Homeowners looking to save some money on costly home repairs might need to pay extra attention to their septic tank systems.
Case in point: you will spend about $469 on septic tank pumping costs. Meanwhile, if you leave it overlooked, a total septic system replacement can cost you a whopping $5,750 to $11,500. That's thousands in potential savings we're talking about. Residential septic tanks need to be regularly inspected and pumped to avoid malfunctions.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly recommends septic tank inspection once every two to three years, with mechanical pumping every three to five years to empty the tank. However, systems that have heavy use can benefit from annual pumping.
What is Septic Tank Pumping?
Simply put, septic pumping removes all the sludge in the bottom of a tank. It is ideally done before the excessive sludge build-up already blocks the outlet pipe– where the liquid typically passes through into the drain field. If your septic system sees heavy usage, a septic service professional will advise you to pump your tanks when the floating scum layer (between the sludge and water) is anywhere near six inches from the outlet pipe.
At this point, you might be wondering, "how much does it cost to pump a septic tank?" or "how much does septic tank pumping cost?" Fortunately, you won't have to break the bank over septic tank pump-out costs compared to repairs.
Septic Tank Pumping Cost Overview
The average cost to pump a septic tank is $469. Expect to spend between $330 and $623 to have a septic tank pumped for a broader range. Of course, this still heavily depends on several factors, such as the size of your tank, usage, and maintenance.
Large-scale septic tank pumping costs may go up to $1,000 or more. Although some homeowners may seem like a daunting and stinky task, staying on top of your septic system upkeep is crucial. To ensure your septic tanks function correctly, have them pumped every two to three years. Doing so will also save you from costly septic replacement expenses at $5,750 to $11,500. (Related: Septic System: A Cost & Consumer Guide)
Factors Affecting Septic Tank Pumping Cost
Several factors increase the cost of having a septic tank pumped– two of them being the size and usage. Small tanks and tanks that are used frequently will need regular pumping. Let's discuss the other influential factors below so you can prepare your budget accordingly.
Size
Simply put, the size of your septic tank will determine the total cost of cleaning or pumping. On average, septic tank pump-out costs approximately $0.35 per gallon, with standard tanks ranging between 600 and 2,000 gallons in size. A 600-gallon septic tank will cost you $210 on average, while a 2,000 gallon-sized septic tank will run for $700 or more.
Accordingly, larger septic tanks can go for a while between cleanings, while smaller ones will need to be pumped more often to ensure optimal performance. Here's a quick overview of septic tank pumping prices based on their size:
Septic Tank Size (Gallons) | Average Costs |
|---|---|
600 - 750 Gallons | $210 - $345 |
800 - 1,000 Gallons | $258 - $460 |
1,250 - 1,500 Gallons | $316 - $575 |
1,750 - 2,000+ Gallons | $373 - $700+ |
Location
Another factor that may influence the price of septic tank pumping is the location of your property. Depending on where you live, you can ask around for three to five quotes from septic tank companies to know the average service rate in your location.
Having a septic tank pumped costs the cheapest in Minneapolis at $201 to $316. Meanwhile, the septic tank pumping cost in Jacksonville, Florida, and Concord, New Hampshire runs at $293 to $500. Notably, the average cost to get a septic tank pump is the most expensive in Portland, Oregon starting at $506 to $862.
Maintenance
As previously mentioned, it is ideal to have your septic tank pumped at least once in 3 to 5 years. However, the costs do not stop there alone. You will also need to allocate some funds for the necessary maintenance expenses. It will cost you somewhere between $115 and $1,150 on average.
Check the table below for a quick rundown of septic tank maintenance costs:
Septic Tank Maintenance | Average Costs |
|---|---|
Pumping | $230 - $920 |
Jetting | $172 - $460 |
Effluent Filter Cleaning | $115 - $172 |
Sewer Line Inspection | $287 - $1,437 |
Septic System Inspection (With no camera) | $115 - $575 |
Field Aeration | $1,150 - $2,300 |
Inspection
You will also need to have a septic system inspection, ranging from $115 to $1,035. It refers to a visual inspection of your septic tank system.
For a separate visual inspection of the lines, expect to pay $287 to $900. It is ideal if you are dealing with problems such as slow drains or having trouble identifying the source of the problem.
Usage
If your septic tank system sees heavy usage, it only means you will need to pump it more frequently. It’s that simple.
In particular, if you regularly use a lot of water daily, shove excess food down the garbage disposal, and invite a bunch of guests over for events– these are some signs you need to pump your tank often.
Pumping Frequency
We already discussed how more usage equates to a higher pumping frequency on your end. Now, the difference between spending $469 every two years from three to five years. It all boils down to how you manage your septic tank and leach field.
Fortunately, there are things you can follow to decrease your septic tank pumping frequency:
Emptying a Tank
Septic tank pumping doesn’t typically require you to do a complete drain out. You will only need to remove most of the sludge, which costs around $316 to $667 on average.
Unless you are moving, removing, or replacing your septic system, you do not need to drain the tank completely.
Septic Tank Cleaning
After the tank pumping process, it's always a good idea to give your septic tank a thorough cleaning. It will cost you somewhere between $115 and $920. If you're dealing with large commercial systems, expect to shell out some more on cleaning expenses.
Some homeowners tend to mix up septic tank pumping with cleaning. Let's shed light on the matter; pumping gets rid of the effluent. Meanwhile, cleaning removes any debris from the filters, pipes, and pumps.
What are the Benefits of Professional Septic Tank Pumping Services?
Although it is always tempting to do a DIY project to cut costs, it's better to leave the job to professionals. Keep in mind that you’re dealing with toxic sludge when it comes to pumping a septic tank. These need to be disposed of properly in designated containers, following safety protocols in mind.
The safest, most cost-effective route would be to hire a septic tank pumping professional in your area. Here are some other benefits you can expect by hiring a professional to get the job done:
At the end of the day, it’s best to discuss your home needs and options by getting a personalized quote from local septic tank pros.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Over time, sludge will build up at the bottom of your tank. If you do not pump your tank, the sludge will soon leak into the leach field and back into the pipes. Your tank might fail and eventually need to be replaced if it is not maintained and pumped.
Typically, the tank needs pumping every 3 to 5 years. However, factors such as tank size and the number of residents may require you to clean your tank sooner than usual.
A sign suggesting a full septic tank is if the smell comes from the tank and draining field. Another sign you can look for is backed-up sewage in your leach field or home.
We have listed what may happen if you cannot pump your septic tank within 3 to 5 years:
The primary cause of smelly tanks is clogged drains, a blocked venting system, and a full tank. Furthermore, it can also potentially cause harm to your health and your home.
A septic tank system could be expensive to repair, depending on the severity of its damage. A typical repair cost may range from $650 to $2,900, while significant repairs can even reach $5,000. It is one of the chores you don’t want to skip if you want to trim down some costs.
Final Thoughts
Septic tank pumping requires proper training, expertise, and in some areas– licenses. Hence, the best route is to hire a septic tank professional to get the job done.
Although it may seem dirty and time-consuming, tank pumping is essential to keep the entire system in good shape.
If you decide to overlook various septic tank issues, this may only cost you more on major repairs in the long run. As a responsible homeowner, it's best to be smart when it comes to necessary expenses.