Septic tank pumping interval?

[MushCreek]

Now that I've been safely pumped out, I can ask the question- How often do you have your septic tank pumped? Yes, I know that those of you on city sewer will say, "Never!" Our system was put in 14 years ago, and I had it pumped today as a preventative measure. The guy estimated it was about 2/3's full, so not critical yet. With 15 people coming for Thanksgiving, though, I thought getting it checked would be prudent. When I was growing up, we never had the tank pumped until there was a problem, so I'm ahead of the curve. The state department that regulates this, ummm, stuff, says every 3-5 years, but obviously that's not true for us. We had the system sized for a 4 bedroom house, and there's just two of us, so maybe that's why it lasted so well.

Oh yeah; they dug it up, pumped it, and put everything back in an hour. $475, which I thought was money well spent.

 

[Junkman]

The cost of pumping every 3-5 years is significantly less than the cost of a new system, should it fail. I have mine pumped every 3 years, and the home was built about 40 years ago. Last fall, the system started backing up, and each time I was able to clear the clog with a water balloon, but it didn't last but a month or so. I had someone come to inspect the line, and it was determined that the cast-iron pipe from the house to the tank was rotted at the bottom and had to be replaced. That turned out to be a very expensive 4-day job. The pipe was located 9 feet below the surface because we had filled the backyard to create a usable space. Now it is PVC, and it will never be a problem again.

 

[PCustoms]

When I was growing up, we never had the tank pumped until there was a problem, so I'm ahead of the curve.

Same, and the problem always seemed to occur after there was snow....

I had my house pumped/inspected as part of the purchase and again a few years ago as part of confirming the field location. Right now I'm at about every 5 years but I definitely plan to go 10 before the next one, as it didn't need it at 5.

 

[beltfeed]

Depends on the system size, type of septic, if you have / use garbage disposal and number of occupants using the system. I was on the 4-year cycle until the kids got older and moved out. I'm on the 6-year cycle now. 1750-gallon tank, large leach field no problems.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I recently had our tank pumped and the two of us had been here 17 years. Since the older tank had no center baffle an outlet filter was installed. In the process it was discovered that the distribution box concrete was rotted by the effluent acids. A new D box, new outlet pipe from the tank, and a filter install was $800. The installer dug it by hand and completed the install in 4-1/2 hours. Pumping was $300 here. He suggested pumping at 5 years for us, and that also would allow cleaning of the effluent filter.

 

[larry4406]

My area the health department recommends every 5 years.

Some counties near me, you have to send in a copy of the pump out manifest confirming compliance.

I fail to understand why system installers do not include tank risers with lids. This prevents all future yard damage and is an obvious reminder to folks as to what is beneath and where.

 

[PCustoms]

I fail to understand why system installers do not include tank risers with lids.

More $$ on the front end and less $$ at service.

 

[TurnipTruck]

I have read that some municipalities elsewhere mandate a 3 year cycle.
After paying a lot (at the time) to have the back yard decimated to replace a septic-resembling system during the 2004 Olympics, we have been using the Games as the reminder to have it pumped out.

 

[dcg9381]

Depends on the system size, type of septic, if you have / use garbage disposal and number of occupants using the system. I was on the 4-year cycle until the kids got older and moved out. I'm on the 6-year cycle now. 1750-gallon tank, large leach field no problems.

This... Especially the type of septic and what is getting put in there. Septic with pumps, you may want to look a getting a decent filter in front of that pump because replacing that pump is no fun.

I haven't pumped ours out in 3-4 years. There's no mandate here on "traditional" (gravity) septic system until you go to sell. Once you sell, you have to have it pumped out, inspected, water tested, etc or the house can't transfer.

Our tank is 1500 gallons, not sure what the limit is on the pump trucks, but it's probably not going to be cheap.

The systems that are more compact and have effluent disbursement pumps have different rules on inspection here... I think it's annual.

I guess if you really wanted to know, you'd pop the cover and see how far down a stick can go till it gets to "solids"....

 

[micromind]

About 10 years here. 4 adults, 3 kids. 1500 gallon tank.

About $500 with both lids exposed.

 

[97tj-neil]

Our township requires any on-lot septic tanks to be pumped every 4 years. They have a rotating schedule by location and send out letters when it is our year to be pumped. The driver that does the work is required to file a copy of the pumping invoice with the township as proof of compliance. We have a 2 chamber tank, 1000 and 500 gallons. The last time it was pumped, 2 years ago, total cost was $315.

 

[tarmy]

5 years. 1500 gal tank and costs about 600 bucks. I am a bit out of town so there is some costs as part of that and a long pump out reach too.

 

[HoosierMark]

When my rank was put in 10 years ago, I had exposed plastic lids on both sides for easy access. I also have screens I pull out about once a year before the liquid leaves the tank for the d Box. Never really thought of pumping it out but it sounds like good preventative maintenance.

 

[MushCreek]

Our tank is 1200 gallons. We had a perk test done prior to buying the land in 2006. The perk test included a permit, good for 5 years. I had the system put in one month before the permit expired. When they put the system in, they said that that size system wouldn't pass the new regulations, but we were grandfathered in. Obviously, it's big enough for us.

