How Much Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost?
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Tank pumping is part of routine septic maintenance. The cost of cleaning a septic tank falls between $287 and $555, with a national average septic tank pumping cost of $409.
- Typical Range: $287 to $555
- National Average: $409
A small homestead may sound like a dream for many homeowners interested in off-grid living, but such a lifestyle comes with its challenges. For example, if a house isn’t connected to municipal sewer lines, affordable and safe waste treatment can be a serious hurdle. For many homesteaders, a well-maintained and routinely pumped septic system is usually the answer.
How much does it cost to get a septic tank pumped? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the average septic tank pumping cost falls within a typical range of $287 to $555, with a national average of $409. There are a number of factors that influence the cost, including tank size, tank usage, pumping frequency, and geographic location.
Homeowners who are curious about the price of septic tank pumping can use this guide to estimate their tank’s pumping cost, spot signs that suggest pumping is needed, and save as much as possible on the job.
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Factors in Calculating Septic Tank Pumping Cost
Those considering a move to a home in the country might have a common question: How much does it cost to pump a septic tank? The truth is, it varies. The size of the tank, the frequency of pumping, and the geographic location all play a role in determining the cost of septic tank pumping, both initially and over time.
On average, though, septic tank pumping cost falls around $409, or within a typical range of $287 to $555. There are four top factors that influence the average cost of septic pumping.
Tank Size
Tank size is one of the most important factors in determining how much septic tank pumping will cost. For example, pumping a smaller 600-gallon septic tank may cost as little as $175, but for a much larger tank that holds 2,000 gallons, a homeowner can expect to pay $600 or more.
The reason larger tanks cost more to pump is simple. The larger the tank, the more waste it can hold, and that takes longer to pump out. Professionals charge by job scope, so a job that takes longer will almost certainly cost more than one that takes less time.
Tank Usage
Septic tank pumping is an ongoing maintenance service. A tank that fills up frequently will need more maintenance than one that fills up more slowly. This may not incur a higher cost per service, but it will make septic tank pumping more expensive over time compared to pumping a tank with less usage.
While it makes sense that a homeowner who hosts a lot of parties or has frequent guests may have a tank with higher usage, the expense for septic tank pumping isn’t just about people or trips to the bathroom. A home that uses large amounts of water, such as for taking long showers, washing dishes, or pre-soaking clothes before putting them in the washing machine, is apt to experience high tank usage. Similarly, those who put food down the garbage disposal more than others generally experience higher tank usage as well.
It’s important for homeowners to remember that septic tanks collect water from everywhere inside a home, including the toilet, shower, bathroom sink, and kitchen sink. So whether a homeowner and their guests flush a lot, or the dishwasher is run frequently, it’s more likely that a tank will need additional pumping compared to a home with minimal bathroom trips and fewer dishwasher cycles.
Pumping Frequency
In addition to tank usage, the frequency at which a septic tank is pumped will have an overall influence on how much it costs to maintain the system. Experts recommend that homeowners get their septic tanks pumped every 3 to 5 years, although some tanks may last 10 years before pumping is necessary. The more often a tank needs this maintenance, the more its lifetime pumping costs will be.
How often a tank needs to be pumped depends on several factors, the most important being tank size. Other influential factors include how wastewater is generated in the home, whether water-saving appliances and devices are installed, and whether composting food waste is part of the homeowner’s daily routine.
While a septic system should be inspected annually, the number of people relying on the system often determines the frequency of pumping. For example, a home with a single resident may only need a pumping service every 5 years, while a home with two to three residents will likely need service every 3 to 4 years. A home with four or five residents will generally need to call a septic tank professional for pumping services within 2 years.
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Geographic Location
Septic tank pumping costs vary by geographic location. As a general rule of thumb, homeowners can expect to pay more in areas with higher costs of living. Septic tank pumping costs are usually higher in more populated areas than they are in more rural ones. This is usually good news for city dwellers, since septic tank systems are less common in heavily populated areas.
