Your septic tank is an intricate system that requires regular maintenance. The recommendation for pumping your septic system for West Chester residents is once every three years. Still, there might be some mitigating factors that might necessitate more regular cleaning. When it comes to septic tank maintenance, there are a few key factors to keep in mind: the number of people in the household, how much water is regularly used, and whether or not you have a garbage disposal, to name a few. 

Number of People in the Household

The number of people in a given household greatly determines how often your septic system is cleaned. The more people in the house, the more waste is produced, and the more strain you put on your septic tank. The more people that permanently live in the house means more water gets used daily. 

How Much Water Is Regularly Used

The amount of water that a household uses varies on a case by case basis. However, using showers, sinks, dishwashers, and bathrooms throughout the day can drive the water usage numbers up and put a more significant strain on your septic tank. The more water and waste that goes through the system, the sooner you may have to perform a maintenance check on your tank. 

Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are a useful tool for the modern kitchen. It helps get rid of the waste after you are done cooking and generally helps keep the amount of trash that you have to throw away to a manageable level. However, the residual waste from using the garbage disposal does have to go somewhere — and that somewhere is your septic tank. Typically, the debris from the garbage disposal will be denser and sink to the bottom of your septic tank. However, if this bottom layer of the tank becomes overloaded with solid wastes, the higher the likelihood that the system will begin to fail, start leaking and require a full septic system repair for Montgomery County households. 

For additional information on when you should pump your septic tank, check out our published article in Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors that offers further insight. You can also reach out to Delaware Valley Septic, Sewer, and Storm at 610-947-4800 and schedule your septic tank maintenance with us today!