The charge to just inspect it was $200, and the guy asked me if I wanted him to pump it out, or let it ride. Well, they already had it dug up, so heck yeah, pump that sucker. Another $275 for peace of mind is well worth it.

 

[Steve W.]

I guess I lucked out, based on sheer ignorance on this topic.

Back in 1962, my wife's family moved into a new house in the country. Being in the country, it had a septic tank. No idea of size or configuration, but there were 2 adults and 4 kids of varying ages over the years. We (2 adults) moved into the house in 1982. Moved out in 1994 with 2 adults and 2 kids. We knew where the tank was, but never saw it or had anything done to it while we were there. Never had any problems, either, so we must have been doing something right.

.

 

[Jay__Dub]

About every 10-12 years. Only 2 of us here now. When we had 3 kids here, about every 5 years.

 

[Fordguy1964]

I just bought my house. It has a septic system but I am not sure of the exact location of the tank. I can see where the field is by the green grass. I have a general idea of where the tank is. I bought the house at auction. Since I can't talk to the previous owners, any ideas how to find the tank? I'm guessing that I will have to have a plumber send a camera down the system with a locator attached. Any less costly methods without knowing for sure?

Sorry to hijack the thread.... we were kind of on topic and I know I need to get mine pumped.

 

[larry4406]

I just bought my house. It has a septic system but I am not sure of the exact location of the tank. I can see where the field is by the green grass. I have a general idea of where the tank is. I bought the house at auction. Since I can't talk to the previous owners, any ideas how to find the tank? I'm guessing that I will have to have a plumber send a camera down the system with a locator attached. Any less costly methods without knowing for sure?

Sorry to hijack the thread.... we were kind of on topic and I know I need to get mine pumped.

Google Earth has a flyover history at top to go back in time. Might be useful.

Health departments often have detailed measurements of installation. These are usually tape measure distances from fixed house corners, etc.

 

[Snapped-off]

Mine was pumped in January 2023 when I bought the house. I should probably check it next spring and see how it's doing.

My dad hasn't pumped his in 25+ years.

 

[Fordguy1964]

Google Earth has a flyover history at top to go back in time. Might be useful.

Health departments often have detailed measurements of installation. These are usually tape measure distances from fixed house corners, etc.

I am out in the country and they have no oversight on septic systems. If I wanted to use rainwater and an outhouse it would be all good down here where I am. No drawings whatsoever... unfortunately. I have enough distance between mine and my neighbor's house that there are no concerns.

 

[Poolshark314]

I just bought my house. It has a septic system but I am not sure of the exact location of the tank. I can see where the field is by the green grass. I have a general idea of where the tank is. I bought the house at auction. Since I can't talk to the previous owners, any ideas how to find the tank? I'm guessing that I will have to have a plumber send a camera down the system with a locator attached. Any less costly methods without knowing for sure?

Sorry to hijack the thread.... we were kind of on topic and I know I need to get mine pumped.

You can also call some of the local septic companies and see if your house has been pumped by them before. They usually remember where it is if they have been there before.

 

[Fordguy1964]

You can also call some of the local septic companies and see if your house has been pumped by them before. They usually remember where it is if they have been there before.

Thanks. Good thinking. I know it wasn't done in the last 3 years. I will have to call around and see.

 

[Ag 85]

Depends on what goes in to create solids that bacteria cannot digest. Has little to do with the water passing through. I recently had tank pumped on an anerobic bacteria (no air) system I built 28 years ago. Two adults two kids full time. Less than 1/2 of first 1000 gallon tank had solids, second tank was just liquid. No disposer (undigested food) real careful to keep grease out. Have learned antibiotics kill digestion process in septic tanks. Our washing machine used separate system and field line which had clogged twice during same time (no humanwaste) just dirt and lint from clothes. Lint does not break down quickly and powdered soap solids accumulated. Hot water and soap also kills bacteria so washing machine water is a challenge that creates solids. For sure if solids build up and go into field lines they are permanently clogged. So pumping is good maintenance and prevents disaster replacement. The old timers put washing water on trees in yard and used septic systems just for toilets, which lasted for decades with no pumping. Not allowed by modern health laws. So, my observation solids are mostly from grease, dirt, lint and soap and will accumulate. Not pleasant but a simple stick in the tank, can measure solids accumulated and when pumping is needed.

 

[Skooterj]

I'm going about every 5 years. I open the lid every year and clean the outflow filter. I have a 4 bathroom house, but only 2 of us live there. I could probably do more than 5, but I'll play it safe. The guy I work with has never opened his in 25 years.

 

[rd65]

Seeing this reminds me that we need to get ours pumped. Gravity system, 4bd house. I thought our tank was only 1k gallons but cant remember. I seem to think that last time it was pumped the bill was over $1k. I had to get as built from health dept when I added the shop. Permitting needed to be sure there was enough room for backup drain field in case mine ever fails.

 

[gleman]

Google Earth has a flyover history at top to go back in time. Might be useful.

