How often should a septic tank be pumped?

It is the question we get asked more than any other, and the honest answer is: it depends on your tank size. Not on a gut feeling, not on whether it smells, but on how many gallons the tank holds and how many people are putting water through it.

The schedule, by tank size

• 500 gallon tank: about every year
• 1,000 gallon tank: about every two years
• 2,000 gallon tank: every two and a half to three years

If you do not know what size tank you have, that is normal. Most people do not. We can tell you on the first visit, and once we know, we can put you on a schedule so you never have to think about this question again.

Do not forget the filter

The outlet filter is on its own, shorter clock: it wants rinsing every 6 to 12 months, depending on how many people live in the house. The filter is what keeps solids inside the tank and out of your drain field. When it clogs, and hair, grease, wipes and paper towels are the usual suspects, water backs up toward the house. A rinse is quick; a back-flooded tank is not.

What happens if you wait too long

Solids build up until they start leaving the tank and entering the drain field, which is the one part of the system you really do not want to damage. Long before that, the system usually tells you it is overdue: slow drains, gurgling in the pipes, odors near the drains, or soggy spots in the yard. If you are seeing any of those, do not wait for the schedule. Call.

Want the interval tracked for you? Get on our maintenance schedule and we will send a reminder when your tank is due. Or call (207) 439-1250 and we will figure out your tank size and interval together.