Septic Tank SOS: How Long Before You Need A Pump-Out?

If you’re new to septic ownership or trying to brush up on your knowledge of septic care, you may ask the question, “How long can a septic tank go without being pumped?” The answer to this question is one that is vital to the health of your septic system and helps you save money at the same time. The pros at Acme share their response with you today. 

Septic tanks are one of the most commonly used forms of residential and commercial wastewater treatment. These indispensable components of our home’s wastewater journey serve homes and businesses by containing and treating the wastewater that is produced from our showers, sinks, and toilets. 

Once waste flows into a septic tank, it is treated with the purpose of making it suitable to rejoin natural water sources. Septic tanks truly do the “dirty work” so that our community and ecosystem can remain as toxin-free as possible. 

How can homeowners ensure that their septic system remains functional and serves its purpose to the highest degree? There are many ways, but septic pump-outs are one of the most effective. So, how long can a septic tank go without being pumped? Let’s take a look at the answer. 

Septic Pump-Outs 101 

What is a septic pump-out? This service is performed by a commercial septic company with access to professional equipment, such as pump-trucks, sewer jets, and cleaning tools. When a septic company pumps your septic tank, they first remove all of the solid and liquid waste from the tank. Following this step, the walls of the tank are cleaned with water and other treatment chemicals. Once the cleaning process is complete, your septic tank will be inspected for any signs of wear or damage. 

Septic pump-outs help homeowners avoid greater problems with their septic tanks in the future, such as frequent clogs, septic backups, overflow, and damage to their septic tank or drain field. 

Frequency Of Septic Pump-Outs

Septic pump-outs should be performed at least once every 3-5 years. The frequency of your septic pump-out may depend on the type and size of your septic tank, and the size of your household. 

One way to determine how often you may need a septic pump-out is by considering how many people live in your home. A four-bedroom home with five occupants would likely need a higher frequency of septic pump-outs compared to a household of the same size with fewer occupants. 

The Real Cost Of Inconsistent Septic Pump-Outs

Some homeowners may believe that they are saving money by extending the time between septic pump-outs, but this is a risky idea for several reasons. One, infrequent pump-outs can result in built-up waste that clogs the tank, pipes, ducts, and other components of your septic system. Poorly managed septic waste can increase the negative impact on the environment through leakage, overflow, and insufficient toxin removal. 

Secondly, infrequent pump-outs also increase the chances of breakdown and damage to your septic tank going undetected. If necessary septic issues are not addressed, it can end up costing you a lot more in repairs. If septic damage goes too long without being resolved, you may need to replace your septic tank, drain field, or both. 

The cost of a septic pump-out is generally $250-$500. In comparison, repairs and replacement can cost anywhere from $3,000-$15,000, and the prices keep rising the worse the damage is. 

Have Your Septic Up And Running In No Time

Beyond the extra cost of getting a septic pump-out, septic owners may put off appointments due to a busy schedule. If you’re worried about not being able to fit a septic pump-out into your weekly routine, don’t be. Septic pump-outs only take about 30 minutes to one hour. They aren’t an all-day process, and you won’t need to clear your calendar on the day of the appointment.

If you need an extra reminder for an appointment, sign up for our automated appointment reminders via email or text message. 

Allow Acme To Throw Your Septic System A Lifeline 

Don’t wait until you have to send out a “save our system” alert! Schedule regular pump-outs within the recommended time frame for damage control, financial savings, and a happy, healthy septic system. 

Contact us for professional pump-outs and any other septic services today.