A few examples will help homeowners estimate septic tank pumping cost by location. In Jacksonville, Florida, the average septic tank pumping costs between $245 and $435; the price is generally the same in Long Island, New York, where homeowners can expect to pay between $275 and $515. Pumping services are more affordable in Denver, Colorado, with a range between $260 and $350. How much does a septic pump cost in Minneapolis, Minnesota? The average tank pumping session in the City of Lakes falls between $175 and $275. Homeowners in Portland, Oregon, usually face the highest average septic pumping cost by location, with a range of $440 to $750.
Additional Costs and Considerations
What is the cost to get a septic tank pumped? Besides tank size, usage, and pumping frequency, there are a few other considerations for homeowners to keep in mind when determining the cost of initial septic tank pumping and lifetime maintenance.
Maintenance
A homeowner should expect to pay between $100 to $1,000 for septic system maintenance, which includes inspections. A septic system should be routinely inspected every 1 to 3 years. It’s important to note that during these inspections, potential issues or problems may lead to an unexpected maintenance task or repair that adds to the overall cost.
A simple inspection costs between $100 and $900. Though every company’s process is unique, a standard septic tank inspection involves locating and assessing the septic tank, distribution box, and absorption area. All the system’s mechanical and electrical components are inspected, including septic lines, baffles, pumps, floats, alarms, and filters.
An inspection that goes well and doesn’t incur any additional costs might feel like a waste of money to a homeowner who paid for the appointment, but regular inspections are the first wall of protection when it comes to septic system maintenance and will help prevent issues down the line.
Clog Removal
Whenever a drain in a septic system is clogged, serious problems can quickly develop. There are many potential causes behind a clog, including improper materials that have been flushed down the toilet or excessive amounts of food that have been pushed through the drain. Another type of clog can occur within the tank itself. As soil filters the water and removes bacteria, the water heads through a pipe leading into the drain field. If this becomes clogged, the tank can begin to fill up without draining the water and eventually force it back into the home.
One way to remove a clog is by jetting the system. This is a procedure that uses pressurized water at the end of a septic jetting line and cleans the clogged line quickly. Pressured water forces any debris within the lines to dislodge and unclog. The average cost for this process is between $150 and $450.
Sewer Line Inspection
A sewer line inspection is typically done with a sewer camera, which can get a close-up view of what’s going on throughout the system, even where human hands and eyes can’t reach. This is especially useful when checking out an older system that may not have been in use for a while or when trying to find the source of a clog. A sewer line inspection typically costs between $250 and $1,400.
Field Aeration
Field aeration is a process that involves injecting compressed air into a septic tank to break down solid waste and allow it to move more efficiently through the system. The technique involves a machine that shoots high-pressure water down into the soil. This creates fractures in the soil, which in turn allows for better water drainage. The technique is often used in areas with clay soils, where there may be an issue with slow wastewater flow.
It should be noted that field aeration for septic tanks should only be done by professionals and not homeowners. This process can be dangerous if not done correctly.
Aeration is typically performed every 2 to 4 years, depending on how many people are on the septic system and what kind of waste is being produced. Field aeration, sometimes referred to as soil fracturing or fracking, costs between $1,000 and $2,000.
Tank Repair or Replacement
A tank repair can quickly increase the cost of a standard septic tank pump session. The cost depends on the type of repair needed, though the average septic tank repair costs between $750 and $3,000. In some cases, a septic tank may be beyond repair, and replacement becomes the only viable option. The average lifespan of a septic tank is 20 to 30 years. If a homeowner knows the age of the system, it can be easier to justify a repair or solidify the choice to replace.
Though less expensive than the cost of a new septic tank installation, replacement cost can quickly exceed a budget. A plastic septic tank is an affordable option and starts at around $500. The issue with going this route is that in many states, plastic tanks are not permitted, since they’re more susceptible to damage and tend to warp or break more frequently than septic tanks made from other materials. They also require more maintenance.
