A septic system is an underground sewage treatment system. The septic systems are most commonly used in rural areas where there is no central sewage system. A septic system consists of a septic tank and a drainage area. The proper cleaning or pumping of the septic tank is very important for its efficient performance. The pumping, cleaning, and service cost of a septic tank varies according to the location, labor cost, and size of the septic tank. This article deeply explains the septic tank pumping, cleaning, and maintenance costs.
What is a Septic Tank?
A septic tank is an underground wastewater treatment system usually used in suburban or rural areas where a centralized sewage treatment plant is unavailable. This is a large, watertight container usually made of polyethylene, fiberglass, or concrete. It is usually buried underground.
This system works by introducing sewer water from the building into a large tank, where it is separated into three layers. The solids of the wastewater settle to the bottom of the tank. With time, bacteria slowly break down these solids while the liquid wastewater rises to the top and flows out into a drain field for further treatment and disposal.
How much does it cost to Pump a Septic Tank?
The national average cost for pumping a septic tank is between $290 to $710, with maximum spending of up to $385.
Many people pay up to $700 for the pumping and initial inspection of the 1000-gallon septic tank. For the regular inspection and pumping of a 1000-gallon tank, you need to pay up to $300.
According to the septic tank size, the pumping cost for a 750-gallon septic tank may be a minimum of $245 or as high as $1310 for the inspection and pumping of a 3000-gallon septic tank.
| National Average Cost | $385 |
| Maximum Cost | $1310 |
| Minimum Cost | $245 |
| Average Cost | $290 to $710 |
Septic Tank Pumping Cost Near Me
The septic tank pumping cost varies according to tank size and your living area. The following table contains the latest septic tank pumping cost in your nearest areas.
| Milwaukee, WI | $240 – $330 |
| Little Rock, AR | $250 – $520 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $350 – $610 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $170 – $270 |
| Boise, ID | $240 – $450 |
| Portland, OR | $430 – $760 |
| Denver, CO | $250 – $350 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $250 – $430 |
| Concord, NH | $250 – $335 |
| Long Island, NY | $270 – $520 |
Reasons for Septic Tank Pumping
There are many reasons that may create problems in your septic tank, due to which you would need cleaning of your system.
The most common reasons for pumping a septic tank are given below:
- Floating sludge and scum clog the tank pipes due to that your septic tank needs pumping.
- The pipeline between the internal fittings to the tank is blocked or clogged.
- Sometimes the sludge and scum have too excessive quantity that they leave the septic tank and enter the drainage area, blocking the drainage area due to that water can’t penetrate the soil.
- The high groundwater levels or heavy rainfall saturate the soil.
- A high amount of wastewater is released into the field area due to the damage of the drain pipe.
- The drain pipe is squashed, so the water level in the septic tank is too high, and the wastewater is pushed into the house drain pipe.
Read More: Septic Tank working and types
Advantages of Septic Tank Cleaning and Pumping
Proper cleaning and maintenance of the septic tank have the following major advantages:
- The proper cleaning and maintenance of the septic tank ensure proper drainage of the waste.
- It prevents your tank from wastewater backflow issues.
- Proper cleaning prevents your system from an expansive repair.
- It ensures the cleaning of the surrounding water and environment.
- As you know, the liquid waste flows into the drain field while the solid waste accumulates in the tank. With time, the solid waste level becomes very high, and it also stops the flow of effluent into the drain field. If you don’t clean your tank on time, the tank will ultimately overflow. In this way, the septic system cleaning prevents your tank from overflowing.
- The proper pumping and maintenance extend the service life of your system.
- It improves your system performance.
- It assists in preventing your family from harmful wastewater bacteria.
Septic Tank Cleaning Cost
The septic tank cleaning cost varies from country to country, city to city, and contractor to contractor. The cleaning cost of a septic tank is also very dependent on the size of the septic tank. For example, a septic tank of a small size will have low cleaning cost than a large size septic tank.
