Septic tank pumping
Regular pumping is the cheapest way to protect your drainfield. Here's what it involves and how often to do it.
Everything that goes down your drains ends up in the septic tank. Heavy solids settle to the bottom as sludge, grease floats to the top as scum, and the liquid in between flows out to the drainfield. Pumping removes the sludge and scum before they build up far enough to flow out and clog the drainfield.
How often?
NC DHHS says most tanks should be pumped every three to five years. Households with more people, a garbage disposal, or a smaller tank may need it more often. The company can measure the layers in your tank and recommend a schedule.
What happens during a pumping visit?
- Find and open the tank. Many tanks have buried lids. Knowing the location from your county permit or a past invoice saves digging.
- Pump both compartments. NC DHHS suggests asking the pumper to check both sides of the tank.
- Check the baffles and effluent filter. Broken baffles and clogged filters cause backups and drainfield damage.
- Service the pump tank, if you have one. Systems with a pump tank need it serviced too.
Tips between pumpings
- Keep wipes, paper towels, grease and chemicals out of drains and toilets
- Spread laundry out over the week instead of doing it all in one day
- Fix running toilets and dripping faucets
- Keep cars, sheds and heavy equipment off the tank and drainfield
What affects the price?
- Tank size and number of compartments
- Whether the lids need to be dug up
- Pump tank service or filter cleaning
- Distance and access for the truck
The septic company prices the job after learning about your system and, for repairs, seeing it. We don't quote prices, and any number given over the phone is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Do I need risers on my septic tank?
Risers bring the lids up to ground level so the tank can be opened without digging. They make every future pumping easier and are worth asking about.
Will pumping fix a soggy drainfield?
Not usually by itself. Pumping removes solids from the tank, but a saturated or clogged drainfield may need repair. Have the system checked.
Related services
More background: Brunswick County septic guide.
Slow drains, soggy yard or a septic alarm going off?
Call now and a local septic company will help you sort it out.