Septic Tank Maintenance; How Often To Pump ?

[Donald]

I'm not trying to be offensive, but I would seriously question your specialist based on this statement.

You not only have solids build up from the bottom, but you will also have a scum layer forming from the top down. By the time ~50% solids build up from the bottom up, the scum layer is going to take up most if not all the other space and there will be zero room for water, which will mean a backup.

Systems can be pumped completely empty and will still contain enough beneficial bacteria on the walls and surfaces of the tank, to restart the digestion that happens in the tank.

I think for most people between 3 and 5 years is good. I think in my NY house we waited 10 and the guy said it was "time".

I do not believe you can pump it too often. It's not like they pump every last drop out of your tank.

 

[dja4260]

I have two systems. A 1500 gallon for 3 bathrooms, and 500 gallon for master bathroom. House was built in 1995. I had them both pumped 12/2020. Per the company, the 500 gallon had never been pumped but was operating well. The 1500 gallon tank wasn't full but working just fine as well. They recommended every 4 years. It only cost me $350 for both. I marked my calendar for every 3 years to be proactive.

We don't have a garbage disposal and ONLY put TP and poop into the septic.

 

[92saturnsl2]

My house was built in 2007, believe it has a 1500 gal tank. Original owner lived here for a few years, then moved (they were in the military) and rented the house out until we bought it. Wife and I bought the house in 2020 and am reasonably certain the septic tank had zero maintenance in its life-- the owner of the house answered unknown to absolutely every question on the sale disclosure form, including last date of septic maintenance/pumping. I'm pretty confident none of the renters had it done

First thing we did after buying it was have it pumped, and the fella that came out commented that it was definitely time, but everything looked good, and all is well to this day. He suggested pumping every 4-7 years, depending on use/family size. I have four kids, three of which are entering their teen years, so we're going to err on the conservative side.

 

[Freischneider]

My septic guy comes out every 5 years and pumps it out for $90. I just give him a hundred and call it a day.

 

[RhondaHonda]

Just read this thread and am now thinking septic is a deal, even if you have to pay to pump. My sewer bill is $60/month and was $250/month for my 4 family apartment building.

 

[Pablo]

My septic guy comes out every 5 years and pumps it out for $90. I just give him a hundred and call it a day.

WOW that cheap? Amazing.

 

[Freischneider]

WOW that cheap? Amazing.

Absolutely! The guy also has done great plumbing work for me in the past far cheaper then any other plumber around here.

 

[spasm3]

About $200 to pump mine. Septic guy says not to use charmin or northern. They don't break down and can end up in the leach field. Kirkland is ok he says.

We keep fats and grease out of the system ( wipe down grease oil with paper towels before washing) , no bleach in the washing machine.

 

[Skippy722]

Just read this thread and am now thinking septic is a deal, even if you have to pay to pump. My sewer bill is $60/month and was $250/month for my 4 family apartment building.

Yes and no. When septic systems fail, it can be tens of thousands to repair/replace it.

 

[GON]

I just paid $240 in Illinois to pump out the tank. I have the tank pumped every two years. As others have mentioned, drain fields can be very expensive and full of hassells to repair. The pump out every two years is an insurance policy, maybe helpful, maybe not. One may never know.

Of note, the man that pumps our tank is in his mid 70s. He has been pumping tanks in the same area since the early 1980s. Makes enough to own a second home in Florida and spend his winters in Florida. He is a "two man" business. His Wife does the books, he does the manual labor. He pumped our tank last month. He stated he is trying to sell the business and can't find anyone interested in buying his "kind" of business.

 

[Pablo]

1000 gal pump here? $400-$500!

EDIT: Most of that dump/county fees

 

[Pablo]

Did the mid tank maintenance this AM. The tubular yellow TP screen was CLEAR, free of kleenex or other undigested items.

My wife done real good!!