Septic Tank Pumping Cost
| Typical Cost | $300 |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $200–$400 |
| Low End | $150 |
| High End | $700 |
Cost to Pump a Septic Tank
It typically costs about $300 to pump a septic tank. While prices often range from about $200 to $400, some septic pumping projects can cost upward of $700. The total cost of your project will depend on labor rates in your area, the complexity of the job and any replacement parts you may need.
Table of Contents:- How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?
- How do septic tanks work?
- What is the process of pumping a septic tank?
- How much do different types of septic tank repairs cost?
If you use a septic tank for your home plumbing system, having it cleaned about every three years is essential. The last thing anyone wants is to suddenly be confronted with clogged toilets and drains and unseemly smells — or a hefty repair bill. To keep your maintenance costs down and your plumbing in working order, periodically having a professional pump your septic tank is a must. And although the terms are often used interchangeably, technically speaking, there is a difference between pumping and cleaning your septic tank. Pumping involves simply getting rid of the liquid waste in your tank, while a good septic tank cleaning should be done every few years to get rid of the solid waste as well. While you search for a septic tank contractor, it’s a good idea to confirm what services the company offers. You should also contact a few different companies to ensure you get a fair price for your area.
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Even if you’ve been relying on a septic system for years, you may not know exactly how it works. Unlike plumbing systems hooked up to municipal water and sewage lines, septic tanks contain household waste underground. Over time, a layer of solid waste forms on the bottom of the tank, followed by a layer of sludge and liquid waste above. Liquid waste is allowed to gradually seep out of the tank into a drain field, where bacteria naturally decontaminates it. But the solid waste and sludge in the tank accumulate and must be cleaned out.
The frequency with which you’ll need to have your septic tank pumped depends on the size of your household, as well as the size of your tank. A 1,000-gallon tank is standard for a midsize household, although some houses have 2,000-gallon or larger tanks. Again, having your septic tank cleaned every three years is a good rule to go by. But for households with several people, it may be necessary to have the septic tank cleaned every one to two years. And houses with just a couple of people and a sizable tank may be able to go up to five years between cleanings. If you notice clogged drains or unpleasant odors, you’ve likely gone too long without getting your tank pumped. Keep in mind that having regular inspections will likely keep your septic tank cleaning costs down, as you’ll avoid costly repairs.
What is the process of pumping a septic tank?Cleaning a septic tank is a highly intensive process that requires the skill of a professional. Working on a septic tank can be dangerous if the right precautions are not taken; no one should ever go inside a septic tank, and professionals must wear masks to protect against potentially deadly methane gas. In the case of a very old or poorly maintained septic tank, properly identifying its location and safely cleaning it can be very difficult. Your contractor should have the training and experience to handle these situations.
Before cleaning, your contractor will need to inspect the septic tank and drain field. This is to assess if the tank needs any repairs, if there’s been any contamination in the drain field and how much waste needs to be pumped. In fact, it can be wise to have your septic tank inspected annually, to find any issues early on and ensure you’re getting it pumped as often as you should. During inspection, your contractor will use a camera and special measuring tools to assess the state of your tank and whether it needs cleaning.
Once inspection is completed, your contractor can begin pumping solid waste out of your septic tank. Your pipes leading to the leach field may also need to be cleaned out, especially if any solid waste has begun entering them. The whole process of inspection and septic cleaning will usually take about three to four hours. The waste from your septic tank will then need to be transported to a local waste facility, which your contractor may or may not charge extra for.
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If your septic tank is damaged or simply getting a bit old, you may need to factor in the cost of repair work. Most repairs, like replacing the filter or some of the drain pipes, cost between $100 and $500. Repairing your existing septic system, however, is usually a lot more affordable than installing an entirely new tank, which can cost thousands of dollars.
Your contractor may also determine that your drain field is no longer functioning properly. In this case, your contractor might try soil fracturing to rejuvenate it. Soil fracturing typically costs between $1,000 and $4,000, and involves blasting oxygen at a high pressure into the soil to create a number of tiny openings. This allows for better drainage, and the extra oxygen will also help aerobic bacteria thrive. These bacteria help break down waste and decontaminate it.