Septic tank pumping cost is not a yearly expense, but it is something many homeowners should plan and budget for. Unless you live in a jurisdiction with a municipal sewer system, your home probably uses a septic tank. These tanks are designed to step in for the municipal sewer system in places where homeowners don’t have access to it, so they’re prevalent in rural areas.
While septic tanks do a good job most of the time, they require routine maintenance to continue running smoothly. Pumping the tank to remove solid waste is an integral part of this routine maintenance process, as failing this step can open the door to a host of problems. This guide explores common costs associated with septic tank pumping to prepare you for what to expect.
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- Pumping a septic tank costs an average of $400.
- Add-ons, including repairs and maintenance, can drive the cost substantially higher.
- Pumping your septic tank is a job best left to professionals.
How Much Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost?
Pumping a septic tank costs anywhere from $255 to $600. Most homeowners pay around $400 to pump their septic tanks. However, various factors, including add-on services and tank size, can affect the total cost you pay to pump your septic tank.
| Low | Average | High |
| $255 | $400 | $600 |
Wondering how a septic system works? Watch the video below for a high-level explanation.
How Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost Differ By Add-Ons?
The cost of pumping your septic tank may rise based on the number of add-ons required to whip the system into tip-top shape. The more add-ons you need, the pricier it will be. Here are a few common add-ons and the average costs:
| Add-On | Average Cost |
| Additives | $20 – $200 |
| Clog removal | $1,700 |
| Field aeration | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Inspections | $685 |
| Maintenance | $100 – $1,000 |
| Overflow cleanup | $7 – $15 per square foot |
| Repairs | $100 – $4,000+ |
Additives
Septic tanks operate using a delicate balance of bacteria. This balance allows them to efficiently handle waste, including effluent, scum, and sludge flowing into the tank. However, when foreign substances like caustic cleaning chemicals end up in the system, it may stop operating as it should.
The foreign substances can affect the balance of good bacteria, causing the system to slow to a crawl. To boost activity, your septic professional may incorporate enzymes or other additives. These additives can cost anywhere from $20 to $200.
Clog Removal
Clogs can pose a significant threat to the overall functioning of your septic tank, rendering it useless if blockages are severe. Various incidents — from excessive food in the drain pipes to improper materials flushed down the toilet — can cause a clog. The clog may also arise from issues within the tank itself.
To remove a clog, professionals often jet the system, using pressurized water to blaze through the clog. On average, it costs about $1,700 to remove a clog from a septic tank setup. Of course, you might pay more or less based on factors specific to your situation.
Field Aeration
If you live in an area with high clay content in the soil, you may need to add field aeration to the task list. Aerating a leach field entails sending high-pressure streams of water into the ground, creating fissures and allowing water to drain better and faster.
It can be a pricey process, costing anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000.
Inspections
Sewer line inspections are occasionally necessary to ensure everything is running smoothly (the sewer line on a septic system connects the home’s indoor plumbing system to the septic tank). Septic professionals feed a sewer camera through the system’s pipes to get a good look at a problem or examine the system.
Generally, sewer line inspections cost around $685, although they may cost more or less depending on your scenario. That said, a camera inspection could help you save money in future repair costs by identifying problems when they’re still minor.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance and septic tank cleaning are essential to keep things running smoothly. If your septic tank is due for maintenance around the time you have it pumped, the costs may rise. The maintenance cost to restore your septic tank to good condition can vary drastically based on factors specific to your situation and can run anywhere from $100 to $1,000.
Overflow Cleanup
You may encounter overflow issues if you wait too long to pump your septic tank. In other cases, spills may occur due to broken or corroded pipes or tree roots impacting the septic setup.
When this happens, sewage and wastewater may end up in your yard, creating a hazardous environment. While homeowners can handle small spills with garden lime that breaks down the waste and minimizes odors, larger spills require professional assistance.
To have a professional clean up the sewage overflow, you can expect to pay between $7 and $15 per square foot. The larger the area requiring cleaning, the more expensive it’ll be.
Repairs
When your septic tank is on the fritz and fails to function efficiently, your septic inspector may discover a need for repairs. The exact repair will hinge on the problem but may include lid, pipe, and riser repairs. These repairs are simple and often cost less than $100.
However, more serious repairs, including repairing the tank or addressing compacted soil around the drain field can cost as much as $4,000 or more.
