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.
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