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How Much Does It Cost To Pump a Septic Tank? Complete Septic Tank Pumping Cost Guide
Knowing the cost to pump a septic tank in your area is essential so that you know how much money you’ll need for this critical maintenance. The cost of your septic tank pumping will depend on your specific tank needs. Prices also tend to vary throughout the country.
They also depends on several factors like the size of your tank, the septic service provider you are hiring, and even your geographical location. For reference, we have outlined cost ranges to help you determine how much you might have to pay.
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So, how much does septic tank pumping cost? The cost of pumping out a Septic Tank can vary greatly based on location, size of the tank, ease of access, and the actual contractor. The national average can range between $295 to $610 dollars with most people paying around $375 to pump out their septic tank, when taking into account all variables.
However, there are a few additional facts that play a role in determining the cost to pump a tank. Keep reading to know how the size of the tank & how full it is, plays a role in determining the costs and your geographical location.
Check Out Our National Septic Company Directory to find a local septic service provider near you
Different Factors That Influence The Cost Of Pumping Out Your Septic Tank
The factors which influence the price include the following:
- Size of your tank or the capacity of your tank (larger tanks cost more to pump)
- If the tank is completely full when pumping
- When was the tank last pumped?
- The condition of the pipes
- If the homeowner has done any preparatory work before the arrival of pumping contractors
- Age of the tank. Older tanks usually do not have risers and you might have to pay more as service charges
- Your location – the rates of your state, as these keep varying
- Your contractor charges
- Is any septic tank repair required
How the Tank Size Determines the Cost to Pump a Septic Tank
It is vital to know the size of the septic tank so that you can plan how frequently you should have it emptied. You can find out the size of the septic tank in your home from your property details, or from the previous owner.
Though building codes keep varying across the country, if we consider a baseline guide, the pricing might be something similar to this:
| Size of Home | Septic Tank Size | Costs |
| 1500 square feet – 1 or 2 Bedrooms | 750 Gallons | $250 – $350 |
| Less than 2500 square feet – 3 Bedrooms | 1000 Gallons | $375-$400 |
| Less than 3500 square feet – 4 Bedrooms | 1250 Gallons | $475 -$500 |
What is the National Average Cost to Pump and Clean a Tank?
- The National Average is between $295 to $610
- Most people spend $375 for septic tank pumping
As it depends a lot on the size of the septic tank, the average pumping cost can be as low as $250. This is for a tank of less than 750 gallons capacity. On the higher side, it can be as high as $895 that is for a 1250 gallon tank in the USA.
CALL 1.855.925.0760 FOR A LOCAL SEPTIC PUMPING QUOTE
How Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost Differ from One Region to Another?
It is a fact that cost differs – considering the provider you choose and your location.
Here is a glimpse of a few regions and the costs charged for septic tank pumping (please check the current rate offered by your contractor, as costs are subject to change anytime)
| City – State | Approximate Costs |
| Long Island, NY | $275-$515 |
| Concord, NH | $255-$330 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $245-$435 |
| Denver, CO | $260-$350 |
| Portland, OR | $440-$750 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $245-$320 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $360-$600 |
| Boise, ID | $250-$440 |
Is There Any Way to Reduce the Cost of Pumping a Septic Tank?
There are ways by which you can reduce the cost of pumping your septic tank. It depends on how you are treating your septic tank & the leach field. If you are pumping your septic tank every two years, you will spend a little less than if you choose to pump it every five years.
Besides, there are a few things which can influence the costs:
- Grease – You should never let grease go down the drain. If this goes down, it will clog the septic tank, and sewage might back up. In such a situation, you may have to pump it out in an emergency. You might have to pay higher charges as an emergency cost.
- Do not use it for disposing of garbage – To ensure that you are maximizing time, do not use it as a garbage disposal unit. You might be clogging it. Pumping will become frequent.
- Coffee Ground Wastage – This will damage the system and lead to clogging. It will influence the cost.
- Entertainment – If the property is used frequently for entertainment, get-togethers, and parties and used by many people, you might expect higher pumping costs due to frequent pumping.
- Laundry – You should spread out your washing load. It is necessary to divert wastewater and let it go to a separate system. You should not use certain laundry soap.
Septic Tank Pumping Mistakes Which Can Increase your Costs
We all want to reduce our costs and expenses. When it is something related to the pumping of septic costs, avoidance of some mistakes can help in keeping the costs low.
Here are some common septic tank pumping mistakes, which might increase your costs. Keep an eye:
- Not Pumping Adequately – If you do not pump your septic frequently or when you should (as per the schedule), it can lead to expensive repairs. There might also be a drain-field failure. Read more spotting the signs your septic tank may need to be pumped. Ultimately depending on the usage and number of people in the home a septic tank should be pumped at least every three to five years.
- Excessive Pumping – If you are cleaning or pumping the septic tank too often, you are wasting money. It might not need so frequent cleaning or pumping.
- Following Fixed Times in a Year – If you are following a routine and pumping the tank every four or six months, you are wasting money. It is wise to pump the tank after heavy use and if we are aware that the system is marginal.
