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How often does a septic tank have to be emptied?
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 5:12 pm
by mobtek
I know it is based on usage, but just for speculation, let's say a 1000gal tank in a 2 person home.
Ballpark?
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:28 pm
by Greg
There are variables here, It will depend on how large and how well the leach fields are. They are the key to removing the liquids. I would contact a septic company in your area since soil conditions also play into the equation. Greg
RE: How often does a septic tank have to be emptied?
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:32 pm
by mobtek
I was going to contact the septic guy - just curious if it was a "every 2 years" or "every 5 years" kind of deal...
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:34 pm
by Greg
If I remember correctly with my old house with 4 leach lines It went the better part of 5 years. Greg
RE: How often does a septic tank have to be emptied?
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 8:03 pm
by Harry
Hi
If your drain field is working good....around here the "experts" say 5 to 7 years.
Harry
RE: How often does a septic tank have to be emptied?
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 9:25 pm
by Yanita
Hi,
No expert here...but we have a fulltime family of three and 2 granddaughters every other weekend...2 1/2 years latter and no problems yet.
There are a few things you can do to keep your septic tank in good condition.
Never rinse grease down the drain, even in small amounts. Use a septic safe toilet paper. I also use Ridex, think that is the name once every 2 months.
Yanita
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 10:36 am
by mokehillannie
My sticks and bricks home in California got a new system in 1985, it has never been pumped and has never had a problem.
In some campgrounds that I managed in Sequoia National Forest that are used by the public, were pumped every 4 years.
RE: How often does a septic tank have to be emptied?
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 3:26 pm
by rdavy
In Texas, it is required every three years but not enforced at least where we live. We are four people in the house hold, with gray water lines to the outdoor plants, we pump it out about every five years or so.
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 4:09 pm
by Jim from Canada
The guidlines issued by the Ministry of Evironment (Ontario) is every 3 to 5 years for a properly functioning system. That being said, I have seen 7 to 8 years before it really needs it. You need to get the solids out for it to work properly. How much solids you put in it is a factor. Never, Ever, put things like grease, cigarette butts, vegetable waste (no garberators), and non-biodegradable object in the tank. Try to limit how much bleach and other cleaners you put in there. A normal amount from laundry and dishes etc. is OK. If you put too much bleach or amonia products down the drain, it will kill the bacteria that helps break down the waste.
Jim