Health departments often have detailed measurements of installation. These are usually tape measure distances from fixed house corners, etc.

I lucked out with my rural house, I got the original sales paperwork of the house with the all the locations of septic, well etc.. The county still has them on file too!

I dig the access cover up as it's only about 18" down. Our local septic company gives a discount for that. They offered to install a riser for 200/300 bucks. I might take them up on it if I'm feeling old next time I do it.

I also get an email from them every summer letting everyone know before they switch to winter pricing and schedule service beforehand.

 

[rd65]

Sewer guys can flush a "bug" to locate your tank no problem. I can see my drain field every summer when the lawn dies off. I have my "as built" as well as lots of pics with landmarks in the background.

 

[Fordguy1964]

I'm going about every 5 years. I open the lid every year and clean the outflow filter. I have a 4 bathroom house, but only 2 of us live there. I could probably do more than 5, but I'll play it safe. The guy I work with has never opened his in 25 years.

In the old house I lived in my dad never pumped his for more than 30 years and I went another 10 before I had it pumped. I'm trying to be better about it at my new "to me" house.

 

[dcg9381]

I'm going about every 5 years. I open the lid every year and clean the outflow filter.

Wait..There's a filter? That sounds smart. Pretty sure mine is just two tanks, gravity, a drain field and some water/poop.
I get it if there is a sprayer system for the yard.

I've heard of pump filters on pump-based septic... But I went way out of my way NOT to install something with a pump this time around.

 

[Pluribus]

My county started mandatory inspection of septic systems a while back, so I got certified to inspect my own and have done that twice now on a 3-year cycle. It's a gravity system with 1,000 gallon tank mostly used by one person. Based on the thickness of the scum (what floats on top) and sludge (what sinks & stays on the bottom) layers, I'm going to have it pumped next year. Probably could have gone longer if I hadn't used the super cushy on the ***** toilet paper for several years.

Anyway, it will have been 15 years since the last pump out.

 

[MushCreek]

The dispatcher said they could find it no problem. I had a drawing, so I knew where to look, and found it with a probe rod. What impressed me was that they zeroed right in on the small lid, so not much digging. As I said- start to finish in an hour. Mine was in a brushy area, so no visual clues.

 

[Cruzan80]

Ours was about every 4-5 years. We have lived here for 7, and got it pumped this summer (forget when the earlier pmp was). As others have said, cheap insurance. The company we used could estimate based on how long we had used it, and how full, and set up an automated reminder (email and snail mail).

 

[reader2580]

State of Minnesota requires septic tanks be inspected every three years. I don't know if pumping is required with an inspection, but I get mine pumped every three years in conjunction with the inspection. I live by myself, and could probably go longer between pumping. The pumping guy always says my septic tank is very clean.

 

[bluedog225]

My septic installer guy said if I put 5 pounds of yeast down the toilet every year it oughta last the rest of my life.

 

[larry4406]

3P’s - pee, poop, paper

Avoid antibiotic soaps and powdered detergents for clothes and dishwasher.

 

[Rc_Guy]

I just bought my house. It has a septic system but I am not sure of the exact location of the tank. I can see where the field is by the green grass. I have a general idea of where the tank is. I bought the house at auction. Since I can't talk to the previous owners, any ideas how to find the tank? I'm guessing that I will have to have a plumber send a camera down the system with a locator attached. Any less costly methods without knowing for sure?

Sorry to hijack the thread.... we were kind of on topic and I know I need to get mine pumped.

maybe flush an airtag?

 

[aggie113]

My septic is an older (non-aerobic) type and the city won't let me repair it if needed. It's over 20 years old at this point and to keep it happy I do it every 3 years. One person in a house sized for 4. Also had the drain field tested a few years back to ensure it had good flow, brought about by the first company I hired to pump told me it had failed. I guess there were surprised when I hired another company to do the test... they have not been back to work on it.

 

[jhelrey]

Every three years, because the city I live in makes me.

 

[finn]

My area the health department recommends every 5 years.

Some counties near me, you have to send in a copy of the pump out manifest confirming compliance.

I fail to understand why system installers do not include tank risers with lids. This prevents all future yard damage and is an obvious reminder to folks as to what is beneath and where.

Newconstruction or a new tank and field requires a riser for access in our county now. It may be the entire state.

People are more likely to have the tank serviced because catastrophic failure if access is easy.

 

[finn]

Our house was built as a lakeside vacation house in 1990 with a 1000 gallon tank. We pumped it in 2014 for the first time when we put on an addition to convert it to a full time retirement home. The tank was pretty full after 24 years. In fact the pumper asked us very politely to not wait so long next time.

I had it pumped again in September, so about 11 1/2 years. Same pumper truck, but a new business owner / driver. He thought it could go another five years easily.

The PO did the shop tank pumping when I bought it in, I think, 2013. I had it done again in September too, largely because I thought it had only a 300 gallon tank. Ends up it’s essentially the same 1000 gallon tank I have a mile away at the house. Let’s just say we both agreed that tank will never have to be pumped again in my lifetime.