You probably don’t think about your septic system very often. As long as it does its job well, there’s rarely any need to. But like any other piece of home plumbing equipment, your septic system is made up of various parts that suffer gradual wear and tear over time.
One of the most critical parts of your septic system is the septic pump. The average lifespan of a septic pump is about 10-15 years, but there are a number of other factors that can affect how long your septic system lasts, including the makeup of the soil around your tank
With over 30 years of experience offering both residential septic services and commercial septic services, the expert professionals at Avalanche Services can help you determine whether you need to repair or replace your septic pump. Below, you’ll find some helpful details that should give you an idea of how your system works and what you can do to maximize its lifespan.
How Septic Pumps Work
A septic pump, also known as a sewage pump or a sewage ejector pump, is a small electric device located in either the last chamber of a septic tank or a separate, isolated container outside.
There are a number of kinds of septic pumps, such as effluent pumps and grinder pumps, but the purpose of all of them is the same. The septic pump helps separate liquid waste from solids by forcing fluids out of the tank and into the drainage area. Meanwhile, anaerobic septic tanks, which break down their solid waste using bacteria that don’t need oxygen to live, have baffles that allow that solid waste to settle to the bottom of the tank.
This prevents dangerous sewage backup, which can cause damage to your system and the soil around your home. If the pump fails, the waste in your tank could end up moving back along the sewage line into your house, causing toilet, sink, and drain overflows. Or, it could end up leaking out into your yard, resulting in standing water, foul odors, and drinking water contamination.
Septic Pump Maintenance Tips
As noted earlier, the average septic pump needs to be replaced every 10-15 years. However, careless use could shorten that lifespan. Fortunately, by following a few simple maintenance tips, you can get the maximum amount of use out of the pump you have now.
First, avoid flushing or washing down the drain any of the following items:
- Feminine hygiene products
- Baby wipes
- Paper towels and napkins
- Q-tips and cotton swabs
- Dental floss
- Cat litter
- Cooking oils, grease, or fats
Second, avoid using the garbage disposal when it’s not necessary. Throw your large unwanted or spoiled food items out into a trash bag when possible.
Finally, make sure to have your entire septic system professionally emptied and inspected regularly, at least once every 3-5 years. If you notice any issues with your plumbing, such as sewage back-up, slow water flow, or gurgling sounds, this could be a sign of a septic pump that needs to be repaired or replaced. The longer you wait, the worse the problem could get.
Schedule Your Septic Pump Replacement Today
Do you need your septic pump replaced? Are you not sure? Do you need someone to evaluate your system or make necessary repairs? Avalanche Services is proud to offer a wide range of septic system solutions, including septic pump replacement.
Make sure your septic system is working smoothly. Call Avalanche Services today!
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