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No. You should never empty a septic tank yourself because it involves working with specialized equipment (that you probably don’t have) and puts you at risk of breathing in toxic fumes. Plus, once you’ve removed the waste, you’ll need to transport it and dispose of it safely. Instead, call an expert for this job. On average, hiring a pro to pump a septic tank costs $550.

Roto-Rooter does not charge by the hour, so the quote you get after your in-person consultation should cover the whole project. This includes the time it takes a technician to get to your house and the time it takes to complete the job. For context, a plumber will charge anywhere from $45 to $200 per hour, but you may also pay a service fee or flat fee. 

A septic tank lid is often 1 foot underground, but it could be just 4 inches from the surface or 4 feet deep. For septic tank lids that are closer to the surface, you’ll have an easier time locating them just by looking for signs in the yard or using a metal probe. But for septic tanks that are buried deeper underground, you’ll need to hire a pro with specialized equipment to track down the lid without risk of damaging utility lines.

A septic system can fail for various reasons, and most commonly, excessive water use or sudden surges in wastewater can overwhelm the system's capacity. Neglecting regular maintenance, like tank pumping and inspections, can also lead to clogs, leaks, and eventual breakdowns. Other issues that lead to failure include age-related wear and tear, root infiltration, improper disposal of non-biodegradable materials or chemicals into the system, unsuitable soil conditions, physical damage, and even environmental factors like flooding or soil erosion.