The national average cost for cleaning the 1000-gallon septic tank is from $390 to $1000. This cost also contains an initial assessment and inspection of the septic tank.
The average cost of septic tank cleaning is from $72 to $760.
The below-given table has the septic tank cleaning cost according to the tank size:
| Tank Size (in gallons) | Cleaning Cost |
| 500 – 750 | $75 – $210 |
| 800 – 1,000 | $220 – $450 |
| 1,250 – 1,500 | $275 – $500 |
| 1,750 – 2,000+ | $320 – $700+ |
Best Septic Tank Cleaning Services Near Me
The below-given table represents the best septic tank cleaning or pumping services in the USA.
| Company | Features |
|---|---|
| United Site Services | 1) Insured and certified staff. 2) Provide septic tank cleaning services in more than 101 areas. 3) You can get a quote online. 4) This company is not providing to all areas. |
| Carylon Corporation | 1) This is the best option for a commercial tank pumping or cleaning service. 2) Providing service in 25 areas. 3) Provides satisfactory customer service. 4) It provides its service only for specific areas. |
| Roto-Rooter | 1) It is the best option for a residential septic tank pumping or cleaning service. 2) This company is providing septic tank pumping, cleaning, repairing, and installation services. 3) Available 24/7 4) Nationwide coverage |
| Mr. Rooter | 1) Provides residential and business septic tank cleaning services. 2) Live chat support. 3) Flat, project-based rates. 4) Emergency team is available 24/7 |
| R&E CHIEF SEPTIC LLC | 1) Reasonable cost for service. 2) Flexibility in scheduling an appointment. 3) Prompt response. |
| Wind River Environmental | 1) Provides eco-friendly practices. 2) Provides full septic system services 3) Available 24/7 |
Septic Pump Replacement Cost
A pump is one of the most important components of a septic system. It pumps wastewater from the septic tank into drainage areas. If the septic tank is below the drainage area, gravity will not let sewage in and push the wastewater out of the tank. Due to this, a pump is needed.
If the septic pump fails or creates problems, it needs to be replaced. The average replacement cost of a defective septic tank pump is from $800 to $1,400.
Septic Tank Repair Cost
The national average cost of septic tank repair is from $700 to $3,000, with the average owner paying $2,000 to change a damaged lateral line.
The repair cost of a septic tank varies according to your tank problem and labor cost. This cost also varies from one location to another location or city to city.
A damaged baffle may repair for just $145, but an entire large leach field replacement can cost $19000.
The below-given list represents the minimum and maximum repair costs of the septic tank:
| National average cost | $2,000 |
| Average range | $700-$3,000 |
| Minimum cost | $145 |
| Maximum cost | $19,000+ |
Septic Tank Repair Cost by Type of Repair
The below-given table represents the repair cost of the septic tank according to the type of repair:
| Type of Repair | Average Costs |
| Leak | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| Septic Field | $990 – $5100 |
| Leach Field Rejuvenation | $990 – $5100 |
| Roots Removal | $990 – $5100 |
| Wall | $490 – $4,000 |
| Add Bacteria | $340 – $660 |
| Outlet Baffle | $145 – $600 |
Septic Tank Replacement Cost
The average national cost of the septic tank is $3,920, with prices ranging from $1490 to $5,000. Maximum people invest $3,270 to $5,050 for a 1,250-gallon septic tank system that supports three to four bedrooms.
The installation cost of a septic system with two alternating pumps is $9,570 on average and can go up to $15,000.
The below-given table represents the cost of the septic tank:
| Cost Range | Septic Tank Cost |
| Average Range | $3,270 to $5,050 |
| Maximum Cost | $15,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $1490 |
| National Average Cost | $3,920 |
Septic System Inspection Cost
The average inspection cost of a septic system is between $90 to $910. The technician will perform a visual inspection of your system.
If you want a detailed inspection of your septic tank, your technician will charge an extra $240 to $910, but it’s only essential if you have slow drainpipes and can’t detect the problems. But he will charge some more money if you want cleaning of your septic tank.
| Service | Average cost |
| Initial inspection | $240 – 500 |
| Inspection of the septic tank camera | $240 – 910 |
| Annual inspection | $90 – 160 |
How to tell if Septic Tank is full?