How Does Tank Size Affect Septic Tank Pumping Prices?
The size of your septic tank is a key factor in determining the cost of pumping it. The chart below offers a quick overview of national average costs based on size.
| Size (in gallons) | Cost |
| 750 | $175 – $300 |
| 1,000 | $225 – $400 |
| 1,250 | $275 – $500 |
| 1,500 | $345 – $600 |
| 1,750 | $400 – $700 |
750 Gallons
These tanks are the smallest of the bunch, featuring a 750-gallon capacity. They’re ideal for smaller homes of around 1,500 square feet or less or smaller families with a handful of people.
If you have numerous people living in a small space or routinely have guests over, you’ll likely need to pump this size tank more frequently, as it has a smaller capacity best suited to a few individuals.
Since this tank is smaller, both up-front costs and ongoing septic tank maintenance costs are lower. On average, pumping a tank of this size costs between $175 and $300.
1,000 Gallons
A 1,000-gallon tank is a step up from the 750-gallon size, offering more leeway for smaller families and homes. It’s ideal for small families with up to three bedrooms.
Since this tank has a larger capacity, homeowners can wait longer between pumping services. Most homeowners pay between $225 and $400 to have a 1,000-gallon septic tank pumped.
1,250 Gallons
A 1,250-gallon tank adds another 250 gallons of capacity, making it perfect for a medium to large family with average water usage. It works well for homes of up to 3,500 square feet with four bedrooms and can go quite a while between pumping services.
It costs anywhere from $275 to $500 on average to pump a septic tank of this size.
1,500 Gallons
This size tank is perfect for larger families or households that frequently host guests and use considerable water. Alternatively, it can be an excellent option for smaller families with lower water usage that don’t want to pump the tank as frequently.
On average, it costs anywhere from $345 to $600 to pump a 1,500-gallon septic tank.
1,750 Gallons
The 1,750-gallon septic tank is a behemoth, providing ample capacity to accommodate larger families with high water usage. These massive tanks usually require less frequent pumping, although some homeowners may need to do it more frequently than others.
Most homeowners pay between $400 and $700 to have a septic tank of this size pumped.
Which Factors Impact Septic Tank Pumping Cost Estimates?
Your septic tank pumping estimate may vary based on a handful of factors, including your location, pumping frequency, how well your tank is maintained, tank size, and what you drain or flush into the system.
Frequency
If you pump your septic tank more frequently, you’ll likely encounter fewer surprises and smaller amounts of waste. However, waiting about three to five years is usually best. The tank will usually be closer to full, which makes pumping more cost-effective.
However, depending on the number of people in your home, you may need more frequent inspection and pumping — along the lines of every two years if five or more people live in your home.
Location
The area where you live plays a pivotal role in the price you’ll pay to have your septic tank pumped. The cost varies drastically from urban areas to rural locations. Generally, the cost climbs with the cost of living.
For example, homeowners in Boise, Idaho, might pay as little as $200 to pump their septic tanks. On the other hand, in Portland, Oregon, residents might pay around $800 or more to pump their septic tanks.
Maintenance
A well-maintained septic tank is less likely to require extensive repairs than one that’s been neglected for years. By pumping your tank frequently, you can catch issues before they spiral out of control, saving you money in the long run.
Size of the Tank
The size of your septic tank plays a key role in the price of the service. Larger tanks are more expensive to pump as they contain more waste. Conversely, smaller tanks cost less to pump, as the job is quicker and more limited.
What You Put Down Your Drain or Flush
Putting solid foods down your drain and garbage disposal will add volume and materials that take a long time to break down in your septic system. These materials can build up in the bottom of the tank, so you may need to pay for more frequent pump-outs. Additionally, flushing “flushable” wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products will clog your septic tank over time.
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What Are the Benefits of Septic Tank Pumping?
Pumping your septic tank isn’t just essential for proper function but also offers many benefits. From preventing nasty emergencies to removing water contamination concerns due to septic tank issues, we’ll discuss below why septic tank pumping is critical.
Avoiding Unnecessary Expense
An overflowing septic tank that has gone far too long without a pumping service can do a number on your wallet. In many cases, a septic tank that hasn’t been pumped in too long can cause a host of problems, from damage to the tank and its parts to clogs and overflows that damage your landscaping. By pumping your septic tank regularly, you can avoid the hassle and expense of addressing problems, saving you money overall.
