Waiting too long to have a septic pump-out can be a huge disaster. A general recommendation is to have your tank pumped every three to five years. However, there are four variables that can alter that recommendation and help you determine what the appropriate timetable is for you and your septic tank. They are:
- Household size
- Wastewater generated
- Volume of solids in wastewater
- Septic tank size
When it comes to household size, it is no surprise that the more people who are living in your home, the more waste your produce. Consequently, a more frequent septic pump-out is required. Septic tank size is also directly correlated to how often to pump based on your household size. The chart below is based on research conducted at Penn State University. You can refer to the chart based on the number that fits the lifestyle of your residence.
A commonly asked question is how often to pump out the septic tank at a part-time home. If you own a part-time or summer home, you can refer to the following example to determine the frequency of septic pump-outs required.
If you have 4 people in a residence with a 1,250-gallon tank, according to the table above, you would require a septic pump-out every 3.4 years, or approximately 40 months. However, if your property is only occupied by those 4 people 6 out of the 12 months of the year, you would divide 40 months / 0.5 because the home is occupied for half of the year. Your result would come to 80, meaning you can go about 80 months between septic pump-outs.
For more precise readings and measurements, give us a call at Averett Septic Tank Co Inc. Our trained employees are ready and willing to help.