- Pumping to Fix a Problem – If you are pumping the septic tank to fix a clogged drain, you might be wasting your money. It is good to find why there is a clog so that you do not incur expenses in the future for those problems.
CALL 1.855.925.0760 FOR A LOCAL SEPTIC PUMPING QUOTE
Ways to Reduce Your Septic Pumping Costs
Here are some tips to help lower your septic pumping costs:
Pump at Proper Intervals
- Pumping every 2-3 years is cheaper than waiting 5+ years until the tank is completely full.
Divert Graywater
- Systems that divert washing machine water can reduce volume going into the septic tank.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
- Bleach, acids, and degreasers can damage bacteria and require more frequent pumping.
Maintain Proper pH
- A pH between 6-7 helps bacteria; additives can balance pH if needed.
Spread Out Laundry
- Doing multiple large loads back-to-back can overwhelm your septic system.
Install Risers
- Risers make tanks easier to access, reducing labor costs for pumping.
FAQs on Septic Tank Pumping Costs
How often should you pump a septic tank?
Septic tanks should be pumped every 3-5 years, depending on household size and usage. Signs like backups and slow drainage indicate it’s time for a pump out.
Does tank condition affect pumping costs?
Yes, damaged or leaking tanks require repairs adding to costs. Older tanks without risers also cost more to access and pump.
How can I get the lowest price on pumping?
Getting quotes from 3-4 septic companies and asking about any discounts for off-season pumping is a good way to reduce costs.
What contributes to higher emergency pumping fees?
Full tanks that back up into the home require urgent pumping at premium rates, compared to routine maintenance pumping.
How long does it take to pump out a septic tank?
For a typical 1,000 gallon tank, pumping takes 30-45 minutes. Buried or larger tanks can take 60+ minutes. Newer tanks with risers are fastest.
Are there other fees beyond the basic pumping cost?
Some companies charge disposal fees to transport waste to treatment facilities. Avoid ingredients that corrode tanks to minimize repairs.
What if I haven’t pumped in over 10 years?
Tanks with years of accumulated sludge take longer to pump out and require heavy-duty equipment, increasing costs significantly.
Regular septic tank pumping maintenance lets you avoid costly emergency repairs and replacements down the road. Now that you know what impacts the pricing and typical costs, you can budget accordingly and keep your system healthy.
How do you know you need to pump your septic tank?
Every Septic tank maintenance plan should include a regular pumping interval. If you know the date of your last septic system pumping, the easiest way to calculate the next time your septic tank must be pumped is add 3 to 5 years from the date it was last pumped. The exact time depends on the number of people living in the home and amount of usage your septic system gets on a regular bases.
If it’s time to pump contact a septic pumping service provider and request a septic tank pump-out. If your septic tank is full you will want to get it emptied before it leads to more costly problems. A full septic can cause odor and sewage back up on your property. Not to mention create issues with the septic leach field.
How long does it take to pump out septic tank?
A septic tank between 1,000 – 1,250 gallons in size usually 20-30 minutes to empty.
A larger tank (1,500 – 2,000 gallons) will take about twice as long, between 45-60 minutes.
However, the speed will depend on the company, the equipment, and other factors like how accessible your septic tank lid is. Some older septic tank lids are buried which means it could take some time to find the septic tank lid, and then additional time to dig out the lid.
If you have a newer septic tank then the lids often include septic tank risers which raise the level of the lids to ground level. This means your septic tank is much easier and intern faster.
Questions Related to Cost of Pumping a Septic Tank?
- How much will I have to pay to pump a 750 gallons tank?
Depending on your location and other factors to pump a 750 gallons tank, you might have to pay an amount between $175-$300.
- How much will I have to pay to pump a 1000 gallon tank?
If you are looking forward to getting your 1000 gallons tank, you might have to pay an amount between $275 -$500.
- My septic tank has a capacity of 1500 gallons. How much will I have to pay for pumping?
Usually, for a septic tank that has a capacity between 1250-1500 gallons, you might have to pay an amount ranging between $500 – $800.
- How much will I have to pay to pump a small tank of about 500 gallons and I stay alone?
In the case of a small tank that has a capacity of 500 gallons or a little more, you might have to pay an amount ranging between $75-$150.
- Will my cost increase if I have not pumped my septic tank for many years?
Yes, it will increase a lot if the waste material to be pumped out is a lot. Thus, your cost will depend on how long it has been since you have pumped the tank.
- Are there any other charges associated with the pumping of the septic tank?
It might happen that the septic company must transport waste to the local treatment plant. At times, in a few cases, you might be charged to pay that disposal fee. This is usually between $25-$100 that depends on the distance it goes.
To conclude, we can say that septic tank costs keep varying, but remember if you are putting off a job which might cost you $375 today, you might have to spend $10,000 later on to replace the system. Proper maintenance and calculated pumping can help you to save money and keep your septic system in good health.
CALL 1.855.925.0760 FOR A LOCAL SEPTIC PUMPING QUOTE
Or Search For Your Local Area In Our Nation Wide Septic Service Directory.
Sources:
https://homeguide.com/costs/septic-tank-pumping-cost
https://www.homeserve.com/blog/2020/july/septic-tank-pumping-costs
https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/plumbing/clean-septic-tank/#size
