Pumping Frequencies

The table below provides an estimate of pumping frequency in years, based on the size of the first tank in gallons, and the number of people in the house.

Tank Household size (number of people)
Tank Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Gallons                  (Years between pumping listed below)
500 6.0 2.5 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.1
750 9.0 4.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5
900 11.0 5.0 3.5 2.5 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 0.5
1000 12.5 6.0 3.5 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0
1250 15.5 7.5 5.0 3.5 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.0
1500 19.0 9.0 6.0 4.0 3.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 1.5
1750 22.0 10.5 7.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.5 2.0 2.0
2000 25.5 12.5 8.0 6.0 4.5 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0
2250 28.5 14.0 9.0 6.5 5.0 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5
2500 31.9 15.5 10.0 7.5 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.5 3.0

* Most aerobic systems have trash tanks smaller than 500 gallons

NOTE: More frequent pumping is needed if you use a garbage disposal or thick multi-ply toilet papers.

Septic tanks don't fail immediately if they are not pumped. They will, however, continue to fill with solids and may back up sewage in the house, or accelerate failure of your components downstream.

It is much cheaper to maintain your system than repair (or replace) it.
-- To replace just the septic field could cost thousands of dollars or more.
-- To replace your septic system often costs tens of thousands of dollars.






Previous Article : Service Plans - - Next Article : Pumping Chart

Featured Articles
Providing Quality Service...Guaranteed In the Greater Austin Area of Travis, Hays, Williamson, Burnet, & Bastrop Counties , Sunset Valley, Jonestown, Round Rock, San Marcos, Bear Creek, Hays County, Waterloo, Cedar Park, Leander, Bell County, Misc Locations.
Call (512) 338-1804 for fast, dependable service.
Aerobic System Pumping Aerobic Treatment Units (ATU) generally require more frequent pumping than do septic tanks of comparable size. There are 2 reasons: The...
Maintenance Here's a logical fact of life regarding septic systems: All septic systems require maintenance to keep them working correctly and to ensure their long life....
Improved Efficiency - Public And Private (Rare story: A public agency and private company work together to improve efficiency for themselves AND their customers.) Background:   Since the State-wide change in...
  • Septic System Perc The percolation test is only a small part of a complete site evaluation, but it is vital...
  • Septic System Cost Snowden Onsite Septic, Inc. (SOS) is able to offer a better approach to service that can improve the...
  • Septic System Problems As a septic system owner you are responsible for ensuring that your septic system is safe and working...
  • Septic Tank Cleaners SOS has recently added Pumping & Cleaning Services. The SOS difference: Our BRAND NEW truck is low...
  • Septic System Service Planned Service AgreementsSnowden Onsite Septic, Inc. (SOS) is able to offer a better approach to service that can...