Pumping Frequencies

This table 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)
size, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
gals. (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.





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