Preventing Nasty Emergencies
Staying on top of a septic tank pumping schedule helps ensure you don’t have to deal with nasty emergencies. For example, waiting too long to pump the tank can cause sewage to back up in the drains inside your home. This septic problem is smelly and unpleasant, often popping up first in the lowest drains of your house, like showers in the basement.
In addition, waiting too long to pump your septic tank can lead to issues with clogs and overflows, neither of which is particularly fun to deal with. The former can halt waste processing in your septic tank entirely, while the latter creates a smelly mess.
You can avert many unpleasant septic system emergencies by pumping your septic tank regularly.
Preventing Water Contamination
If your home uses a well and a septic tank, water contamination is something you must consider. A septic tank operates by ensuring solid waste sinks to the bottom of the tank but allows effluent, or liquid waste, to float to the tank’s surface. This liquid waste flows into the system’s drain field and filters down, eventually entering the groundwater that feeds your well.
If the tank becomes too full, the solid waste may end up in the drain field and clog the system. This can allow contaminants from the waste to end up in your well water. By pumping your septic tank regularly, you can eliminate this threat. However, periodically testing your well water is still a good idea to ensure it’s safe.
Professional vs. DIY Septic Tank Pumping
While some home projects are perfect for DIYers, septic tank pumping isn’t one of them. Here’s what to know about professional versus DIY septic tank pumping.
Doing Septic Tank Pumping Yourself
Pumping a septic tank isn’t a task for a homeowner to DIY — it falls into the realm of professionals-only tasks. To pump your tank yourself, you would need the correct equipment and an understanding of how to use it. On top of that, you’d end up with a substantial amount of biohazardous waste that you would need to dispose of in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
In addition, septic tanks produce methane gas, which isn’t safe to work around without proper knowledge and training. It creates a suffocation and fire hazard, so this job is best left to the pros.
Hiring a Professional for Septic Tank Pumping
Since the demand for septic tank pumping is high, plenty of plumbers, septic companies, and rooter services perform this activity. Here’s how to find and hire a professional to handle the task:
- Start the search: Do a quick internet search to find local businesses that offer septic tank plumbing.
- Talk to friends and family: Ask your neighbors, family, and friends about the provider that services their septic tanks.
- Check reviews: Browse reviews on each provider on sites like Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot. Look for the highest-rated providers and check each one’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) page for more information.
- Ask for estimates: Select a few of the top options and contact them for written estimates. Ask about what the price includes, such as filter cleaning or pipe inspection.
- Choose the best provider: Use the information you find and personalized estimates to select the provider that best fits your needs.
Looking for a plumber to pump your septic tank? Use our tool below to connect with a top-rated local contractor.
So, Is Septic Tank Pumping Worth It?
Pumping your septic tank is a crucial part of routine maintenance for a properly functioning septic system. Septic tanks require maintenance every few years at a minimum to ensure they operate as intended and to avoid costly and highly unpleasant problems that can sometimes be emergencies. So, stay on top of your septic tank pumping by scheduling regular services and paying the necessary cost.
FAQs About Septic Tank Pumping
How do I know if my septic tank is full?
Septic tanks often provide a few key signs indicating they’re full. For example, you might notice a strong, terrible smell in your yard around where the septic tank is located or leakage from your tank lid. You may experience sewage backups in your home, slow drainage, gurgling sounds in your pipes, or notice standing water in your yard. If you notice these things, your septic tank may be in dire straits and need pumping.
How much should be pumped out of a septic tank?
Septic tanks should contain a specific amount of liquid to ensure the system functions properly. When pumping the tank, professionals remove the effluent, sludge, and scum, but it quickly returns to its correct full fluid level once you begin using it again.
How often do you pump a septic tank?
The frequency necessary for septic tank pumping hinges on your household, but most require pumping every three to five years. Don’t skip pumping, as it will lead to costly repairs. With proper maintenance and pumping, your septic system can last for several decades to a lifetime.
What should I do if I have an overflow?
When your septic tank overflows, calling a plumber is usually your best course of action. Clogs, improper bacteria balances, and other complicated plumbing issues can lead to overflows, and, in many cases, they require the expertise of an experienced plumber. While you wait for the plumber to arrive, stop using the water in your house, as this will exacerbate the overflow.
