Septic pumping is a crucial form of septic maintenance. It involves removing all the effluent, sludge, scum, and wastewater in your septic tank. The contractor also cleans the tank to prepare it for sewage collection, treatment, and discharge. Failure to pump the septic tank as recommended can cause problems for your sewage system. Below are four main issues that may arise if you fail to pump out your septic system.

Poor Wastewater Drainage

When waste flows from your drains into the septic tank, the bacteria in the tank break down organic solid waste into sludge. The sludge settles at the bottom of the tank, where it accumulates. With little space to accommodate wastewater, the tank fills up quickly and overwhelms the drain field. Therefore, when you flush the toilet or use the sink, water drains slowly because the septic tank is already full. Septic pumping gets rid of sludge buildup, allowing the system to drain wastewater efficiently.

Overflow of Liquid Waste

Failure to pump your septic tank causes liquid waste to fill up the tank and accumulate in the drain field. Consequently, the soil above the drain field soaks up the liquid sewage and becomes soggy. If you don't pump out the system, liquid waste will continue soaking the soil around the drain field, and eventually, it will overflow into your yard. Since the leaking waste isn't treated, it can pose a health hazard in your home. 

Sewage Backup into the Drains

A failing septic system can cause sewage to back up into your indoor drains. Backups occur for two reasons:

• The septic tank fills up and can no longer accommodate more wastewater.
• Sludge blocks the septic line, preventing liquid waste from flowing into the system.

Sometimes, sewage from the septic tank may flow backward into the sewer line and the drains. Consequently, there will be sludge deposits in the sinks, toilets, and floor drains. Sewer backups can cause costly damage to the flooring and carpets. Furthermore, you need professional cleaning services to prevent contamination and disease.

Unpleasant Odors in Your Outdoor Space

The breakdown of human waste in the septic system releases a mixture of gases, including ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is the gas that gives sewage its characteristic rotten egg smell. When sewage leaks into the yard, the gas escapes from the system and pollutes the surroundings. The presence of sewer odors in your yard is a sign of septic leaks. You must pump out the tank to prevent leakage and combat sewer odors.

Septic tank pumping is a simple exercise that can improve the performance of your septic tank and avert the above problems. Contact a septic contractor for tank pumping and cleaning services.