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Your garbage disposal will only affect the health of your septic tank if you’re using it too frequently, or filling it with organic waste that doesn’t fully break down. If the tank fills up with too many solids, the bacteria won’t have enough time to consume it before more is added, which can lead to an overflow in the drain field. Your tank will need to be pumped more frequently with excessive or improper garbage disposal use.

The average cost to pump a septic tank is around $550, though prices can range from $250 to over $1,250. The final cost depends on several factors, including the size of your tank, how full it is, and your geographic location. For example, pumping a small tank might cost between $290 and $530, while a larger 1,750-gallon tank could cost $600 or more. Prices also vary by region; for instance, costs in Minneapolis range from $175 to $275, while in Portland, they can be between $440 and $750. Regular pumping is essential to prevent waste buildup, which can lead to backups and damage to your drain field.

It only takes a few days for a septic tank to fill with water after a pro has pumped it. This is completely normal, and the water is a vital part of your septic system’s wastewater treatment process. The water that fills your tank days after pumping is not the same as the tank being filled with waste. You shouldn’t have to pump your septic system more than once every three to five years unless you have a tank that’s too small for your home’s water output or there’s a problem with your leach field. 

To keep your septic tank healthy, be careful of what you flush and be conservative with water usage, as even flushing too much water down the drain can throw off the septic system’s delicate balance. Never flush anything but human waste and toilet paper down your toilet, and be sure to have the tank inspected and pumped every two to five years, depending on the size of your household and your water usage.