Concrete is the preferred material for septic tank replacement. Concrete septic tanks are in compliance with building regulations, are very durable, have a long life expectancy, and offer no risk of tank collapse during pumping. However, a new concrete tank can cost as much as $6,750 or even higher; as one might expect, the larger the tank, the higher the price is likely to be.
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Yard Cleanup
In a best-case scenario, yard cleanup during a septic tank pumping session involves picking up a few sticks or twigs knocked down by the vacuum truck. In a worst-case scenario, cleanup involves getting rid of raw sewage, and this will increase cleanup costs.
Sewage leaks can come from ruptured pipes, pipe corrosion, or tree roots interfering with pipes (one reason it’s best to leave the drainage field open instead of landscaped). A minor spill of less than 10 gallons can be cleaned up with a bit of garden lime, which helps to break down the sewage and alleviate the odor. Due to the potential health hazards, extreme caution needs to be taken by a homeowner dealing with raw sewage in their yard.
Larger spills should be handled by a professional, who can ensure sewage is removed properly and that no one’s health is in jeopardy. In general, the larger the size of the affected part of the yard, the higher the cleanup costs.
Pumping Costs by Septic Tank Size
Septic tank pump size is likely the most influential factor when it comes to determining a septic system pumping cost. On average, it costs $0.30 per gallon to pump a septic tank. What follows is a cost estimate breakdown by size for homeowners to keep in mind when estimating their initial and lifetime septic pumping costs.
750 Gallons
A 750-gallon septic tank is ideal for a smaller home or family; it works best for homes with less than 1,500 square feet and one or two bedrooms. Due to its size, it’s the most affordable to pump. A 750-gallon septic tank costs between $175 and $300 to pump.
The one downside of a smaller tank is that it may need to be pumped more often than a larger one. This is especially true for homes that host a lot of guests or fit a large family in a smaller space. The more wastewater that enters the tank, the faster it will fill, especially when it’s small. This can add up to many extra pumpings within an average maintenance period.
1,000 Gallons
A 1,000-gallon tank is the perfect size for a small family with average water usage living in a 2,500-square-foot home with three bedrooms. Septic tanks this size can usually go longer between pumpings, which cost between $225 and $400.
1,250 Gallons
A 1,250-gallon septic tank can accommodate a larger family with average water use and is best matched with a four-bedroom home smaller than 3,500 square feet. The cost to pump a 1,250-gallon septic tank is between $300 and $600.
1,500 Gallons
When it comes to septic tank sizes that can go long periods without needing to be pumped, a 1,500-gallon tank can deliver. It’s perfect for a larger family that produces a large amount of wastewater or a smaller family that doesn’t want to worry about frequent septic system pumping sessions.
A 1,500-gallon septic tank costs between $345 and $600 to pump. The good news is that a tank this large rarely needs to be pumped more often than regular maintenance recommendations, so it’s easier to estimate lifetime pumping costs based on average usage.
1,750 Gallons
A 1,750-gallon septic tank is sizable and can accommodate a large family or one with excessive water needs; the pumping cost runs between $400 and $700. A $1,750-gallon tank will generally need fewer pumping sessions than smaller septic tanks over the same time frame, so while it may cost more during an initial pumping session, maintenance fees over its lifespan are apt to be manageable.
Do I Need Septic Tank Pumping?
A septic tank pump-out is usually required every 3 to 5 years, depending on how many people live in the household and how much water flows through the home. Because this is a large window, to make sure a crucial pumping session isn’t missed, it’s important to check for the following signs that a tank needs attention.
Slow-Running Drains and Toilets
When multiple drains start to run slowly, a likely culprit is the septic system. If a homeowner begins to notice that their sink, tub, or shower isn’t draining properly or as quickly as it once did, the septic system might be backing up and need to be pumped.
Additionally, a slow-flushing toilet or one that doesn’t push waste down into the plumbing system can be a strong indicator that a tank is in need of a pumping session. It’s important not to ignore slow-running drains and toilets on a septic system.
Look for the signs that your septic tank need pumping
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