How Often Should Septic Be Pumped?
Your septic system, whether it’s a septic tank or holding tank, must be pumped periodically. For an average-sized household, 3-5 years is the recommended range. However, the frequency of septic cleaning depends on several factors:
- The capacity of your septic tank or holding tank
- Flow of wastewater
- The volume of solids in wastewater (if a garbage disposal is used, more frequent pumping is required)
- Number of people in your household
- 1 person = every 5 years
- 2 people = every 4 years
- 3 people = every 3 years
- 4 people = every 2 to 3 years
- 5 people = every 1 to 2 years
- 6+ people = every year
- Solids ratio – In Oregon DEQ recommends pumping your septic tank or holding tank when sludge and scum take up over 35% of the tank volume
- Type of septic system
- Pressure distribution system: every 2 years
- Simple gravity systems: every 3 years
- Mound systems and other alternative systems: every year
A Speedy Septic technician will be able to determine a more exact frequency while at your property. If you’re unsure when your septic system was last serviced, you can check with your county’s public health center.
Where Does the Waste From Septic Tanks Go?
Once a Speedy Septic technician completes your septic pumping, the contents are taken to our Eastern Oregon treatment facility and are eventually returned to the earth as a fertilizer.