up quickly, especially if you have many people in your household. If you just renovated your home to add extra bedrooms as your family grows, you could consult with the experts to replace your septic tank with a bigger one. Otherwise, you might need frequent septic pumping to keep the system in good shape and prevent backup.

3. Your Toilet Habits

Experts discourage homeowners from flushing materials like diapers and wipes down the toilet. The septic tank accommodates wastewater, human waste, and toilet paper. Other products can clog up the tank, drain field, and pipes which cause back-ups.

It is essential to check what you flush down the drains because this could mean scheduling frequent pumping services and spending money on costly repairs. Therefore, you can extend the time between pumping sessions by watching what you flush down the drains.

4. A Connected Garbage Unit

Garbage disposal units are efficient appliances that help you handle kitchen waste better. They can be valuable additions to your kitchen if used appropriately. However, you might encounter trouble if you use your garbage disposal unit as a trash bin.

Your septic facility takes a long time to break down food waste, which can cause a speedy accumulation of solid waste. If you have a garbage disposal, consider using it only when required. Put most of your food waste in trash bins to limit the negative impact on your septic system.

If you aren't sure whether it is time to schedule septic tank pumping, consider consulting with the experts. They can inspect your tank and advise you accordingly. However, these critical factors can affect your septic pumping schedule.