The Dos, Don'ts, And Cost To Pump Your Septic Tank

If your home has a septic tank, you are responsible for making sure it is properly maintained and pumped on a regular basis. Failure to care for the tank or have it pumped regularly can result in a backup of sewage or failure of the system, which poses a health risk to you and your family. 

When you do have a septic tank, there are some dos and don'ts that you need to keep in mind so that your tank stays clean and working properly. 

The Dos for Your Septic Tank

1. You do want to have your septic tank inspected regularly. Typically, you only need to have it inspected annually, but if you have a large family, you may want to consider having it inspected more often. 

2. You do want to have a septic tank professional's phone number handy at all times in case of a problem. When a problem does arise with your system, you should not attempt to fix it on your own as you may cause more damage. 

3. You do want to make sure that you are watching how much water you use and the appliances you use on a regular basis. For instance, your garbage disposal can cause your septic tank to need to be pumped more often than if you did not use a garbage disposal. 

The Don'ts for Your Septic Tank

1. You do not want to dig up your septic tank or dig around in the drainfield as this can lead to problems with your septic system. You should always know where the drainfield is and avoid it at all costs. 

2. You do not want to flush items down your toilet that are not supposed to be flushed. For example, flushing diapers, hair, wipes, tampons, and other objects can lead to a clog in your system. 

3. If for some reason you do need to look in your septic tank or make repairs to it, you should never go inside of the tank itself. Since bacteria and human waste are kept here, it is unhealthy and unsafe for you to venture inside. 

How Much Does it Cost to Have a Tank Pumped?

The price to pump your septic tank will vary depending on how often you need to have it performed and also what type of service you need. For instance, the national average to pump out a tank that is anywhere from 1,500 to 2,500 gallons costs $200 to $350. 

If you need to have a smaller tank pumped, you can expect to pay anywhere between $75 and $300. 

For more information and tips, contact septic tank specialists, like those at River City Septic & Excavating.