
How frequently you should have your system pumped depends on a number of factors:
- The size of your tank.
- How many people use your tank.
- If someone is taking a lot of medication, that can affect the good bacteria in your tank. You don’t want to harm your “good” germs.
- If washing machines, water softeners, garbage disposals, or any other gray-water or wastewater producing appliances are in use.
Most septic tanks should be pumped every 1 to 3 years on average. Solids must be pumped out of the tank to ensure they aren’t carried out into your drainfield and clog it. Clogging can at worst cause a system failure and at best, the system functions poorly – both scenarios are to be avoided.