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As a septic system owner, you should know that regular septic tank pumping is necessary. Maintenance is essential as the proper functioning of the entire system depends on it. Regular pumping will protect the environment from contamination and allow the system to work properly for a long time.
How often to pump the tank may depend on various factors. According to the US EPA (the United States Environmental Protection Agency), if the scum, for example, is within 6” of the outlet pipe, you must pump your septic tank.
However, the recommendations are to get your septic tank pumped every 3 years. Irregular septic tank cleaning and pumping can result in the need for a complete system replacement, which can cost you up to $10,000, compared to pumping, which is roughly about $375.
In the U.S., the number of septic tanks is vast. According to the American Ground Water Trust, about 35.7 million homes have a septic system installed. Therefore, many professional companies offer septic tank pumping and cleaning services.
In this regard, every septic system owner faces an essential question about septic tank pumping cost and also cleaning cost.
Average Cost To Pump A Septic Tank
The cost for pumping depends on how large the septic tank is. So, for example, the cost to pump a 750-gallon tank is about $250, and for a 1,250-gallon tank is about $895.
In short, prices for pumping and cleaning in the United States range on average between $295 and $610, with the average cost being around $375.
Septic Tank Cleaning Cost By Size
As we mentioned, the cost of septic tank cleaning is mainly determined by the size of the septic tank. It is essential to know what the septic tank’s exact size is.
Knowing the measure will help you figure out how often you will need to pump and clean the septic tank according to your family size and water usage and plan the necessary budget.
If you are going to buy a house, then be sure to ask the old owner or the real estate agent what the size of the tank is.
The budget you need to spend for septic tank pumping and cleaning services can vary greatly. It depends on the size of the septic tank, water usage, and the size of your family.
The larger the size of the septic tank and the larger your family, the higher the cost will be. Other factors that can affect the price are the choice of company to perform the services and whether there is any damage that needs to be repaired.
Below we give you approximate prices for septic tank pumping and cleaning, but keep in mind that these are for reference.
We recommend that you contact a professional company and request a custom offer:
- The price for a 750-gallon tank could be about $250
- The price for a 1000-gallon tank is about $370 – $400
- Pumping of a 1250-gallon tank can cost you about $470 – $500
Septic Tank Emptying Breakdown
When wastewater enters the septic tank, it is separated into three main layers:
- scum (oil and fats)
- effluent (liquid)
- sludge (solid waste)
In this regard, we will try to describe the approximate amount of solid and liquid waste to be cleaned, based on the average consumption of the residents.
Solid Waste
According to various studies, an average person in the United States consumes about one quart of food per day, most of it going directly into the septic tank. It means that the amount of solids that collect in the septic tank over a year is about 90 gallons.
So, for example, a family of four would produce about 135 gallons of solid waste. In this regard, if you are going to install a septic system, you should carefully consider the choice of septic tank size. We recommend that you consult with a professional company to help you make an informed choice.
According to septic tanks’ maintenance schedules and environmental regulations, no more than 30% of solids should fill the septic tank. Therefore, it is essential to plan for pumping and cleaning the septic tank accurately.
Liquid Waste
About 70% of the capacity of a septic tank is occupied by liquid waste. According to the US Geological Survey website, the estimated amount of water that people in the US use ranges between 80 and 100 gallons per day.
With the most common use being for:
- running a bath
- taking showers
- washing clothes
- running the dishwasher
- flushing the toilet
- drinking, cooking water
- washing the hands and face, etc.
Therefore, regular septic tank pumping and cleaning are crucial. It is related to the safe operation of the septic system. As we mentioned above, you must pump your tank every 3 years. If the septic tank is smaller and water usage is higher, it may be necessary to pump the tank more frequently.
Septic Tank Repair Costs
Unfortunately, there are occasions when the repair of septic systems is necessary. The reasons for this can be many and include irregular pumping.
The most common septic tank repairs that you may perform on your septic system are:
- filter replacement
- fittings
- pipes
- risers
- lids and others
The septic tank repair cost can vary over a wide range, depending on the type of damage and its complexity. The most common repairs we’ve described can cost you between $100 and $500.
Soil Fracturing
Fracturing is a technology that is used in difficult soil conditions. It serves to increase the efficiency of removal and on-site wastewater treatment techniques. The soil fracturing helps to enlarge existing fissures and introduce new fractures.
For this purpose, the professional company uses a 300-pound blast of air through a hollow tube in the ground, and the cost for the service can vary.
There are cases where septic tank pumping cannot be performed due to various conditions. In this case, we recommend cleaning the drain field lines, replacing the filter, and fracturing the soil. It will allow the septic tank to be pumped.
Note that all prices we have quoted you are approximate. Each system has specific requirements, and how much it would cost you to pump, clean, or repair depends on the condition of the septic tank, its size, and many other factors.
Our recommendations are to seek the assistance of a professional company to perform an inspection and provide you with a custom offer that meets the specifics of your septic system.