Pumping vs. Cleaning

Septic tank pumping frequency varies from one household to another. On average, septic tanks should be cleaned once every three years. Smaller septic tanks should be cleaned once a year.

In general, the septic tank pumping schedule is based on the size of the tank, the size of the household, and the level of usage.

It helps to know the signs when your septic tank needs pumping out:

• your kitchen sink drains, bathroom drains, and toilets are running slow

• you see a wastewater backup in your sewer line

• there’s a pool of water over your drain field

• a foul odor is present in your home

It is important that a septic system should be checked regularly to keep it working properly. Leaving it unchecked for several years could lead to costly repairs.

Of course, any homeowner can do periodic septic system check-ups. All they need to do is measure the distance between the scum layer and the outlet pipe, which is about 6 inches according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

However, there are health and safety hazards involved when measuring the scum level on septic tanks. We highly recommend leaving this task to a certified septic services contractor. They have the proper equipment and trained personnel to get the work done.

The cost of septic tank pumping varies depending upon the size of your septic tank, amount of labor hours, and material costs incurred while on the job site.

At Donaven’s, we pride ourselves on our upfront, honest pricing that you receive at the time of your estimate. We are confident in our years of experience, so we can give you accurate estimates.