Septic tank pumping: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What septic tank pumping is

Septic tank pumping removes built-up sludge and scum from a septic tank with a vacuum truck, then checks the tank condition and the inlet and outlet baffles. Pumping on a regular schedule keeps solids out of the drain field, which is the hardest part of the system to repair.

Signs you need it

  • The tank has not been pumped for a long time, and the household uses the system every day
  • Drains are slow or gurgle, and the toilets take longer to clear than they used to
  • Sewage smells come up near the tank or the drain field
  • The pump alarm or the high-water alarm has gone off, which can mean the tank is full
  • Wastewater is standing or surfacing near the tank lids or over the tank

What the pro does

  • Locate the tank and the access lids, and expose the lids if they are buried
  • Measure the sludge and scum layers in the tank, so the pro knows how full it was and how much was removed
  • Pump the tank with a vacuum truck, removing the liquid, the sludge and the scum
  • Check the inlet and outlet baffles and the effluent filter, and clean or replace the filter if needed
  • Check the tank for cracks, leaks, root intrusion and the condition of the lids
  • Give the customer a written record of the pumping date, the levels and any problems found

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Tank size, since larger tanks take longer and more material to empty
  • How full the tank was, and how much sludge and scum had built up
  • Access to the tank, including buried lids, tight yards and long hose runs to the truck
  • Whether the baffles and the effluent filter need cleaning or replacing
  • Disposal of the pumped material at a licensed facility, as required by the local rules
  • Whether a tank inspection, a crack repair or a lid repair is added to the visit

What a written quote should spell out

  • Tank size and the level measured before and after pumping
  • Pumping method and the disposal of the pumped material
  • Baffle and effluent filter checks, and any cleaning or replacement
  • Tank condition notes, including cracks, leaks and lids
  • Written record with the pumping date and the next recommended pumping

Questions to ask before you hire

  • How big is my tank, and how full was it when you pumped?
  • Did you check the baffles and the effluent filter, and what did you find?
  • Did you see any cracks, leaks or root intrusion in the tank?
  • When should I pump again, based on the tank size and my household?
  • Do you give a written record of the pumping?
  • Where does the pumped material go, and is it handled to the local rules?

Red flags

  • Pro who pumps the tank without checking the baffles or the outlet
  • Pro who says the tank needs pumping every year without measuring the sludge level
  • Pro who drives the truck over the drain field or the tank lids, which can crush the lids or the field
  • Pro who will not give a written pumping record

What you can do yourself

A homeowner should not open a septic tank or enter it. The gas inside can be lethal, and the lids and the tank are heavy. Keep a log of pumping dates, avoid flushing wipes and grease, and call a licensed septic pumper for the tank.

Licenses and permits

Septic tank pumping is commonly done by licensed or certified septic service companies, and the disposal of pumped material follows local rules. Check with your state or local licensing agency and the local health department for the requirements that apply to your tank.

Septic tank pumping questions

How often should a septic tank be pumped?

It depends on the tank size, the number of people in the home, and what goes into the drains. The pro can measure the sludge and give you an interval based on your tank.

Why does pumping matter if the tank looks fine?

Solids build up out of sight. When they reach the outlet, they carry into the drain field and can clog the soil, which is the hardest repair to make.

Can I add something to avoid pumping?

Additives do not remove sludge and are not a replacement for pumping. Ask the pro whether any product is useful for your system.

What happens to the material that is pumped out?

It is taken to a disposal site that is permitted to accept septage. The pro should tell you where it goes and keep the record.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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