Most homeowners understand that regular septic tank pumping is necessary to keep their septic system in good working order. What is less understood is how often to have the septic tank pumped. How often a septic tank needs to be pumped depends on a variety of factors including the size of the septic tank, number of people in the household, and the habits of the people in the household.
The larger the septic tank, the less frequently it will need to be pumped. Larger septic tanks are able to safely hold a larger quantity of sludge which translates into longer intervals between septic tank pumping. The opposite is true with regard to the number of people in the household. The more people, the more sludge and the more often the septic tank will need pumping. In addition, if the household is in the habit of flushing solid materials such as cat litter, feminine products, diapers, coffee grounds into the septic tank, it will need more frequent pumping.
Even taking these factors into consideration, there can be considerable variation in the frequency of septic tank pumping for a specific septic system depending on the unique characteristics and installation of that system. Most experts recommend having the septic tank pumped every three to five years. As a general rule, this will probably be frequent enough to avoid problems with most septic systems.
The better practice is to have the septic system inspected every other year. Not only will the inspection turn up any problems that may be developing, but the sludge layer will be measured as part of the inspection and your inspector will let you know if it is time to have the septic tank pumped.
Posted on behalf of Tony McAdams, A-1 National Sewer and Drain
