How Often Should I Pump My Septic Tank?

When it comes to household maintenance, caring for your septic tank should be a top priority—after all, breakdowns and overflows are a lot more than just inconvenient. One of the best ways to keep your septic system in great working condition is routine septic tank pumping. But, how often should you have your septic tank pumped, and what all does the process involve? Here are the basics that every homeowner should know. 

How Frequently Should You Pump Your Septic Tank?

A good rule of thumb is to have your tank inspected and pumped at least once every two to five years. That said, every system is different and some tanks may need more frequent maintenance than others. Here are some factors that can influence how often you should have your septic tank pumped:

• System age: Older units are more susceptible to breakdowns. Inspecting and pumping more often can ease the system’s workload and catch potential problems early on. 

• Tank size: Smaller tanks hold less volume, so it makes sense that they generally need to be pumped more often than larger units. 

• Household size: Larger households produce more wastewater, which means that solids build up faster and need to be pumped more often. 

How Can Septic Tanks Go So Long Without Being Pumped?

Most residential septic tanks hold between 780 and 1,250 gallons of waste—but, the average household produces over 9,000 gallons of wastewater per year. So, why don’t septic tanks need to be pumped more often? Well, septic tanks aren’t just a receptacle for waste; these systems actually treat a lot of the wastewater you produce and filter it using a natural biological process. 

Once wastewater flows into the tank, the solids gradually fall to the bottom and form a sludge. This sludge is what builds up and needs to be pumped. Meanwhile, the rest of the water and any oils or grease floats to the top where bacteria in the tank breaks it down. Any remaining liquid, called effluent, flows out of the tank into the drain field above your system where it is further filtered and treated by the soil. This ongoing process keeps your tank from filling up too quickly so that it doesn’t need to be pumped very often.

Signs You Need Septic Tank Pumping

While 2-5 years is a good guideline for routine septic pumping, you should also know the signs that your tank is getting full. Overlooking these signs could put strain on your system, leading to a breakdown or an overflow. If you notice these problems, it may be time to call an emergency septic tank pumping company:

• Slow drains in sinks or showers
• Slow flushing
• Gurgling sounds in pipes
• Unpleasant odors over the drain field
• Particularly lush, green grass in the drain field
• Sewage backups

What to Expect During Septic Tank Pumping

Septic tank pumping is a pretty quick process that, depending on the size of your tank and how accessible the lid is, usually takes less than an hour to complete. A technician will start by inserting the hose of their vacuum truck into the open septic tank lid, which allows them to literally suck up all the wastewater. 

Once the tank is empty, they’ll rinse out the tank or use a waterjet to remove any buildup. Then, while everything is clean and fully visible, your technician will perform an inspection to spot any signs of wear and tear that could lead to a breakdown later on. 

How to Prepare for a Septic Pumping Appointment

To help your septic pumping appointment go as smoothly as possible, it’s a good idea to prepare a little ahead of time. While technicians can help you with these steps, handling these tasks in advance will make the pumping appointment faster and easier:

1. Locate Your Septic Tank: Make sure you know where your septic tank is buried. Most tanks are between 5 and 25 feet away from the house, and you should have received a septic map with your home inspection. This will save time and help the technician access it easily.

2. Clear the Area: Remove any obstacles like vehicles, lawn furniture, or plants from around the septic tank area to provide clear access for the pumping truck and equipment. Some lids may also be buried in the drain field, so you may want to dig to uncover it. 

3. Document Any Issues: Note any problems you’ve noticed, such as slow drains, foul odors, or standing water in your yard, and share these with the technician. During the visit, be available to answer questions and provide information about your system’s maintenance history. If you won’t be home, ensure the technician has clear instructions for accessing the tank.

If you’re struggling to find or uncover your septic tank, let your technician know ahead of time so they can help you create a plan for your appointment. 

Fast Septic Pumping in King County WA

Whether you need a routine pumping or your septic tank is full and needs to be emptied as quickly as possible, Puget Sound Septic is the team for the job. With fast response times and a fleet of state-of-the-art vacuum trucks, our technicians are equipped to make septic pumping as stress-free as possible. 

Don’t wait until you have a problem with your septic system—call Puget Sound Septic for quality septic pumping today.