Since we started in the septic industry over a decade ago, we have pumped many septic tanks in the Central Oregon area—many of them multiple times. We receive a lot of questions about septic systems, and one of the most frequent ones is, “How often should my tank be pumped out?” Some homeowners already know the answer—it’s whatever your town requires.
Keeping track of when your tank needs to be emptied and how often can be challenging. That’s why septic ordinances exist. If you live in an area that doesn’t regulate pumping every few years, it is important to have your tank pumped every 2-3 years.
When determining how often your tank should be cleaned, there are two main factors to consider:
How many gallons does your septic tank hold?
How many people live in your household?
Whether or not you have a garbage disposal
The amount of water you use in your household (showers, laundry, baths, power washing, cleaning, painting, etc.)
How often you flush certain things, such as baby wipes, grease, paint, feminine products, paper towels, etc.
Here’s a guideline: Most septic tanks are sized according to the number of bedrooms in your house. A 1000-gallon tank is typically suitable for a home with 3 bedrooms, while a 1500-gallon tank would be suitable for homes with 4-5 bedrooms. If you have an older home, you may need to empty your tank more frequently.
Still unsure? Ask one of our technicians for information about your tank size and location during your visit to Greenbar Excavation. We are happy to assist you in marking the necessary details so that you have a “blueprint” for your home. This can help you keep track of any issues and service dates.
To ensure your septic tank operates smoothly, it is important to maintain a regular septic pumping schedule. You should have your tank emptied at least every 2 years. Leaving your septic system unattended for more than five years will not make it happy. Following these guidelines will help keep your septic system in good condition for many years to come.
This post was written by Tanner Brown. Tanner is the Owner and operator of Greenbar Excavation. http://greenbarexcavation.com/ is a fully licensed, insured, and accredited Excavation company based in Prineville, Oregon. Greenbar Excavation is one of the top Excavation companies in Central Oregon. Don’t look further, go with the company with your best interest in mind!