How Often Should a Septic Tank be Pumped Out?

If you’ve moved to a home with a septic tank rather than municipal sewers, or if you’re considering the possibility of building a home where a septic tank would be required, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of caring for that tank - especially when it comes to pumping it out. How often should a septic tank be pumped out, and how is it done? You’ll find the answers to this and more below.

How a Septic Tank Works

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a litany of information all about septic tanks and best practices as they apply to the environment, so it’s a great resource for any homeowner who’s looking for more information. In a nutshell, though, a septic tank is a tank that is buried underground and serves as a home’s “sewer”. It effectively digests organic matter, then pumps out what it digests through perforated pipes into chambers or fields that will slowly release it back into the soil. Essentially, it breaks down the waste, then allows it to filter back through the ground in a way that is safe and effective. 

How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped?

As long as it is well maintained, your septic tank should only need to be pumped every three to five years. Homeowners are encouraged to have their septic systems inspected by licensed septic professionals every three years to ensure proper functioning, to examine the layers of scum and sludge in the tank, and to determine whether pumping is necessary. A well-maintained tank may even be able to go longer than five years depending on the number of people utilizing the tank, the frequency with which the tank is used, and other factors. 

How Does the Process Work?

The process of pumping a septic tank is relatively simple. Septic professionals arrive with specialized trucks and equipment that are capable of safely removing any solid waste from the tank and transporting it to a waste management facility or an approved landfill. The entire process generally takes only about 30 minutes, and the cost will vary depending on the size of the tank. For an average tank, the cost ranges from $250 to $500; for an extremely large tank - such as one utilized by multifamily housing complexes or extremely large homes - the cost can exceed $1000. 

Basic Septic Tank Maintenance

Basic septic tank maintenance not only ensures that your septic tank continues to function as it should, but it can also increase the amount of time that you can go between pumps, which can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the tank. The most important tank maintenance tips include:

• Using water efficiently. Your septic tank can only process so much water at a time, so it’s important to use water efficiently to avoid overflows. Faucet aerators, high efficiency toilets, and other water-saving devices can help. 
• Disposing of solid waste properly. Everything that you flush or put through your drain will end up in your septic tank. Never flush anything except for human waste and septic-safe toilet paper. 
• Start with the right size tank. Finally, if your septic tank is too small for your home or family, problems are sure to ensue. Carefully consider the size of the tank, and when in doubt, always choose a bigger one. 

On average, your septic tank should be pumped out every three to five years, though there are some normal variations in this number based on your household size, your septic tank size, and how well you maintain it. Always contact a licensed septic professional for all of your septic tank needs, and be sure that you are having yours inspected at least every three years.