How Often Should An Effluent Tank Be Emptied?

Effluent Tank Emptying: All You Need to Know

If you have an effluent tank, then you know how important it is to keep it emptied on a regular basis. Not only will it help to keep your home or business clean, but it will also prevent any unwanted smells from permeating the area. 

Plus, emptying your tank regularly will help it last much longer and avoid any costly repairs down the road. But how often should you be emptying your effluent tank? We will provide some general guidelines and help you spot any warning signs that may indicate you need to empty it more frequently.

As a general rule of thumb, effluent tank emptying should take place every three to five years. However, there are a number of factors that can impact how often you need to empty it. The size of the tank is obviously one factor, as larger tanks will need to be emptied less often than smaller ones. 

Additionally, usage plays a role – if you have a lot of people using the facilities that are connected to the tank, then it will need to be emptied more often than if there are fewer users. 

Finally, what is being flushed down the toilets and drains can also affect how often you need to empty the effluent tank. If you are flushing things like sanitary items (which should be avoided), then you will need to empty it more frequently than if you are just flushing regular waste.

How to Spot if Your Effluent Tank Needs Emptied?

There are a few warning signs that you should be on the lookout for which may indicate that your effluent tank needs emptied sooner than usual:

Water Pooling

One of the most obvious signs that you need to empty your effluent tank is if you start to see water pooling above the area where your septic tank is located. This is a surefire sign that the effluent tank is full and needs to be emptied as soon as possible.

Bad Odours

If you start to notice bad smells coming from the area around your septic tank, then this is another sign that it needs to be emptied. These smells are usually caused by the build-up of waste in the tank, so it is important to take action as soon as you start to notice them.

Backed-Up Sewer

Bad smells coming from your drains or toilets can also be a sign that your effluent tank needs to be emptied. This is because when the tank gets full, waste can start to back up into your sewer system. So, if you notice any unusual smells coming from these areas, it is best to call a professional to have the tank emptied as soon as possible.

Healthy Grass

One of the most unexpected signs that your effluent tank needs emptied is if the grass above it starts to look unusually healthy. This is because when the tank gets full, nutrients from the waste can start to seep into the ground and fertilize the grass. So, if you notice your grass looking healthier than usual, it might be time to have your effluent tank emptied.

If you notice any of these warning signs, then it is best to call a professional to have your effluent tank emptied as soon as possible. Remember, the sooner you take action, the better – so don’t wait until it’s too late! 

A Thistle Loos, we are experts in effluent tank emptying and can help you make sure your tank is always empty and in good working condition. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a tank emptying service.