The owner of the house is also worried about when the septic tank will be full. There are many signs that represent that your septic tank has been full and requires pumping or cleaning. If you ignore these signs and wait for the wastewater to overflow from the septic tank, you may face the worst problems.
If you detect the below-given symptoms in the septic tank of your house, it means your spetic tank has been full, and you need to pump it out.
- Green grass near the septic tank (healthier than normal grass).
- Water pooling in your yard.
- The wastewater of the toilet, sink, and shower flows backward.
- Very slow draining of the wastewater from the drain pipes after attempted fixes and repair errors.
- Strange odor in the sewer pipes such as washing machines, sinks, dishwashers, etc.
- If you observe that all your toilets have slow or not flushing, this is another sign of damage or a full septic tank.
- Continuous gurgling sound in your drainage pipes.
Septic Tank Maintenance Cost
Septic tank maintenance or service is essential for its proper working. This tank has multiple components, and you must perform their maintenance at least once a year.
Each component of the septic tank has a different service or maintenance cost. The maintenance cost of the major components of a septic system is given below:
| Maintenance Task | Cost |
|---|---|
| Field Aeration (Fracking) | $1,000 -$2,000 |
| Effluent Filter Clean/Change | $100 – $150 |
| Septic System Inspection (No Camera) | $100 – $500 |
| Jetting | $150 – $400 |
| Sewer Line Inspection Cost | $250 – $1,250 |
| Pumping | $200 – $800 |
How to keep safe a Septic System
Regular inspection is essential for the proper working of the septic tank pump. Follow the below-given tips to increase the service life of your system and reduce the pumping frequency:
- Regularly check what you drain in your septic tank. Do not drain leftover food, fat, or oil in the septic tank.
- If you have a waste disposal device, you should use it for leftover foods, fat, or oil. In contrast, composting or disposing of food waste will increase the pumping time.
- Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper. These papers may include paper towels, sanitary napkins, tampons, and tissues.
- You must only utilize only those cleaning agents that are permitted for use in the septic tank system. Don’t frequently use cleaning products such as bleach, drain cleaner, and toilet cleaner because they may damage the septic systems. You can use them in minimal quantities if you don’t have approved cleaning products for the septic system.
- Stop the use of those products that claim to clean the septic tank system. Most experts believe that these products are ineffective and can harm the system.
- Do not plant flowers or bushes over the leach field and don’t permit anyone to drive on it.
What not to put in a Septic Tank?
Stop draining or flushing all of the below-given media into your septic tank so that you can ensure the safety of your tank and can prevent the additional cost of septic tank cleaning.
The below-given materials may damage or clog your septic tank:
- Small animals or dead fish
- Small objects
- Hand wipes
- Harsh chemicals
- Sanitary Napkins
- Toilet Wand Scrubbers
- Antibacterial soap
- Paper Towel
- Coffee Grounds
- Cigarette Butts
- Hair
- Feminine Products
- Condoms
- Kitchen oils and greases such as vegetable oil and olive oil etc.
- Trash
- Disposable diapers
What cleaning products can I use with a Septic Tank?
Excessive use of chemicals can badly damage the necessary bacterial balance for a healthy septic tank.
If the balance of these bacteria is lost, the septic tank starts producing different problems. The raised problems may be in the form of a system blockage system or drainage area failure.
Following are some recommended cleaning products that you should use for your septic tank:
- The septic tank can regulate the small quantity of chemical cleaning products. You shouldn’t overdo it. Use natural cleaners for your system’s safety.
- The best recommendation is to utilize products that are labeled for safe use with septic systems. The Environmental Protection Agency assigns chemicals and pesticide numbers. These numbers can assist you in verifying their safety.
- Sewer cleaners should use with caution to stop damaging the septic tank system’s bacteria. Don’t utilize foamy drain cleaners, only use liquid ones.
