For the thousands of homeowners in the Albuquerque area who rely on a septic system, proper maintenance is not just a suggestion it’s a critical responsibility.
Regular care protects your investment, safeguards your family’s well-being, and preserves our precious groundwater. Furthermore, maintenance and inspections in unincorporated Bernalillo County are governed by a specific local wastewater ordinance.
Understanding your responsibilities can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies the process, providing a clear checklist for routine care, explaining the official maintenance schedules, and detailing the specific legal requirements for inspections that every local homeowner needs to know.
Why Regular Maintenance is Essential in Bernalillo County
Neglecting your septic system can lead to catastrophic failures that are messy, hazardous, and expensive.
In our community, the stakes are particularly high for three key reasons:
It Saves You Money
The cost of a routine septic tank pumping is typically between $250 and $300 every few years.
In contrast, the cost to repair or completely replace a failed system can range from $3,000 to over $7,000.
Proactive maintenance is one of the smartest financial decisions a homeowner with a septic system can make.
It Protects Your Property Value
A failing septic system is a significant legal liability and can bring a real estate transaction to a halt.
A properly functioning and permitted system is a valuable asset; a neglected one is a costly problem that will lower your property’s value.
It Protects Albuquerque’s Groundwater
The Bernalillo County wastewater ordinance exists because failing septic systems have been identified as a major cause of groundwater contamination in our area.
Proper maintenance prevents harmful bacteria, viruses, and nitrates from polluting the aquifer that serves as a vital drinking water source for our community.
Your Official Maintenance Schedule: Pumping & Inspection Frequency
Understanding your septic system components helps with proper maintenance
A common question homeowners ask is, “How often do I need to service my septic system?” The answer depends on two main factors: how often you need to have the tank pumped and how often it should be inspected.
Inspection Frequency
As a general rule, your septic system should be professionally inspected at least every three years.
For systems with mechanical components, like ATUs or drip systems, annual inspections are often recommended.
Pumping Frequency
Pumping removes the accumulated sludge and scum from your septic tank.
The frequency depends on the size of your tank and the number of people living in your home. Using a garbage disposal will increase the volume of solids and require more frequent pumping.
Bernalillo County Recommended Pumping Schedule
| Tank Size | Household Size | Pump Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 gallons | 1-2 people | Every 6 years |
| 1,000 gallons | 3-4 people | Every 3 years |
| 1,000 gallons | 5-6 people | Every 2 years |
| 1,250 gallons | 1-2 people | Every 8 years |
| 1,250 gallons | 3-4 people | Every 4 years |
| 1,250 gallons | 5-6 people | Every 2.5 years |
| 1,500 gallons | 1-2 people | Every 9 years |
| 1,500 gallons | 3-4 people | Every 4.5 years |
| 1,500 gallons | 5-6 people | Every 3 years |
Warning Signs: How to Know Your Septic System Needs Service Now
Be alert for these signs your septic system needs attention
Your septic system will usually give you warning signs before it fails completely.
If you notice any of the following issues, call a professional immediately to prevent a small problem from becoming a major emergency:
Wastewater Backups
Sewage backing up into your toilets, showers, or sinks is the most obvious sign of a problem.
Slow Drains and Gurgling
If multiple drains in your home are slow, or if you hear gurgling sounds from your plumbing, it could indicate a full tank or a clogged drainfield.
Foul Odors
Persistent sewage odors in your home or yard are a clear signal that the system is not containing or treating waste properly.
Drainfield Issues
Look for standing water, muddy soil, or patches of unusually bright green, spongy grass over the drainfield area.
These are signs that the drainfield is saturated and failing to absorb effluent.
The Law in Bernalillo County: Mandatory Septic System Evaluations
Beyond routine maintenance, the Bernalillo County Wastewater Ordinance mandates a formal system evaluation in several specific situations.
An evaluation is a comprehensive inspection by a certified professional who then submits a report to the county. These are legally required triggers for service.
When Selling Your Property
If you are selling a home in unincorporated Bernalillo County with a septic system, you are legally required to have the system inspected and evaluated by a qualified professional before the title transfer is complete.
This is a critical step in the real estate process that protects both the buyer and the seller.
Systems Over 30 Years Old
Any septic system that is more than 30 years old must be evaluated every five years.
This regulation applies even to older systems that were previously “grandfathered in.” This proactive measure helps identify and address issues in aging systems before they fail.
Unpermitted or Failing Systems
If a system is found to be failing or was installed without the proper permits, the homeowner must begin the process of bringing it into compliance within 30 days.
This involves getting the system properly permitted, repaired, or replaced.
What to Expect During a Professional Septic Inspection
A thorough septic inspection includes multiple steps to ensure system health
A professional septic inspection is more than just a quick look.
When our certified technicians perform an evaluation, we follow a thorough process to ensure your system is functioning correctly and meets all local codes:
Locate and Access
We locate all components of your system, including the tank and drainfield, and uncover the tank’s access lids.
Pump the Tank
The tank is pumped out to remove all liquids and solids. This is essential for allowing a complete visual inspection of the tank’s interior.
Inspect Components
We examine the tank for any cracks or leaks, check the integrity of the inlet and outlet baffles, and inspect any effluent filters.
Evaluate the Drainfield
We inspect the drainfield area for any signs of hydraulic failure, such as surfacing effluent or soggy ground.
File Official Paperwork
After the inspection, we complete the official Bernalillo County evaluation form and submit it on your behalf, providing you with a copy for your records.
Common Septic System Problems and How to Prevent Them
Even with regular maintenance, septic systems can encounter issues.
Knowing the common problems and how to prevent them can save you time, money, and stress.
Clogs and Backups
Problem: Clogs in your pipes or septic tank can lead to sewage backups into your home. This is often caused by flushing non-biodegradable items or pouring grease down drains.
Prevention: Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down the drain. Use drain screens to catch food particles and hair.
Drainfield Failure
Problem: The drainfield can fail if it becomes oversaturated or clogged with solids from the septic tank. This can result in foul odors, soggy spots in your yard, or sewage surfacing.
Prevention: Adhere to regular septic tank pumping schedules to prevent excessive solids from entering the drainfield. Divert all other water sources, such as roof drains and sump pumps, away from the drainfield area.
Tree Root Intrusion
Problem: Tree and shrub roots are naturally attracted to the water and nutrients in your drainfield, and can grow into pipes, causing cracks and blockages.
Prevention: Plant only grass over your drainfield. Keep trees and shrubs a safe distance away from your septic system components.
Your Partner in Bernalillo County Septic Maintenance
Navigating the rules and responsibilities of septic system ownership in the Albuquerque area can be complex.
Our team is here to make it simple. We are fully certified and deeply familiar with the Bernalillo County Wastewater Ordinance.
Whether you need a routine pump-out to keep your system healthy, a legally required evaluation for a home sale, or an emergency repair for a failing system, we have the experience to get the job done right.
Don’t wait for a problem to arise. Contact us today to schedule your septic maintenance and ensure your system remains safe, compliant, and efficient for years to come.
Call (505) 555-1234 Schedule Online
