How Often Should I Pump My Septic Tank?

I once worked at a place that had septic tanks cleaned every year regardless if the toilets were used or not. It was a small engine machine shop where we mostly only washed our hands, but the owners based our water usage to when to clean the septic. This was generally a bad idea because everytime the septic tank was cleaned there was not enough bacteria left and produced by the daily usage to work in the tank. Which caused our septic inspection to fail each year because they couldn't "smell" the right stuff and thought that everything was flowing out to the drain field. It got to a point that we had a teen temp video tape the whole operation for the inspector each year because no one believed us. Needless to say, once the fastfood places started to pop up around the site, there wasnt a problem with the inspector anymore. LOL

The best solution we've found is simply asking the septic pumping dude. When we get our septic tank pumped, we ask what they think and they're usually fairly nice and straight forward. Turns out when people work with crap everyday, they're typically not full of it.

That's what I tell people who ask as well. Depends on system and usage. Got a family member who now lives alone in a 12,000 sqft house that was built for family of 6 with 2500 gallon tank. 10 years and still not to 33% solids

I've lived on septic tanks my whole life and my parents are good about frequent pumping. Was told by the septic guy to pump more often if there are a lot of females in the home because of the high Toilet paper use

This was a great PSA! After spending $30k to replace the septic system when we purchased our home 18 years ago, I pump every year. As you mentioned, that filter needs to be cleaned every year. If I’m going to pop the lids to clean that filter, then the septic guy does it while he’s pumping the tank. 18+ years of service and still working like day 1!

I have seen them last forever and maintaining good levels. Towlet cleaner and some chemical detergents and or roots can definitely effect the life of the septic system in my opinion.

25 years ago, before my sister and left the nest, we moved into a new house. The tank was designed for a normal family of 4 to be cleaned every 3-5 years. My dad was a truck driver and only home on the weekends. I was working two jobs, and really only came home to shower and sleep, before I too started driving truck and was gone all week. So it was just my mom and sister at home all the time. Just before my sister and I moved out, I tested the alarm like I did every year, and it wasn't working. It was something minor. The service provider couldn't believe how little solid waste was in the tank after 5 years. My parents lived there another 7 years and never had to have it emptied.

Growing up in my childhood home I had no idea that we where on a septic. Mom never had it pumped. It was probably 40 years since it had been pumped

First off, don't even have a septic tank but really enjoy your videos for curiousity as wells as perspective from a fellow business owner. Thank you, I've learned a ton about common sense, kindness and transparency. Ever consider offering tank monitoring? Basically putting sensors and a GSM modem into customer tanks and letting them know they are full proactively? I'd pay for that.

I don’t have a septic system but I find this window you provide into your profession fascinating and wish more people would/could have channels like this. Like the TV show Dirty Jobs, most of us are blissfully ignorant of the work it takes to enjoy the level of civilization we take for granted and the people who maintain it.

With my company our Rule of thumbs is the average family of four and last about 4 to 5 years between pump outs but there are also extenuating circumstances in a lot of cases

I'm literally getting ready to build with septic. Now I know to pump it off every year. Thank you. I love your channel, you don't fuck around, you just tell the truth.

Moved to PA in 2016 and got a contract with the septic company bc I thought it was a good idea. Turns out it’s required and the township actually calls you every 2 years to remind you it’s time to pump your septic. Having had sewage backing up into my house once in my life, I’m happy to do anything to prevent it from happening again.

My parents septic tank has not been pumped since they built the house in 1984. Seven kids.

Does there exist a way for the septic installer to provide a better answer to the specific homeowner? Maybe a chart where you can look up "size of tank" versus "# of residents" to cross-index to a suggested service interval? Though, I imagine the age of the leaching field would impact that number up and down.

Taking a look every year is a great idea, but pumping interval depends highly on usage...i.e. occupancy and habits. A couple that treats their system right can easily go 10 years before pumping.

Man I wish yall where closer to my area (Jacksonville nc) I'd definitely hire yall for my septic needs you seem like you run a tight ship and straight forward

You raised some very good points, gave a well-considered suggestion, and explained why it should be done. You did this from your perspective not only as a septic business owner, but as a home owner who needs to understand why it'll save money in the long run to do an inspection & possible pump-job every year. Because it will save money in the long run. (I am so glad I stumbled across your TikToks a couple years ago, & it's great to see you on YouTube, too!)

Our county requires us to pump every 3 years. Sometimes I forget for a year or two. But I also had the installers put in a 4 bathroom gallon tank size for a conventional system. We only had 1 bathroom the first decade and now at 3. And I rinse the filter twice a year.

Wow, had no clue. New to the channel. My house is 30 years old, original system, never cleaned/pumped. We are cautious with what goes down (no extra grease, no taper towels, no feminine products, no wipes). I guess we’ve been very lucky. Can the inspection be done via the 4” pvc check? (I’m in Ga).