- If you are using laundry detergent, it should be chlorine-free, non-biodegradable, non-toxic, and phosphate-free. These detergents don’t contain severe chemicals that can attack septic tank bacteria. If you use cleaning products having phosphate, these cleaners kill beneficial bacteria and enzymes in your septic tank.
- Shouldn’t mix ammonia with other chemicals such as bleach.
- Most water-based cleaners (cleaners that use water as the first component) are safe to use in the septic tank.
- For your septic systems, you can also use cleaners having a small amount of ammonia. Because ammonia cannot kill your septic tank’s bacteria. You
- Biodegradable and environmentally friendly cleaners are the best option for your septic tanks.
- Many cleaners that you have already used and have around the home are harmless for the septic tank system. Baking soda, OxiClean, Borax, and Vinegar (apple cider and white vinegar) are safe cleaners for septic tank systems.
- The use of Epsom salts in the toilet is beneficial for septic tanks as it increases the levels of magnesium in the soil and promotes plant growth.
- Oxidized bleach is also a less harmful alternative to chlorine bleach.
What Does a Septic Tank Cleaning Include?
The cleaning process of a septic tank includes:
- Inspection and tank pumping frequency.
- Pumping all the debris, wastewater, and waste out of the septic tank using a powerful vacuum cleaner and transporting them to an approved disposal area.
- Few septic tank cleaning services provide powerful brushing and washing of the tank.
- Maintenance of the drain-field area.
How to pump out a Septic Tank?
Pumping a septic tank needs a trained professional and the necessary tools. If you are a trained professional and want to pump your septic tank, follow the below-given steps:
- Locate the tank: First of all, you need to find your septic tank. The septic tank is normally located underground.
- Inspect the tank: After locating your tank, properly inspect the physical condition of your tank and check the wastewater level in the tank. For this step, you need to remove the lid of your tank by using special tools. Check the wastewater level in the tank by using a tool.
- Pump out the tank: If your septic tank is full and it needs pumping, then first remove the contents of the tank by using a vacuum truck. Insert the hoses into your tank. Remove the sludge and liquid waste by using suction. Use a scraper or any other special tool to remove solids from the tank.
- Clean the tank: After pumping the septic tank, clean your tank by using clean water to eliminate the remaining sludge or solids.
- Inspect the drain field: After pumping and cleaning the tank, properly inspect your tank and the leach field to ensure the proper functionality of your system.
- Replace the lid: After a full inspection, now reinstall the tank lid in its original location and ensure it is properly sealed to stop unpleasant smells or leaks.
FAQ Section
How many years does a septic tank last?
A steel septic tank has a short lifecycle due to the rusting of its different components over time. A steel tank has a lifespan of 15-20 years. On the other hand, a concrete septic tank has a service life of up to 40 years if the system is properly managed and pumped regularly.
How do I clean my septic tank naturally?
You can make your own natural cleaner by mixing about 2 tablespoons of lemon, 1/2 cup of vinegar, and 1/4 cup of baking soda.
Baking soda foams will remove dirt and grime from the drains and bathtubs. This mixture is a good cleaner and will keep your septic tank system very clean.
What happens if you never pump your septic tank?
If your septic tank is not being pumped, solids will accumulate inside the tank and reduce the wastewater holding capability of the tank. Ultimately, the solids will enter the drain pipes and cause blockages. The wastewater flows back into the house.
How often should I clean my septic tank?
The maximum number of domestic septic systems must be inspected for at least after three years by a septic service specialist. The domestic septic tank is usually pumped after every 3 to 5 years.
What is the difference between a cesspool and a septic tank?
The similarity between a cesspool and a septic tank is that they are both designed to collect and hold dirt, but the working of these systems is a little bit different.
In the case of a septic tank, the effluent delivers to the drain field for filtration. In contrast, the cesspool is a pit having a drain pipe coupled to another pit covered with stones or cement. Cesspools can’t filter dirt and are hazardous to the soil.