When to schedule a pump-out
- It's been three years or more, or you don't know when it was last done
- Drains are slow across the house
- Sewage smell near the tank
- Before a real estate inspection, a repair, or a drain field evaluation
- Your treatment unit's service schedule calls for it
What happens during pumping
- Locate and uncover the lid(s). Many tanks have two compartments with separate lids.
- Pump out sludge, scum and liquid with a vacuum truck.
- Look at the tank: baffles, outlet filter, cracks, and signs that the field is pushing water back.
- Close up and give you a record. Keep it for your files and for any future home sale.
Making the time between pumpings count
- Spread out laundry loads instead of doing them all in one day.
- Fix running toilets and dripping faucets. Extra water pushes solids toward the field.
- Keep grease, wipes, paper towels and chemicals out of drains.
- Don't drive or park on the tank or drain field.
Source: EPA, How to Care for Your Septic System. Related: inspections · repair
Septic pumping FAQ
How often should I pump?
The U.S. EPA says household tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. A household with more people, a smaller tank, a garbage disposal or heavy water use may need it more often. Your contractor can measure sludge and scum levels and suggest an interval.
Do I need to be home?
Not always, but the crew needs to find the lid. If you know where it is, mark it. If you have a site plan or past pumping receipt that shows the tank location, have it ready.
Should I use septic additives?
The U.S. EPA does not recommend septic tank additives for household systems. It says the tank already holds plenty of bacteria and enzymes, and that additives can be ineffective or even harm the system. Regular pumping is what keeps solids out of the drain field.
Does pumping fix a backup?
If the tank is simply full, pumping relieves it. If the tank is fine and drains still back up, the problem may be the line from the house, a clogged outlet filter or baffle, or the drain field.