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...
Seller Says "Too Bad" Seller Says “Too Bad” After Homebuyers Find Rotting Septic Tank Under Plywood (From Pumper Magazine, October 23, 2018) A news organization in Cortland Manor,...
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....
  • Septic Repairs We're here because nobody else wants to handle other folks' waste, but somebody must. We do the...
  • What Does SOS Do? Just a quick note to let you know what we are doing to improve our value to you,...
  • Failed Septic System A system that is used conservatively and maintained regularly by pumping the septic tank can last a very...
  • Septic Tank All septic systems consist of two parts: the septic tank and the soil absorption system. Septic tanks with...
  • Septic System Plumbing We offer the best service for plumbing and septic system needs. Whether you have residential or...