Serving the Ithaca, Elmira, Corning, Big Flats, Hector, Watkins, Waverly, and Owego NY areas
Blog Post
Septic Tank Pumping Frequency
Clean Earth Septic • February 9, 2020
How often should you have your tank pumped out?
One of the most common questions we receive from homeowners is "How often should I have my septic tank pumped?" While we'd love to offer a one size fits all answer, the truth is, it depends on your septic tank size and the number of people using the system. There are a variety of other factors that can determine your pumping frequency too - things like the age of your septic system, whether or not you have a garbage disposal, and your average water consumption. Keep reading to learn how to keep your system functioning properly between pump-outs, or contact us today to schedule your next septic pumping.
Let's start with some Septic System 101...
- We highly recommend having your septic tank emptied every 2-3 years. NEVER go more than 5 years, regardless of your tank size or family makeup.
- If you're not sure of your septic tank size, here's an easy way to make an educated guess: Most septic tanks are based on the number of bedrooms in your home. If your home has 3 bedrooms, you most likely have a 1000 gallon tank; 4-5 bedrooms is usually a 1500 gallon tank. Older homes have smaller septic tanks so if your home was built prior to the 1980's you may need to have your tank emptied more often.
- If you're not sure when your septic tank was last pumped, it's a good idea to have it emptied and inspected to ensure it's functioning properly. After you have your septic tank pumped you won't need to do it again for 2-4 years. Just remember, the two biggest factors that determine your pumping frequency are:
- How many gallons your septic tank holds
- How many people are in your household
Things that can lead to backups or require more frequent pumping:
It's important to think about what kind of things you're flushing on a regular basis... When you have a septic system remember that there's no such thing as a "flushable" wipe! Be sure to always buy septic safe toilet paper, and if you have a garbage disposal, use it sparingly. Extra grease from food scraps can coat the inside of your pipes and cause problems in your septic tank where healthy bacteria work to break down solids. Grease, chemicals, and antibacterial products can disrupt the natural breakdown in your tank and lead to septic backups. For more information on septic tank maintenance and what not to flush, talk to one of our technicians at your next service! We're always happy to answer your questions.
If you have a septic system, routine maintenance is necessary to keep your tank and drain field working properly. It's our goal to provide you with the information you need to keep your septic system healthy and your toilet flushing smoothly.We offer residential septic pumping in the Twin Tiers region and beyond. Call us today at 607-564-7931.
Share this post!
You might also like these helpful articles!
A properly maintained grease trap ensures smooth kitchen operations while preventing grease buildup from clogging your plumbing. Here are three key maintenance tips to help keep your grease trap working at its best.
At Clean Earth Septic, we’ve spent over 15 years serving Ithaca, Elmira and Finger Lakes residents, providing personalized, expert care to keep septic systems running smoothly year-round. Today we're sharing four simple ways to prepare for even the harshest winter conditions.
The more you know, the better you can maintain your home's largest (and most costly) utility!
Hot water jetting is a powerful and eco-friendly cleaning technique that uses high-pressure hot water to break down and clear away stubborn clogs, grease, and buildup in pipes and septic systems. It can also help when pipes have frozen. Keep reading to see how hot water makes all the difference!
Whether you need to dig around utility lines to install an electric pole or even something as simple as a mailbox post, hydro excavation ensures that the surrounding infrastructure remains intact. Clean Earth Septic specializes in these types of projects, reducing the chance of accidents or unexpected costs due to damaged utilities.
To ensure that your home, yard, and septic system are ready for this beautiful season, we've compiled a list of tips. You can think of it as a "to-do" list for any responsible home or business owner!
If you ever run into problems, knowing what kind of septic system you have will be essential for us to diagnose and repair things for you. Keep reading to learn more about the most common types of septic systems, or contact us today to schedule your septic service in the Twin Tiers region.
When you think about your local car wash, you're probably not thinking about where the wastewater goes... but when you work in the sewer & drain industry like us, you definitely are! Here at Clean Earth Septic Service, we work with a variety of car wash clients who rely on us to keep their businesses running.
Whether you're dealing with storm water basins, car wash tanks, or need specialized hydroexcavating services, Clean Earth Septic has you covered.
We’ve created a list of helpful hints - the "do's and don'ts" of septic maintenance - based on over a decade of practical experience in the field. It is our hope that you’ll follow these suggestions because they will save you time, money and protect the environment too!
"Super friendly, very courteous, hard working guys. Called on Saturday, booked for Monday, on time and super fast. Will definitely call again. Thank you for the great service."
Kevin D.
Corning, NY
"Had an issue where I needed a septic tank pumped in short time. Levi came right out and got it done. Their prices are great too. Would highly recommend to anyone."
Anthony F.
Horseheads, NY
QUICK LINKS
We accept cash, check and all major credit cards.
When your septic is sick, call Clean Earth Quick!
Serving the Ithaca, Elmira, Corning, Big Flats, Hector, Watkins, Binghamton, Vestal, Endicott, Waverly, and Owego NY areas!