Many septic owners believe that if they haven't had any problems with their systems, they don't need to pump out their septic tanks. This is an unfortunate misconception. As your septic system is used, solid materials settle to the bottom of the tank, forming a sludge layer. Grease and lightweight materials float to the surface of the septic tank as scum. Normally, properly designed tanks have enough space for up to 3 years' safe accumulation of sludge. When the sludge level increases beyond this point, sewage has less time to settle properly before leaving the tank.
As the sludge level increases, more solid wastes escape into the drainfield. If the drainfield becomes so clogged that it cannot absorb liquid at the rate at which it enters the septic tank, the plumbing will "back up" or unsanitary wastewater will bubble to the surface. It is important to note that the drainfield will not fail immediately when a full tank is not pumped. However, continued neglect will result in costly system failure.
The chart below will help you estimate, in years, how often to have your septic tank pumped. It is based on the size of your tank and the number of people in your home.
Regardless of your individual pumping schedule, a septic system should be inspected every 3 years. Your septic tank should be pumped at a minimum of every 5 years.
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Household size
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Tank size
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1
|
2
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3
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4
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5
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6
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7
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8
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9
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10
|
|
500
|
5.8
|
2.6
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1.5
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1.0
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0.7
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0.4
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0.3
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0.2
|
0.1
|
--
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|
750
|
9.1
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4.2
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2.6
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1.8
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1.3
|
1.0
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0.7
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0.6
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0.4
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0.3
|
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1000
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12.4
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5.9
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3.7
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2.6
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2.0
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1.5
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1.2
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1.0
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0.8
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0.7
|
|
1250
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15.6
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7.5
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4.8
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3.4
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2.6
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2.0
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1.7
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1.4
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1.2
|
1.0
|
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1500
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18.9
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9.1
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5.9
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4.2
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3.3
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2.6
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2.1
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1.8
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1.5
|
1.3
|
|
1750
|
22.1
|
10.7
|
6.9
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5.0
|
3.9
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3.1
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2.6
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2.2
|
1.9
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1.6
|
|
2000
|
25.4
|
12.4
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8.0
|
5.9
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4.5
|
3.7
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3.1
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2.6
|
2.2
|
2.0
|
|
2250
|
28.6
|
14.0
|
9.1
|
6.7
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5.2
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4.2
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3.5
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3.0
|
2.6
|
2.3
|
|
2500
|
31.9
|
15.6
|
10.2
|
7.5
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5.9
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4.8
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4.0
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4.0
|
3.0
|
2.6
|
|
Note: More frequent pumping needed if garbage disposal is used.
Household Size (Number of People)
Tank Size (gallons)
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The most obvious signs of failures:
- Pooling of water or muddy soil around your septic tank or drainfield.
- Odors of sewage or a "rotten egg" smell around your septic tank or drainfield.
- Toilets, sinks and bathtubs backing up when you flush or do laundry.
- Gurgling sounds when you flush or do laundry.
- Slow draining toilets, sinks and bathtubs.
If you have any of these signs or believe your system is failing, contact the Health District immediately. You will be advised to fill out an application for a repair and submit it with the appropriate fee. Once the application is received, an inspector will be out within two days to inspect your system and to advise you as to the repair of that system. The homeowner or a professional installer can install the replacement septic system if it is a non-engineered system. A licensed installer is required to do the installation if the replacement septic system is required to be engineered due to soil types or space. Click here for more information on Alternative (engineered) Type On-Site Systems. Once the system has been repaired and before it is backfilled, the inspector will do a final check of the system. You will be sent a copy of the final inspection and the "as built," which shows the location of the repair.
If you have any questions regarding a failing on-site sewage system or you think your system may be failing, please give us a call immediately at 509.460.4205.
