How often should you have your septic tank checked?

How Often Should You Have Your Septic Tank Checked?

As you already might know from reading my post on how a septic tank works – or if you’ve experienced a septic back-up nightmare already – a septic system needs ongoing attention to ensure you never get that sludgy, disgusting flood. But how much attention is enough attention?

Septic Tank Checkups

A septic system isn’t something you should have to think about on a weekly or even monthly basis. When they’re running smoothly, they stay in the background and do their job quietly. However, that doesn’t mean you can just “set and forget” them and look out for some obvious warning signs. Usually once you notice a septic problem, it’s already too late. And believe me, most septic “warnings” are not the kinds of things you want to wait for.

Since some households can go without septic maintenance and pumping for a few years while some will need it annually, it’s best to at least have regular checkups to see where your system stands, even if pumping isn’t required yet. A septic professional can see how soon you’ll need a full pumping and can tip you off to any dangerous issues in the piping that could go from quick fix to huge expense if treated early on.

My personal recommendation, and most pros will tell you the same, is to get your system checked every year, regardless of how often it needs pumping. Even if everything looks great one year, things can change a lot when it comes to underground piping. Trust me, it’s best to play it safe.