How Much Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost?
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Septic tank pumping costs about $400. It is an essential maintenance task to keep your wastewater system in working order.
Septic tanks need to be pumped every two to three years to keep working properly. Done on time, the service costs a few hundred dollars. But left for decades, septic cleaning can turn into septic replacement and cost you $5,000 to $10,000.
Here's what you need to know about septic tanks, also sometimes called sewage tanks, and how they work.
How a Septic Tank Works
Unlike an urban sewer system that runs wastewater into a central drainage system, septic tanks are a house-by-house system. Their capacity is based on the size of your home, and they are the ultimate destination for all your house’s wastewater – from bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets and washing machines.
Most tanks rely on gravity to work. Wastewater flows into the tank, which is buried in the ground outside your home, and water in turn is carried from the tank to a drainage field using sloped pipes.
What Happens to Waste In a Tank
When wastewater enters your septic tank, it naturally divides into three parts:
Solids sink to the bottom and form a sludge layer.
Liquids stay in the middle and form a layer of mostly water.
Oils and fat rise to the top and form a scum layer.
The liquid layer accounts for 90 percent of your tank's capacity, meaning excess water use can affect the tank's performance over time.
Ideally, water in your sewage tank flows through in the course of several days while materials on the bottom are broken down by bacteria. Water is then carried through drain pipes to the drainage (or leach) field, where it is distributed into the soil. The size of your drainage field depends on the type of soil. Clay, for instance, holds a limited amount of water.
Septic Tank Pumping
The sludge at your tank’s bottom requires periodic septic cleaning or pumping. Even the best bacteria can’t fully break down all organic material, meaning it will start to build up and take more of the tank's space. If there's not enough room for water, the sludge will start to back up into leach field, your home’s pipes or may cause a tank failure.
Homeowners can clean out their septic tanks, but you will need to store the sludge for transport and safely dispose of it. Professional septic tank cleaners come with a tank truck that hooks up to your septic system and removes its contents, then transports it all safely off your property.
Average Septic Tank Pumping Cost
The average cost to clean a septic tank is $400. Most jobs range between $300 and $500.
Septic Tank Maintenance
There are several ways to keep cleaning costs lower and limit the chance of a broken tank:
1. Create a diagram showing your home in relation to the tank, along with distances and depth.
2. Knowing exactly where your tank is will let you tell your cleaner exactly where to dig and find your tank quickly in an emergency.
3. Don't park cars or build structures atop the tank, as this increases pressure and may cause a rupture.
4. Don't plant anything in your drainage field. Natural grass is the best choice.
5. Watch what you put down the drain. Baby wipes, diapers and paper towels can clog pipes, while harsh chemicals may kill helpful sludge bacteria, resulting in a backup.
Going Pro
Call several plumbing contractors in your area for estimates, and check Angie’s List to find reputable providers. Ideally, look for a company that does tank maintenance in addition to septic pumping, as they can to spot problems along with signs of wear and tear.
Read any agreement carefully. Where will they take your waste, and what will they do with it? While a low price or "special deal" may seem good upfront, fly-by-night companies may damage your tank when trying to drain it as quickly as possible.
To keep a septic tank in good working order, schedule cleanings every two to three years with a reputable provider.
Do you have a septic tank, and if so, how much cleaning does it require? Tell us about it in the comments below.